Standards for Combustion of Hazardous Waste

Each RCRA operating permit includes the operating requirements for a specific TSDF. Owners and operators of a permitted facility who intend to burn hazardous waste must apply for a combustion permit prior to construction of a combustion unit. They must conduct a waste analysis and trial burns for the type of waste for which the combustion unit will be used. Based on the results of the trial burns, the EPA sets operating requirements, such as maximum waste feed rates, control of the firing system, and allowable temperature ranges.

A facility must operate according to these requirements to ensure that the facility is achieving the maximum level of safety and compliance with the regulations. The owners and operators of permit holding and interim status facilities are required to perform certain analyses and meet all of the standards that apply to their type of facility. The only exception is for small quantity burners and other groups that are exempt under provisions stated in 40 CFR 266.12. For further details regarding permits for combustion units, refer to 40 CFR 264.340(b), 265.340(b), and 266.100(b).

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