Search

RCRA LDR Tips: Was it Ever Hazardous Waste?

Posted on 9/13/2021 by Roseanne Bottone and Roger Marks

When evaluating a new waste stream, generators ask themselves a crucially important question: Is this waste a hazardous waste?

A facility must know if its waste is hazardous so that they can manage it properly, keep it out of the environment, and train employees to safely handle it. The initial hazardous waste determination also decides how the waste will be treated and disposed of.

Any waste that is or ever was a hazardous waste is restricted from land disposal unless it meets certain standards called Land Disposal Restrictions or LDRs.

What is a Hazardous Waste?

US EPA defines a hazardous waste as a solid waste that is listed in the RCRA regulations and/or exhibits one or more hazardous waste characteristics—ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity—and is not otherwise excluded.

The regulations at 40 CFR 262.11(g) tell us:
If the waste is determined to be hazardous, small quantity generators and large quantity generators must identify all applicable EPA hazardous waste numbers (EPA hazardous waste codes) …
A RCRA waste code is an alphanumeric indicator (e.g., F005, D032) that corresponds to a specific treatment standard that must be met before the waste can be disposed of.
 
LDR treatment standards for rcra hazardous waste


(Pictured: Excerpt of the Treatment Standards for Hazardous Waste Table at 40 CFR 268.40, available in Lion’s RCRA Compliance Reference Desk Set, provided when you attended the RCRA Hazardous Waste Management Workshop.)

Hazardous waste may not be disposed of until it is treated using a specified technology or until its hazardous constituents are brought below threshold levels specified for each waste code.

Was it Ever a Hazardous Waste?

Now we know what it means when we say something is a hazardous waste.

But what do we mean when we say that LDRs also apply to anything that was a hazardous waste? How can a waste be a hazardous waste one minute and not hazardous the next?

Two of the most common reasons include:

1. If a hazardous waste is released from its tank or container, the cleanup might include treating the spill with chemicals or absorbents. This can change the properties of the waste. If the waste no longer exhibits a hazardous waste characteristic after the spill cleanup, it is no longer a hazardous waste.

2. A generator might treat a hazardous waste onsite, making it no longer hazardous. A simple example of this is elementary neutralization: The generator adds an acid or base to a corrosive waste (waste code D002) so that it is no longer corrosive enough to be a hazardous waste. 

In both scenarios, the waste was a hazardous waste before the generator’s actions. Because the waste was a hazardous waste, it must be treated to meet Land Disposal Restrictions for each waste code that was assigned when the waste was generated. 

Why RCRA Waste Codes Stick

Why do waste codes still matter if our waste is non-hazardous?

First, the Land Disposal Restrictions are exacting. Although the waste may no longer be a hazardous waste because it no longer exhibits a hazardous waste characteristic, it must meet the LDR treatment standards for the original waste code.

A second reason is underlying hazardous constituents or UHCs. Wastes may contain constituents like heavy metals that, even at low concentrations, must be treated for before the waste can be disposed of.

Example: While elementary neutralization does meet the required treatment standard, what if you had a D002 (corrosivity) waste that spilled and was cleaned up with enough absorbent to sop up all the liquid? In both scenarios, the waste no longer meets the definition of corrosivity at §261.22, so it is no longer a hazardous waste. However, in the spill cleanup scenario, the treatment standard at 40 CFR 268.40 is not “throw granular ‘kitty litter type’ absorbent on the waste.” It is “DEACT” as specified in Appendix VI to Part 268.

Also, in both cases (purposeful elementary neutralization or spill cleanup) the treatment standard for the original D002 says, “and meet §268.48 standards” which means the waste still must be treated for “underlying hazardous constituents” if they are present and at high enough levels.

Master the RCRA LDRs

Lion’s unique Land Disposal Restrictions Online Course guides hazardous waste professionals through the complex RCRA LDRs to ensure hazardous waste is disposed of the right way.

Demystify these restrictions and be confident you can select appropriate RCRA treatment and disposal methods for your regulated waste streams. Proper disposal is crucial to prevent environmental contamination, civil penalties from US EPA, and future liability under CERCLA/Superfund.

Tags: hazardous waste disposal, hazardous waste management, land disposal restrictions, RCRA, RCRA LDRs

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

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

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

I have attended other training providers, but Lion is best. Lion is king of the hazmat jungle!!!

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

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

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Hazardous materials shipment rejections bear a big cost. Use this guide to end operational and logistical disruptions that severely impact your bottom line.

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.