EPA Finalizes The Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule

Yesterday, October 31, 2016, U.S. EPA posted the pre-publication version of its final Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule ("Final Generator Rule"). The Final Generator Rule was signed by EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy on October 28, 2016. This rule has been long in the making and addresses various issues applicable to all hazardous waste generators, regardless of the amount of hazardous waste generated or industry sector. Other changes significantly alter requirements applicable to Large Quantity Generators and Small Quantity Generators.

Among other things, the Final Generator Rule restructures existing hazardous waste generator requirements; modifies waste determination, labeling, emergency response, and hazardous waste accumulation unit and facility closure requirements; requires Small Quantity Generators to re-notify every four years of hazardous waste generation; allows Very Small Quantity Generators (historically called Conditionally Exempt Small