Overview
Hazardous waste is generated at nearly every federal facility. Common hazardous wastes include waste paint, waste solvents, waste adhesives, waste solder, spill cleanup waste.
Clarification as to whether or not specific wastes are hazardous wastes has been issued for: byproducts; batteries; mercury-containing items; miscellaneous items such as aerosol cans, antifreeze, paint wastes, pesticide rinse water, pharmaceutical wastes, and used refrigerants; and petroleum wastes. Click HERE to view EPA's guidance on these issues.
Focus Areas
What is a Hazardous Waste?
A step by step guide to determining if your waste is or is not a hazardous waste.
Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQGs)
A CESQG should meet the following:
- Facilities generate no more than 100 kg [approx. 220 lb] of hazardous waste in a calendar month.
- Total onsite accumulation does not exceed more than 1000 kg [approx. 2205 lb] of hazardous waste.
- No more than 1 kg [approx. 2 lb] of acute hazardous waste (see Appendix 4-5) is generated in a calendar month.
- No more than a total of 100 kg [approx. 220 lb] of any residue or contaminated soil, waste, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of any acute wastes in a calendar month is generated.
If a facility exceeds any of the listed parameters, it must operate as a small quantity generator.
Small Quantity Generator (SQG)
A SQG is defined as meeting the following:
- Facilities generate no more than 1000 kg [approx. 2204 lb] of hazardous waste in any month.
- Onsite accumulation time does not exceed 180 days.
- More than 1 kg/mo [approx. 2 lb/mo] of acute waste is generated.
- Total onsite accumulation does not exceed more than 6000 kg [approx. 13,227 lb].
If a facility exceeds any of the listed parameters, it must operate as a Large Quantity Generator.
Large Quantity Generator (LQG)
Facilities that generate more than 1000 kg [approx. 2204 lb] of hazardous waste in any month. Onsite accumulation time does not exceed 90 days.
A LQG who accumulates hazardous waste for more than 90 days (without an extension) is subject to all treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDF) and permitting requirements.
Universal Waste
A classification whereby waste batteries, waste excess pesticides, waste fluorescent tubes, and waste mercury-containing equipment do not have to be disposed of as hazardous waste.
