Solid & Hazardous Waste Exclusions

Materials that do not meet the RCRA criteria are not considered to be solid wastes and are not subject to RCRA regulations. However, it is important to keep in mind that under the RCRA definition, "solid wastes" do not actually have to be solid. Many liquids, sludges, and contained gaseous materials are also considered solid waste.

Certain materials are specifically excluded from the definition of a solid waste. Examples of excluded materials include the following, among many others:

• Domestic sewage
• Point-source industrial wastewater
• Shredded circuit boards
• Spent wood preservatives

In addition, certain solid wastes are excluded from the RCRA definition of a solid waste. Most of the wastes excluded are covered by other standards, such as the Clean Water Act or the Atomic Energy Act. These types of exclusions to solid waste regulation may be found in 40 CFR 261.4.

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