Search

New RCRA Exclusion for Wipes: Has Your State Adopted Yet?

Posted on 10/13/2017 by Roger Marks

A few years ago, US EPA added an exclusion to the RCRA hazardous waste regulations to relax the management requirements for solvent-contaminated wipes and rags. Wipes contaminated with a solvent are one of the most common forms of waste in industry. Wipes and rags are used for cleaning and other purposes in tens of thousands of facilities nationwide, EPA estimates.

Solvent-rag-2-(1).jpgUnder the new exclusion for contaminated wipes, wipes contained with certain solvents may be excluded from some burdensome RCRA hazardous waste requirements.

Facilities can capitalize on the exclusion to save time and effort spent managing wipes as RCRA hazardous waste. That said, there are new requirements that generators must follow to qualify for the exclusion, including:
 
  • Container management/storage standards
  • Unique container marking requirement
  • A 180-day accumulation time limit
  • Rules for managing free liquids
  • Documentation and recordkeeping rules
To take advantage of the exclusion without running afoul of RCRA hazardous waste regulations, generators must identify which solvent-contaminated rags are eligible (and which are not) and select an authorized disposal or laundering facility.

If any the conditions for exclusion are not met, the wipes or rags will be subject to RCRA—which means management mistakes could cost facilities as much as $71,264 per day, per violation.


Where Is the Exclusion in Effect?

While the new RCRA exclusion took effect at the Federal level in early 2014, not all states have yet adopted the relaxed standards. 

The map below, taken from US EPA’s website, shows which states have adopted the new exclusion for solvent contaminated wipes. Generators in these states can use the new exclusion now.


More detailed information about State adoption of the new exclusion is available on EPA’s website, here.


Learn to Use the New Exclusion Now

On October 24, join a full-time Lion instructor for live training on how to use the new exclusion for solvent-contaminated wipes to save your facility time, effort, and money. In 60 minutes, we cover everything you need to know to take advantage of the new exclusions and start saving now.

Managing Solvent Contaminated Wipes Webinar 

This is the final session of this webinar scheduled for 2017. Don’t miss it! 
 

Tags: hazardous, new rules, RCRA, waste

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

The instructor took a rather drab set of topics and brought them to life with realistic real-life examples.

Tom Berndt

HSE Coordinator

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

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In most cases, injuries that occur at work are work-related and must be recorded to maintain compliance with OSHA regulations. This report shows you the 9 types of injuries you don’t record.

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.