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Hazardous Waste Generators

Many industries generate hazardous waste. EPA regulates hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to ensure these wastes are managed in ways that protect human health and the environment. Generators of hazardous waste are regulated based on the amount of hazardous waste they generate in a calendar month, not the size of their business or facility.

Hazardous Waste
Generator
Basics

Categories of Hazardous Waste Generators
  • Categories of hazardous waste generators
  • Steps from identification to disposition of hazardous waste
  • Frequent questions for hazardous waste generators
  • Hazardous Waste Generator Regulations Compendium
  • Generator Improvements Rule citation changes

Regulations for Hazardous Waste Generators

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  • Summary of regulations
  • Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Final Rule
  • Regulations at academic laboratories
  • Regulations for pharmaceuticals
  • Retail sector initiative

Hazardous Waste Forms

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  • How to obtain an EPA identification number
  • Small quantity generator re-notification
  • How to submit a biennial report
  • Filling out the hazardous waste manifest
  • Notification of hazardous waste discharges to POTWs


Industry-Specific

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  • Typical wastes generated by industry sectors
  • A guide for small businesses
  • User-Friendly Solvent Waste Determination Guide
  • Regulatory information by sector

Importing or Exporting Hazardous Waste

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  • Information about transboundary shipments
  • Information for exporters
  • Information for importers
  • International agreements on
    transboundary shipments of hazardous waste
  • Requirements for exporters of specific wastes

Databases, Guidance and Resources

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  • Search site identification numbers in RCRAInfo Web
  • Search biennial report data in RCRAInfo Web
  • Enforcement and Compliance History Online
  • RCRA Guidance Documents (RCRA Online)
  • View all past Federal Registers
  • Waste Analysis Plan (WAP) Guidance

Highlights

  • Webpage on Hand Sanitizer Disposal and Recycling 
  • Access the 2021 National Biennial Hazardous Waste Report data  
  • Memo: Regulatory Options for Addressing the Temporary Backlog of Containerized Hazardous Waste Needing Incineration (Update August 2022: this memo continues to be in effect)
  • Hazardous Waste Generator Regulations Compendium
  • Small Quantity Generator Re-Notification Required by September 1, 2025
  • Read through frequent questions about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and waste

Stay Informed

Sign up for our newsletter "EPA Waste Management Updates".

Related Rules and Information

  • EPA has added aerosol cans to the universal waste list. Check out this new type of universal waste.
  • Safe Management of Recalled Airbags Interim Final Rule
  • Identifying Solid and Hazardous Waste
  • 2018 Definition of Solid Waste (DSW) Final Rule
  • 2013 Conditional Exclusions for Solvent-Contaminated Wipes
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on March 2, 2023
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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