![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Hazardous Waste Generators
Subtitle
C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulates hazardous
waste generators. A generator is any person, or site, whose processes
and actions create hazardous waste (see 40
CFR 260.10 
).
Generators are divided into three categories (large,
small, and conditionally exempt)
based upon the quantity of waste they produce per month.
Each class of generator is obligated to comply with a varying number of requirements. See the Generator Summary Chart for details. For a list of guidance documents and resources, see the Generator Background Information page.
All large and small quantity generators are required to (see also 40
CFR 262 ):
- Obtain an EPA Identification number (available from your state environmental office).
- Comply with the manifest system.
- Handle wastes properly before shipment (packaging, labeling, marking, placarding, accumulation time, etc.).
- Comply with record keeping and reporting requirements.
Definitions of each generator category and their specific requirements follow. Note that some states may have additional requirements for generators. You should contact your state environmental office if you are not familiar with the requirements that may apply to you.
Large Quantity Generators
Large Quantity Generators (LQG) generate 1,000 kilograms per month or more of hazardous waste, or more than 1 kilogram per month of acutely hazardous waste. Requirements for LQGs include:
- LQGs may only accumulate waste on site for 90 days. Certain exceptions apply.
- LQGs do not have a limit on the amount of hazardous waste accumulated on site.
- There must always be at least one employee available to respond to an emergency. This employee is the emergency coordinator responsible for coordinating all emergency response measures. LQGs must have detailed, written contingency plans for handling emergencies.
- LQGs must submit a biennial hazardous waste report.
To learn more, review the list of resources for LQGs.
Small Quantity Generators
Small Quantity Generators (SQG) generate more than 100 kilograms, but less than 1,000 kilograms, of hazardous waste per month. Requirements for SQGs include:
- SQGs may accumulate hazardous waste on site for 180 days without a permit (or 270 days if shipping a distance greater than 200 miles).
- The quantity of hazardous on site waste must never exceed 6,000 kilograms.
- There must always be at least one employee available to respond to
an emergency. This employee is the emergency coordinator responsible
for coordinating all emergency response measures. SQGs are not required
to have detailed, written contingency plans.
To learn more, review the list of resources for SQGs.
Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators
Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG) generate 100 kilograms
or less per month of hazardous waste, or 1 kilogram or less per month of
acutely hazardous waste. Requirements for CESQGs include (see also 40
CFR 261.5 ):
- CESQGs must identify all the hazardous waste generated.
- CESQGs may not accumulate more than 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste at any time.
- CESQGs must ensure that hazardous waste is delivered to a person or facility who is authorized to manage it.
To learn more, review the list of resources for CESQGs.
