Interim Guidance on the Destruction and Disposal of PFAS and Materials Containing PFAS
The 2024 updated interim guidance (pdf) presents currently available information on the destruction and disposal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and PFAS-containing materials that are not consumer products. This update identifies available, effective and methods to remediate, dispose of and destroy PFAS contamination. It provides information on the current state of science and associated uncertainties for three large-scale capacity technologies that can destroy PFAS or control PFAS release into the environment: thermal destruction, landfills, and underground injection. This guidance will help decision-makers select technologies based on characteristics of the waste and options available to prevent releases and keep PFAS out of the environment.
The revised document builds on guidance EPA issued in 2020 by incorporating information distilled from new EPA test methods as well as recent findings pertaining to destruction and disposal of PFAS-containing materials in non-consumer settings. It also includes updated screening methods to assess vulnerable populations near PFAS destruction and disposal sites and incorporates comments EPA received on the original document.
EPA published the first edition of this guidance as required by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20 NDAA). The FY20 NDAA directed EPA to address the destruction and disposal of PFAS and specific PFAS-containing materials, including aqueous film-forming foam, contaminated media, textiles (other than consumer goods), and various wastes from water treatment. The NDAA also requires EPA to review and update the guidance as appropriate, but no less frequently than every three years.
The primary audience of this guidance is decision makers who need to identify the most effective means for destroying or disposing of PFAS-containing materials and wastes.
EPA will accept comments for 180 days from the date of the Federal Register notice initiating the public comment period.