Hazardous Waste

New US EPA Webpage on Electronic Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, contain both nicotine and lithium batteries, making them a hazardous waste when disposed of. The EPA posted a new webpage to help schools and other agencies who may not typically generate hazardous waste dispose of e-cigarettes safely and according to regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The webpage provides step-by-step instructions for safely storing e-cigarettes, determining your generator status, and identifying disposal options. Check out the new webpage here, and contact BEP with your …

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Virtual Working Session: Best Practices and Labeling Large-Format Batteries

The US EPA is hosting a webinar to gather input on best practices for collecting large-format batteries to increase recycling, as well as labeling batteries to improve collection and recycling. Large format batteries are rechargeable batteries over 25 pounds or more than 200 watt-hours and often used in electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine vehicles; other motive equipment; and stationary energy storage systems. Register at the link below:

Updated Factsheets Available for Download

As part of our Resource Library, BEP maintains numerous factsheets on hazardous waste management to help your facility understand the regulations and stay in compliance. Several factsheets have been amended to include more up to date information, including Used Oil Management for Generators, Contingency Plans, and others. Do you need more detailed information on certain hazardous waste topics? Check out our list of factsheets here.

Action Required for Small and Large Quantity Hazardous Waste Generators in e-Manifest

Beginning January 22, 2025, large and small quantity generators are required to register and maintain an account as an e-Manifest user in RCRAInfo with Site Manager or e-Manifest Certifier permissions to meet the regulatory changes of the final Third Rule, published by the EPA earlier this year. Activities to be conducted through RCRAInfo include: Registering as an industry user can be done here. For assistance with registration, contact Kat Olson at 775-834-3674 or katolson@unr.edu. Additionally, NDEP’s webpage on the RCRAInfo Software contains step by step instructions for registration and provides details …

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Notice of public workshop

NDEP Workshop on Proposed Changes to Nevada’s Hazardous Waste Regulations The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection is proposing to modify state hazardous waste regulations NAC 444.8618 through NAC 444.8633. The proposed amendments to Nevada’s existing hazardous waste regulations will: A workshop will be held to solicit comments on the proposed amendments on Wednesday, October 30th at 2:30 PM. Read more information about the workshop here. The proposed regulations and related materials are available on the NDEP website at: http://ndep.nv.gov/land/waste/statutes-and-regulations.

Register for US EPA’s Working Sessions on Mid-Format Battery Recycling

The US EPA is hosting a series of four meetings on mid-format battery recycling and collection from September through November, 11AM to 1PM PST. Mid-format batteries are rechargeable batteries between 11 and 25 pounds and 300 to 2,000 watt-hour ratings. Examples of mid-format batteries include e-bikes, e-scooters, portable power stations, and outdoor power equipment. Register today here and check out the topics for the working sessions:

All-Hazards Waste Management Planning Tool

New Resource Now Available The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed and launched the All-Hazards Waste Management Planning Tool to assist emergency managers and planners for all communities (state, local, Tribal, and territorial), and large industrial and municipal facilities. The tool guides users through the process of creating or updating a comprehensive pre-incident plan for managing materials and wastes generated from manmade and natural disasters, and preparing for plan implementation post-incident.  This tool is intended to encourage communities to begin planning for …

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US EPA Rule Update Regarding Fossil Fuel Fired Power Plants

On April 25, the US EPA announced a set of final rules attempting to reduce pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants and protect communities and improve public health without compromising reliable electricity delivery. These rules, established under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, aim to cut climate, air, water, and land pollution from the power sector. The rules include: To read more about these rules please visit the US EPA website here.

US EPA Finalizes First-Ever National Drinking Water Standard to Protect 100M People from PFAS Pollution

On April 10, 2024, US EPA issued the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard intended to protect communities from exposure to harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals” that are potentially linked to cancer.  EPA estimates that between about 6% and 10% of the 66,000 public drinking water systems subject to this rule may have to take action to reduce PFAS to meet these new standards. All public water systems have three years to complete …

Read MoreUS EPA Finalizes First-Ever National Drinking Water Standard to Protect 100M People from PFAS Pollution