Hazardous Waste – Business Environmental Program

US EPA Launches e-Manifest Newsletter

March 19, 2021

For those who generate, transport, or receive hazardous wastes regulated by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the US EPA has launched a quarterly newsletter focused on the e-Manifest system. Intended to help the EPA meet its goal to provide “robust and engaging communication with stakeholders”, the newsletter covers updates, announces reports on advisory board meetings that are open to the public, and links for more information including upcoming webinars. The first issue, Winter 2021, includes articles about the new “Quick …

New Option in Nevada: Waiver with Written Approval on 50 feet Boundary for Ignitable and Reactive Waste Accumulations

February 8, 2021

With the adoption of updated regulations, the State of Nevada is now allowing Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) to store hazardous waste containers in their 90-day accumulation area within 50 feet of the property line IF a written approval is obtained from the local fire code authority. You must retain this approval for the entire time the waste is stored closer to 50 feet from the property line. CLICK HERE to review the details of the new option. Have questions on how this could apply at …

Hazardous Waste Guide for Small Businesses

February 8, 2021October 23, 2019

U.S. EPA is excited to announce the availability of an updated version of the targeted small business guide: “Managing Hazardous Waste: A Guide for Small Businesses.” This handbook provides an overview of the federal hazardous waste regulations to give small business owners and operators a basic understanding of their hazardous waste management responsibilities. It answers questions like “Do hazardous waste regulations apply to me?” “How do I know which generator category I am?” and “What kinds of requirements do I …

EPA Bans Consumer Sales of Methylene Chloride Paint Removers

February 8, 2021September 19, 2019

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule to prohibit the manufacture (including import), processing and distribution of methylene chloride in all paint removers for consumer use. EPA has taken this action because of the acute fatalities that have resulted from exposure to the chemical. After analyzing the health impacts and listening to affected families, EPA is taking action to stop the use of this chemical in paint removers intended for consumers. EPA’s commitment to ensure that chemicals in …

What Are Landfills?

February 8, 2021April 17, 2019

What is a landfill? Modern landfills are well-engineered and managed facilities for the disposal of solid waste. Landfills are located, designed, operated and monitored to ensure compliance with federal regulations. They are also designed to protect the environment from contaminants, which may be present in the waste stream. Landfills cannot be built in environmentally-sensitive areas, and they are placed using on-site environmental monitoring systems. These monitoring systems check for any sign of groundwater contamination and for landfill gas, as well as …

Learn the Basics of Hazardous Waste

February 8, 2021February 26, 2019

Hazardous waste that is improperly managed poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), passed in 1976, was established to set up a framework for the proper management of hazardous waste. Need More Information on Hazardous Waste? The RCRA Orientation Manual provides introductory information on the solid and hazardous waste management programs under RCRA. What is a Hazardous Waste? The hazardous waste management program uses the term solid waste to denote something that is a waste. …

Put a Lid on it!

February 8, 2021April 2, 2015

Why are closed containers for hazardous waste so important? January 13, 2015 By Ken Trankle One of the most common RCRA violations I run across is the failure to “put a lid on it”. If you are storing hazardous wastes, the container must be closed at all times unless you’re adding or removing waste from a container. Mismanaged facilities will often leave drums open, allowing fumes to escape into the area and risking spills. Other examples of poor hazardous waste …