Accumulation of Hazardous Waste

Generators may accumulate hazardous wastes without a permit or storage status for different amounts of time. The amount of time is based on the volume and type of hazardous waste produced. The general guidelines are as follows:

• LQGs may accumulate hazardous waste for up to 90 days, provided the waste is properly stored. See 40 CFR 262.17 for detailed requirements.
• SQGs may accumulate up to 6,000 kilograms of hazardous waste for 180 days, or 270 days if the receiving facility is more than 200 miles away. See 40 CFR 262.16 for detailed requirements.
• VSQGs have no time limit for accumulation, but once they exceed the amount listed in the generator category definition, they are subject to additional provisions. See 40 CFR 262.14 for detailed requirements.

Small quantity and large quantity hazardous waste generators are allowed to use satellite accumulation areas, provided that the generators meet the conditions for their use. Satellite accumulation areas are designed to assist generators who generate and accumulate small amounts of hazardous waste in different areas of their facilities. If an SQGs or LQGs does choose to accumulate hazardous waste in satellite accumulation areas, the generator may accumulate a limited amount of hazardous waste within each area. Once that threshold is reached, the SQGs or LQGs must transfer the hazardous waste to a central accumulation area. Refer to 40 CFR 262.15 for more information.

LQGs must have a program in place to reduce the volume and toxicity of their generated waste. SQGs must simply make a good faith effort to reduce their waste production as much as possible.

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