RCRA

More than 250 million metric tons of hazardous waste are produced each year.

That’s more than a ton for every man, woman and child.

Most comes from large manufacturers, refineries, factories and producers.

Some comes from printers, laundries, photo labs, gas stations and other small facilities.

Managing Hazardous Waste

Treating, storing and getting rid of hazardous waste means different things to different people. Owners of businesses-comply with

Federal law. Government official-ensure no harm to

people or property. Concerned citizen-want assurance that

everyone handling HW knows what to do.

EPA and RCRA

Resource Conservation Recovery Act was established in 1976.

EPA has been developing specific requirements for handling HW to protect human health and the environment.

EPA gave us a Christmas tree!OSHA, DOT and Coast Guard are also

involved.

What Was It Like Before RCRA?

Rivers, lakes and streams polluted.News stories everyday concerning

random dumping.

The Main Players

Generators-companies that produce HW.

Transporters-move it from one place to another.

Waste Managers-treat, store and ultimately get rid of HW.

What Is Hazardous Waste?

Any solid, liquid or gas waste, which if not properly discarded would cause harm to human health or the environment.

Characteristics of HW: Ignitable Corrosive Reactive Toxic

Where does it come from?

EPA estimates that approximately 90-95% of HW is generated by large companies.

The other 5-10% is generated by small companies-known as small quantity generators or SQG’s.

Listed Wastes

Non-Specific Sources-”generics”- solvents, electroplating rinses, waste-water treatment sludges and other metal treating sludges.

Specific Sources-from specific industries-paint, lead, ink, petroleum, pesticides,etc.

Discarded commercial products-or not used for their intended purpose.

GENERATOR REQUIREMENTS

Bear principle responsibility for their waste and: Determine hazardability. Obtain EPA ID number. Use HW Manifest. Proper packaging. Proper labeling. Ensure proper disposal.

GENERATORS

Can treat and dispose on their site-96%.

Hire off-site managers-4%.

Must ensure companies have EPA authorization-waste managers and transporter.

Use of the Uniform Manifest

EPA form 870-22 tracks the waste from “Cradle to Grave”.

Passed from one person to the next in the chain.

The Manifest Identifies: Type and quantity of waste. The transporter. TSD where waste is being shipped.

MANIFEST, continued

Generator 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

In 35 days or call to find if where the waste is.

In 45 days or call the EPA.

Packaging and Labeling

HW must be properly packaged to ensure there is no significant release to the environment. Meet DOT requirements.

Containers 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

Generators of more than 2200 lbs.. In one month may accumulate and store any amount up to 90 days.

Storage requirements apply.

Storing, continued

Generators of 220-2200 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

Responsible for spills during transport. Must ensure wastes do not spread from the scene, notifying proper authorities and arranging for clean-up.

Must have EPA ID number.Comply with manifest requirements. Deliver the waste.Ensure proper documentation.

Managing Hazardous Wastes

TSD’s are responsible for treating, storing and getting rid of the waste per Federal requirements.

General requirements” EPA ID number. Waste Analysis (waste analysis plan). Permit to construct or operate. Emergency Planning (contingency plan)

TSD’s continued

Manifest and Record Keeping. Closure requirements.

Storage and Disposal

Tanks-above or under ground. Concrete, Steel or Plastic. Designed so it will not overflow. If waste is fed continuously-it must have

equipment to control flow and alarm for overflow.

Inspected regularly.

Land Disposal

Surface ImpoundmentsLandfillsWaste PilesLand Treatment UnitsInjection Wells

Incineration

Burning hazardous waste at high temperatures.

Must 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

TSD’s - $ 1-2 millionLandfills - $ 3-6 millionTransporters - $ 5-7 million