Category: Hazardous and Solid Waste

Aerosol cans

EPA Looking to Make Aerosol Cans Universal Waste

In a much anticipated development, the EPA is proposing to add aerosol cans to the federal universal waste program. If finalized, the addition would simplify waste handling for many sectors and provide particular relief to the retail sector, which currently must manage at least some of the vast population of aerosol cans under the full […]

EPA Proposes Changes to Coal Combustion Rule

The EPA has issued the first of two proposals that together will lessen the stringency of the Obama administration’s 2015 rule governing the disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCRs) generated by electric utilities. The Phase One proposal comprises a dozen changes, some that result from a remand of parts of the 2015 rule by the […]

Do I Need to Install a Leachate Collection System?

Q. Is installing a leachate collection system required by the EPA for a solid waste landfill? A. It is most likely that either the EPA or a state environmental agency will require a leachate collection system in a solid waste landfill.

The Definition of Solid Waste Rule Changes … Again

When the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues a final hazardous waste regulation, the regulated community safely assumes that’s that and all that now needs to be done is to accurately decipher the implications of the rule and follow its requirements. But that is not always the case, especially when litigation is involved and a […]

Two Words: Plastics Recycling

In the absence of any enthusiasm on the part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in environmental matters, environment, health, and safety (EHS) managers should look to states for new developments in the environmental arena. Today we will look at a new law in Florida that encourages plastics recycling.

Where Can I Find a List of Toxicity Contaminants and Their Thresholds?

Q. Where can I find a list of thresholds for metal/chemicals to use to determine if the sludge-type waste from the triple basin collection system on our city sewer line is hazardous? A. From your question, we infer that you have already determined that your waste is not a listed hazardous waste and that you […]

Barrels

Do SQGs Need to Inspect Container Areas If There Are No Containers Present and for How Long Do Weekly Inspection Logs Need to be Kept?

Q. As a small quantity generator (SQGs), we know that our waste containers during the 180-day accumulation period must be inspected weekly. Does the area still need to be inspected weekly when there are no containers? Also, is there a record retention requirement for the weekly inspection log?