Search

California Nearly Triples Hazardous Waste Penalties

Posted on 11/16/2017 by Roger Marks

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.

Online Title 22 Training Options:

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

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide to spot which tanks and substances are regulated under EPA's Underground Storage Tank program, and which are excluded as of October 2018.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.