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EPA Major Revisions to RCRA Hazardous Waste Generator Regulations [US]

Published on 07/09/2015

#Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed two new hazardous waste rules under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

The new rules were put forward on August 31st 2015 to provide greater flexibility for hazardous waste management as well as improve the management standards for hazardous waste pharmaceuticals.

The first of the new rules promotes the compliance of regulated entities with current hazardous waste management requirements while streamlining existing regulations. Crucially, it would allow hazardous waste generators that generate episodic waste to avoid being designated a higher generator status if they manage the episodic waste properly. These provisions would provide generators with more leeway in how they manage their hazardous waste and improve compliance with RCRA regulations.

The second new rule would affect healthcare facilities (including hospitals, clinics and retail stores with pharmacies) and proposes a sector-specific set of regulations for hazardous waste pharmaceutical management. The EPA anticipates that the proposed pharmaceutical rule will make drinking and surface water safer by reducing the amount of pharmaceuticals entering waterways.

Some of the changes do not impose additional requirements but rather make RCRA’s regulations more flexible and consistent while protecting public health and the environment.

The EPA will accept public comments at Regulations.gov for 60 days following publication of the rules in the Federal Register.

Red-on-line EHS Legalist

Sources:

Pre-Publication Version of the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Proposed Rule, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, August 31, 2015.

Pre-Publication Copy of the Management Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals Proposed Rule, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, August 31, 2015.

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