California Nearly Triples Hazardous Waste Penalties

Legislation passed and approved by the Governor in California last month will raise the maximum civil penalty for noncompliance with the Golden State’s hazardous waste laws and regulations. Hazardous waste compliance mistakes in California may now cost facilities as much as $70,000 per day, per violation, up from $25,000 per day, per violation.

The bill—AB 245—amends the Health and Safety Code to reflect the increased penalty amount.

Environmental professionals in California are responsible for compliance with regulations found in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations (22 CCR) and with requirements found in the state Health and Safety Code. A full understanding of the requirements for hazardous waste generators is crucial to achieve and maintain compliance—especially in California.

Hazardous waste rules are enforced by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, or DTSC, who inspect facilities, provide guidance, and—when necessary—assess civil or administrative penalties.

Under the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), hazardous waste penalties are now as high as $71,264 per day, per violation. EPA also raised its penalty amounts this year, and may raise penalties to match inflation again in the coming months.

More Change Coming for California Generators?

California regulators proposed extensive changes to the Title 22 hazardous waste rules in October. While these changes are aimed at eighty-six specific permitted facilities, the 22 CCR rules affected also apply to large quantity generators of hazardous waste.

2018 California Hazardous Waste Training

Meet DTSC’s annual training mandate and avoid rising penalties with trusted, effective training. Trusted in the Golden State for 20 years, Lion’s California Hazardous Waste Management Workshop returns in January 2018 to Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Fresno.

Can’t join us live? Initial and refresher California Title 22 hazardous waste training is available anytime, anywhere at Lion.com. Online courses are interactive and packed with exercises to help you retain what you learn. Plus, train from work, home, or the road from any internet connection, and get IT support 7 days/week.

California Hazardous Waste Management (Initial)
  California Hazardous Waste Management Refresher

DTSC Hazardous Waste Enforcement

Click a headline below to check out examples of how and why DTSC assesses civil penalties to businesses that improperly store, treat, or dispose of hazardous waste. 

Hazardous Waste ID Mistakes Lead to $26 Million Fine for Cable Provider (December 2015)
More Hazardous Waste Training Needed at Sacramento City Facilities (May 2016)
Deliver Co. to Pay DTSC $3.3M for Violations of California Hazardous Waste Law (July 2016)
DTSC Finds Hazardous Waste Violations at CA Battery Recycler (July 2016)
Wine Bottle Maker to Pay $3.5M for Title 22 Hazardous Waste Violations in California (August 2016)
Metal Recycler Convicted of Multiple Felonies for Hazardous Waste Violations (September 2016)
Tech Giant to Pay $450,000 for Hazardous Waste Violations (December 2016) 
 

Tags: California, DTSC, fines and penalties, new rules