LDR Program Treatment Standards

The LDR program sets out guidelines for the reduction of the threat posed by specific hazardous wastes. These are referred to as the "treatment standards" for a restricted waste.

Once the EPA restricts a waste and issues a treatment standard, the waste may not be disposed of using land disposal methods until it has met the treatment standard specifications. The focus of the treatment standards is on practical methods of reducing the toxicity and mobility of hazardous material through the application of technology. The EPA researches available technologies, and then designates the best of these as a "Best Demonstrated Available Technology" (BDAT). The LDR program may specify a BDAT for a given hazardous material. When a treatment standard requires a BDAT, the waste-handler must use the specified technology, unless it can be demonstrated that an alternative method would achieve the same level of performance. It is interesting to note that by using numeric treatment metrics, the EPA hopes to encourage innovation and new technology development. Alternatively, a treatment standard may set out as a concentration level only, without a specified BDAT. In this case, the waste-handler may use any method or technology available to meet the treatment standard.

To learn more about RCRA visit our RCRA Hazardous Waste Safety Online Training web page.