The
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) took effect in 1976 as an amendment to the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Along with protecting human health and the environment, RCRA aims to reduce the production of hazardous waste and conserve energy and natural resources. According to RCRA, hazardous wastes are categorized as radioactive, medical, flammable, reactive, corrosive and/or toxic.
RCRA specifies three categories of waste generators based on quantities of hazardous and acute hazardous waste levels. Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG) produce the least amount of hazardous waste and are considered exempt until they reach a certain amount of stored or produced waste. Small Quantity Generators (SQG) are the next level of hazardous waste generators and the largest generators are the Large Quantity Generators (LQG). While SQGs and LQGs are required to have USEPA identification numbers, CESQGs are not.
Both SQGs and LQGs are required to keep specific logs when materials are shipped out and stored, and are required to inspect their containers on a weekly basis and keep proper records. Storage times of hazardous materials differ depending on the size of the generator. SQGs can store hazardous wastes for up to 180 days, LQGs for 90 days, and CESQGs indefinitely until they reach a threshold amount currently set at 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste, or 2.2 pounds of acute waste.
In the event of an emergency, SQGs are required to keep emergency information, including emergency phone numbers and location of emergency equipment near the phone. LQGs are required to have a complete emergency plan and be sure all employees are properly informed.
Help with RCRA Regulations is On the Way
Enviro.BLR.com provides RCRA compliance analysis on both state and federal regulations. The web site features plain-English summaries of the differences between federal and state environmental laws and regulations, state and federal final and proposed regulations and notices, and "Ask the Experts" service.
There is also an extensive compliance "Tools" section that provides more than 7,000 guidance documents, sample plans, forms, and checklists. The Enviro.BLR.com editorial staff keep the site and you up-to-date on all important RCRA and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act developments.
The EPA Library has more helpful environmental compliance resources like these:
RCRA training meetings
Uniform hazardous waste manifest form analysis
Hazardous waste management programs and policies
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