The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the law that oversees the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste, is seeing some major updates go into effect on May 30, 2017. A majority of the rules within RCRA are from amendments made in 1984 so this marks the first time in over 30 years that we’re seeing major changes that affect our clients.

In total, there are over 60 changes implemented through the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule. It reorganizes the regulations to make it easier to understand and address ambiguities in an effort to improve compliance throughout the business community. Additionally, the updates provide greater flexibility for hazardous waste generators to manage waste in a cost-effective manner through episodic generation and Very Small Quantity Generators of Hazardous Waste – Large Quantity Generators (VSQG-LQG) consolidation provisions.

Here are some of the main changes that may affect your business.

• Clarifications have been added to require waste determinations be accurate.
• Confirmation is included regarding when a generator’s hazardous waste determination must be made.
• Additional information has been added on how to determine if a solid waste is either a listed and/or characteristic hazardous waste.
• It identifies what waste determination records must be kept.
• Requirements have been made for small quantity generators (SQGs) and LQGs to identify and mark RCRA waste codes on containers prior to sending hazardous waste off-site.

Preparing for the Compliance Date

Again, the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Final Rule officially goes into effect on May 30, 2017. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees RCRA, has information available on their website regarding the updates.

• Frequent Questions about the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Final Rule
• Fact Sheet About the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Final Rule

Additionally, IWRC environmental specialists are available to help ensure your compliance as well. If we haven’t been to your facility in awhile for an on-site review, now’s a good time to get one scheduled to ensure you’re in compliance by the May 30 implementation date.

Give us a call at 319-273-8905 or request an OSR through our contact page. We’ll help to make sure you understand what needs to be done to comply with the new Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule and we can cover any other compliance concerns or questions you have while we’re there. 

About the Author
Lea Hensel
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Iowa Waste Reduction Center, Business and Community Services