How to Comply with EPA Regulations for Hazardous Waste Disposal

When it comes to hazardous waste disposal, businesses must adhere to strict regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that waste is managed safely and in compliance with the law. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to hefty fines, legal penalties, and long-term environmental damage. In this lesson, we’ll provide an overview of the EPA regulations surrounding hazardous waste disposal and offer practical steps businesses can take to stay compliant.

Understanding the EPA’s Role in Hazardous Waste Management

The EPA is responsible for enforcing regulations that protect human health and the environment from the risks posed by hazardous waste. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the primary federal law governing the disposal of hazardous waste. Under RCRA, the EPA sets standards for:

Identifying and classifying hazardous waste
Storing and handling hazardous materials
Transporting hazardous waste
Disposing of hazardous waste

The EPA's regulations ensure that hazardous waste is handled, treated, and disposed of safely to prevent contamination of the air, water, and soil, and to reduce the risks to human health.

Step 1: Know What Constitutes Hazardous Waste

The first step in complying with EPA regulations is identifying whether the waste your business produces is classified as hazardous. Hazardous waste can be identified in two main ways:

Listed Waste: The EPA has identified specific types of waste that are considered hazardous, such as solvents, pesticides, and certain chemicals. If your waste appears on the EPA’s hazardous waste list, it must be handled according to EPA regulations.
Characteristic Waste: Waste that exhibits certain dangerous characteristics—such as being ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic—can also be classified as hazardous. For example, materials like acids, paints, and some metals fall into this category.

If you're unsure whether your waste is hazardous, consult the EPA's waste codes or seek guidance from a licensed hazardous waste disposal company.

Step 2: Register with the EPA and Obtain an EPA ID Number

Businesses that generate, transport, or dispose of hazardous waste must register with the EPA to obtain a unique EPA Identification Number. This ID number is required for tracking waste through the disposal process and ensuring compliance with regulations.

How to Obtain an EPA ID Number:

Complete the required forms: Businesses must fill out the Notification of Regulated Waste Activity form (EPA Form 8700-12) to register.
Submit your application: Submit your registration to the EPA or your state environmental agency. Some states manage their hazardous waste programs and registration processes, so be sure to check with your local agency for specific instructions.
Stay current: Ensure that your registration is updated if there are changes in your business activities, such as generating more hazardous waste or changing locations.

Step 3: Properly Store Hazardous Waste

One of the key components of EPA compliance is the proper storage of hazardous waste. The EPA sets specific regulations for the safe storage of hazardous materials to prevent leaks, spills, or accidents that could harm the environment or human health.

Storage Requirements:

Use approved containers: Hazardous waste must be stored in containers that are compatible with the waste type (e.g., corrosion-resistant for acidic waste). The containers must be sealed, leak-proof, and in good condition.
Label containers: All hazardous waste containers must be clearly labeled with the words “Hazardous Waste” and the specific contents. Additionally, containers must be marked with the date the waste was first placed in storage.
Limit the storage time: The EPA limits how long hazardous waste can be stored on-site without treatment or disposal. Generally, hazardous waste must be removed from your facility within 90 days for small generators or 180 days for larger generators. Check your state’s regulations for any specific timeframes.

Step 4: Comply with Transportation Regulations

If your business needs to transport hazardous waste to a disposal facility, it must be done in accordance with both federal and state regulations. The EPA requires that hazardous waste be transported by a certified hazardous waste transporter and accompanied by a manifest (tracking document) that follows the waste from its point of origin to the disposal facility.

Transportation Requirements:

Use a licensed hazardous waste transporter: Only certified waste haulers can legally transport hazardous materials. They must have the proper training, vehicles, and permits to handle hazardous waste.
Complete a waste manifest: The waste manifest tracks the hazardous waste from your business to its final disposal destination. It includes important details like the type of waste, quantity, and the names of the generator, transporter, and disposal facility.
Ensure the transporter is compliant: Verify that the transporter you hire is registered with the EPA and authorized to handle hazardous waste.

Step 5: Disposal at a Certified Facility

Hazardous waste must be disposed of at a certified disposal facility that is licensed to handle hazardous materials. The EPA maintains a list of approved disposal sites that meet specific standards for safely treating, recycling, or disposing of hazardous waste.

Disposal Options:

Landfills: Some hazardous waste can be disposed of in landfills designed specifically for hazardous materials. These landfills have stringent requirements to prevent leaks or contamination.
Incineration: Many hazardous wastes are treated by burning at high temperatures in special incinerators that prevent the release of harmful substances into the air.
Recycling: Some hazardous materials, like certain metals or solvents, can be recycled safely.
Waste-to-energy: Some hazardous waste is converted into energy through special processes (e.g., fuel blending).

Make sure that the disposal facility you use complies with all EPA regulations and provides you with documentation that confirms the proper disposal of your hazardous waste.

Step 6: Keep Detailed Records

The EPA requires businesses to keep accurate and up-to-date records of all hazardous waste activities, including identification, storage, transportation, and disposal. This documentation serves as proof of compliance with regulations and helps protect your business in case of audits or inspections.

Recordkeeping Requirements:

Waste manifests: Retain copies of all manifests for at least three years from the date the waste is disposed of.
Inspection logs: Keep records of inspections for waste containers, storage areas, and equipment to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Waste reports: If required by your state, submit annual hazardous waste reports that detail the type, amount, and disposal methods of the hazardous waste your business generates.

Step 7: Stay Up to Date with Regulations

EPA regulations can evolve over time, so it’s important to stay informed about any changes that may affect your business. This includes updates to hazardous waste lists, disposal methods, or storage requirements.

Ways to Stay Informed:

Subscribe to EPA notifications: The EPA provides updates on regulatory changes through newsletters and alerts.
Work with a hazardous waste management professional: Partnering with a certified hazardous waste disposal company ensures that you’re always up to date on regulations and compliant with any changes.
Join industry associations: Many industries have trade associations that provide members with valuable resources and updates on compliance standards.

Conclusion

Complying with EPA regulations for hazardous waste disposal is not only essential for protecting the environment and human health, but it also safeguards your business from legal and financial repercussions. By following the steps outlined in this post—identifying hazardous waste, storing it properly, ensuring safe transportation, and disposing of it at certified facilities—you can ensure that your business remains in full compliance with EPA regulations.

If you need assistance with hazardous waste disposal or have any questions about compliance, Hazardous Waste Disposal is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can ensure your business remains safe, compliant, and responsible when it comes to hazardous waste disposal.