RCRA zMore than 250 million metric tons of hazardous waste are produced each year. zThat’s more than a ton for every man, woman and child. zMost comes from large manufacturers, refineries, factories and producers. zSome comes from printers, laundries, photo labs, gas stations and other small facilities.

Managing Hazardous Waste zTreating, storing and getting rid of hazardous waste means different things to different people. yOwners of businesses-comply with Federal law. yGovernment official-ensure no harm to people or property. yConcerned citizen-want assurance that everyone handling HW knows what to do.

EPA and RCRA zResource Conservation Recovery Act was established in zEPA has been developing specific requirements for handling HW to protect human health and the environment. zEPA gave us a Christmas tree! zOSHA, DOT and Coast Guard are also involved.

What Was It Like Before RCRA? zRivers, lakes and streams polluted. zNews stories everyday concerning random dumping.

The Main Players zGenerators-companies that produce HW. zTransporters-move it from one place to another. zWaste Managers-treat, store and ultimately get rid of HW.

What Is Hazardous Waste? zAny solid, liquid or gas waste, which if not properly discarded would cause harm to human health or the environment. zCharacteristics of HW: yIgnitable yCorrosive yReactive yToxic

Where does it come from? zEPA estimates that approximately 90-95% of HW is generated by large companies. zThe other 5-10% is generated by small companies-known as small quantity generators or SQG’s.

Listed Wastes zNon-Specific Sources-”generics”- solvents, electroplating rinses, waste- water treatment sludges and other metal treating sludges. zSpecific Sources-from specific industries-paint, lead, ink, petroleum, pesticides,etc. zDiscarded commercial products-or not used for their intended purpose.

GENERATOR REQUIREMENTS zBear principle responsibility for their waste and: yDetermine hazardability. yObtain EPA ID number. yUse HW Manifest. yProper packaging. yProper labeling. yEnsure proper disposal.

GENERATORS zCan treat and dispose on their site-96%. zHire off-site managers-4%. zMust ensure companies have EPA authorization-waste managers and transporter.

Use of the Uniform Manifest zEPA form tracks the waste from “Cradle to Grave”. zPassed from one person to the next in the chain. zThe Manifest Identifies: yType and quantity of waste. yThe transporter. yTSD where waste is being shipped.

MANIFEST, continued zGenerator must sign the manifest, ensure packaging and labeling meet DOT requirements, obtain transporters signature and supply at least six copies of the manifest.

Generator Must be Notified zIn 35 days or call to find if where the waste is. zIn 45 days or call the EPA.

Packaging and Labeling zHW must be properly packaged to ensure there is no significant release to the environment. Meet DOT requirements. zContainers must be properly labeled and placarded to identify what is being transported, where it came from and where it is going, and provide special handling instructions.

Storing Hazardous Waste z Generators of more than 2200 lbs.. In one month may accumulate and store any amount up to 90 days. z Storage requirements apply.

Storing, continued z Generators of pounds may store up to 2200 pounds on site for 180 days or 270 days if the waste is being shipped more than 270 miles.

TRANSPORTERS zResponsible for spills during transport. Must ensure wastes do not spread from the scene, notifying proper authorities and arranging for clean-up. zMust have EPA ID number. zComply with manifest requirements. zDeliver the waste. zEnsure proper documentation.

Managing Hazardous Wastes zTSD’s are responsible for treating, storing and getting rid of the waste per Federal requirements. zGeneral requirements” yEPA ID number. yWaste Analysis (waste analysis plan). yPermit to construct or operate. yEmergency Planning (contingency plan)

TSD’s continued zManifest and Record Keeping. zClosure requirements.

Storage and Disposal zTanks-above or under ground. yConcrete, Steel or Plastic. yDesigned so it will not overflow. yIf waste is fed continuously-it must have equipment to control flow and alarm for overflow. yInspected regularly.

Land Disposal zSurface Impoundments zLandfills zWaste Piles zLand Treatment Units zInjection Wells

Incineration zBurning hazardous waste at high temperatures. zMust be designed, constructed and maintained so that it can remove all (99.99%) of the hazardous elements of the waste it is burning.

Liability Coverage zTSD’s - $ 1-2 million zLandfills - $ 3-6 million zTransporters - $ 5-7 million