EPA Revamps RCRA Rules

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other state agencies regulate the disposal of hazardous wastes. Their regulation adheres to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

As it is far better for waste materials to be reclaimed, recycled and reused than simply thrown into landfills, the EPA incorporated more provisions into the RCRA to prevent unnecessary burden and costs of recycling to be transferred to waste generating companies. These provisions allow for more cost-effective reclamation and recycling for waste instead of disposal.

In December 2014, it was announced that the EPA would be making an amendment to its RCRA regulations and that it would restructure the reclamation and recycling provisions offered.

That amendment will now become federal law in July, 2015.

However, the effective date for the provision will vary from state-to-state. Individual states must adopt the EPA amendments before they become law in their jurisdictions.

The general overview of the EPA’s new oversight takes aim at protecting the environment to guarantee that companies are properly prepared to handle any environmental or safety emergencies associated with the disposal of their waste byproducts.

Some amendments that the EPA put into practice were eliminated, while others were added and made more difficult to receive. One such exclusion was added to require manufacturers to use high-value solvents to prevent pollution.

This is just one example of many that points to new changes in the law.
Any company, business or individual relying on reclamation or recycling to handle their waste or certain hazardous materials, should familiarize themselves with the new amendment.

The effective date is fast approaching, and will dramatically alter the way byproducts and hazardous waste is recycled. Call us Toll Free at 855-637-9566 or email Info@hazmat-1.com