Definition of Solid Waste for RCRA Subtitle C Hazardous Waste
Related Links
A solid waste is not necessarily a hazardous waste - See the Hazardous Waste Identification area for more info.
For information on the special regulations for hazardous wastes that are recycled, see the Hazardous Waste Recycling area.
Spotlight
Final Definition of Solid Waste (DSW) Rule - Information about the October 7, 2008 final rule that would streamline the regulation of hazardous secondary materials to encourage beneficial recycling and help conserve resources.
DSW Compendium - Nine new volumes have been added to our collection of reference materials about the definition of solid waste.
DSW Tool - a step-by-step, interactive guide to help users identify material that meets the definition solid waste.
These definitions are crucial to understanding the regulation of hazardous waste under Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Before a material can be classified as a hazardous waste, it must first be a solid waste as defined in Section 261.2 of the RCRA regulations. The resources listed below and throughout this website are provided to help determine whether materials are solid wastes and therefore potentially subject to hazardous waste regulation. Users unfamiliar with the Definition of Solid Waste (DSW) regulations may wish to use the Definition of Solid Waste Tool below as an introduction.
Definition of Solid Waste resources:
- DSW Tool - An interactive guide through the DSW regulations, with links to key resources, to help determine if a material is subject to RCRA hazardous waste regulations.
- DSW Compendium - A collection of written materials addressing specific issues related to the federal definition of solid waste.
- DSW Rulemakings - Provides information on current and past rulemakings specific to the definition of solid waste.
- DSW Resources - Provides links to other resources relating to the definition of solid waste, such the relevant Code of Federal Regulations language and RCRA Training Modules.