Hazardous Waste Resources

The EPA issues a provisional identification number to businesses and enterprises that don’t produce hazardous waste on a regular basis but find themselves in emergency situations involving potentially harmful materials. The provisional identification number allows a business 30 days to properly remove, transport, and dispose of the waste at a state or federally regulated hazardous waste management, treatment, or storage facility. A provisional number is different than a permanent number that is assigned to businesses with ongoing hazardous waste generation. It’s important to determine whether your business needs a provisional or permanent identification number.

The EPA separates all generators of hazardous waste into three categories. Those categories are: very small quantity generators (VSGQs), small quantity generators (SQGs), and large quantity generators (LQGs). The category your business belongs to will determine the specific regulations that apply to you.

To determine which category your business belongs to, you must calculate how much hazardous waste your business generates per month. All measurements are taken in pounds, and if your business produces liquid waste, you must convert gallons to pounds to provide an accurate measurement. Reclaimed scrap metal, universal waste, and residue left on the bottoms of containers after being emptied do not need to be counted.

The qualifications for each category are as follows:

• VSGQ – less than 220 pounds per month
• SQG – between 220 and 2,200 pounds per month
• LQG – more than 2,200 pounds per month

Once you determine which category your business belongs in, you are responsible for following all applicable regulations.

An episodic event is when an SQG or VSQG experiences a situation that temporarily increases the amount of hazardous waste they produce per month. This can occur during a one-time project, a seasonal cleanout, a spill, or an emergency event. When this happens, instead of being forced into the next higher category, the business could be eligible for a streamlined set of requirements. Not every situation will qualify as an episodic event.

Universal waste includes potentially hazardous items that are commonly thrown away in households and businesses. These include batteries, lamps, pesticides, and equipment that contains small amounts of mercury. The EPA’s Universal Waste Program was created to streamline the management of these materials that would otherwise overwhelm waste facilities. It also promotes proper recycling and encourages local areas to develop their own municipal programs to reduce how many of these objects end up in landfills.

The EPA has established in-depth documentation to regulate how hazardous waste is managed from inception all the way to final disposal. Failure to comply will result in fines, penalties, legal actions, and it also leaves a business vulnerable to accidents that could harm human health and/or the environment. If you’re unsure about what your business needs to do to remain in compliance, an experienced and qualified hazardous waste management company will be your answer.

These companies are well trained in the management of hazardous waste and have detailed knowledge of all related laws and regulations. If you choose to go this route, it is in your best interest to research a company with a reliable reputation and specific experience with your type of hazardous waste. They will know the specifics of what needs to be done to keep your business in compliance, but you are ultimately responsible for all your hazardous waste. If something goes wrong, you will be the one to face the consequences.