Listed Wastes

A solid waste is considered to be a hazardous waste if it is potentially harmful to people or the environment. The EPA performs an extensive analysis of a waste to determine if a waste should be listed. If a waste meets certain criteria, it may be placed in one of two listed categories - toxic or acute:

• Toxic listed wastes - The waste contains toxic chemicals that could pose a threat to human health and the environment, if the waste is not managed properly.
• Acute listed wastes - The waste contains dangerous chemicals that could pose a threat to human health and the environment, even if the waste is properly managed.

The EPA further organizes toxic and acute listed wastes into four groups:

• F-listed wastes (non-specific sources)
• K-listed wastes (specific sources)
• P-listed wastes (discarded commercial chemicals that are acutely toxic)
• U-listed wastes (discarded commercial chemicals that are toxic or that may display dangerous characteristics, such as ignitability or reactivity)

To learn more about RCRA safety standards visit our RCRA Refresher Online Training web page.