Limited quantities of hazardous waste can be stored at or near their point of generation. These storage areas are referred to as satellite accumulation areas (SAAs). When a container of hazardous waste becomes full or when the allowable quantity of waste for a satellite accumulation area is reached, waste must be moved to a centralized storage area. These centralized storage areas are commonly referred to as less than 90 day or less than 180 day storage areas. The number of days signifies how long the waste can remain in the storage area. LQGs may store hazardous waste for up to 90 days, while SQGs can store hazardous waste for up to 180 days.
Although requirements may vary in some states, satellite accumulation includes hazardous waste stored at SQG and LQG facilities that meets the following criteria (40 CFR 262.34(c)):
- The hazardous waste is stored in containers at or near the point of generation.
- No more than 55 gallons of hazardous waste (or one quart of acutely hazardous waste) is stored at each generation point.
- While the facility is operating, the stored hazardous waste is under the control of the operator of the process generating the waste.
- Storage containers are in good condition and compatible with the waste (40 CFR 265.171, 265.172).
- Storage containers are kept closed except when waste is added or removed (40 CFR 265.173(a)).
- Storage containers are labeled with the words "Hazardous Waste" or with other words that identify the contents (40 CFR 262.34(c)(1)(ii)).
The full text and federal regulatory requirements for Satellite Accumulation Areas can be found under 40 CFR 262.34(c) at:
40 CFR 262