Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), EPA has established requirements for minimizing/reducing the volume and toxicity of waste generated by large quantity generators of hazardous waste and the key requirement is the development and implementation of a waste minimization plan. The definition of a large quantity generator of hazardous waste and a general description of waste minimization planning elements are provided below for you to consider, whether your campus power plant already has a waste minimization planning program in effect, or is considering developing and implementing such a program. Individual state regulatory programs may have more stringent requirements for waste minimization and/or recycling; consult applicable state regulations to learn of additional requirements.
Large Quantity Generator of Hazardous Waste: A generator that generates greater than 1,000 kg of hazardous waste in a calendar month.
Waste Minimization Planning: Large quantity generators (LQG) of hazardous waste must have a waste minimization program in effect that includes provisions for reducing the volume and toxicity of waste generated at a LQG. This requirement is driven by the certification statement a generator signs on each uniform hazardous waste manifest. Presently, there are no regulatory requirements specifying what must be in a waste minimization program; however, EPA has provided guidance to generators of hazardous waste on the elements of such a program, one of which is identification of opportunities at all points in a process where materials can be prevented from becoming a waste (for example, by using recycled materials). (Appendix to 40 CFR 262 Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest and Instructions; “Interim Final Guidance to Hazardous Waste Generators on the Elements of a Waste Minimization Program,” 58 FR 31114, May 28, 1993)
For the complete text of the regulations (40 CFR 262) pertaining to waste minimization, click here:
40 CFR 262