Hazardous Waste Classification

RCRA regulates materials known as "solid wastes." If a waste is not considered a solid waste, it is not covered by the RCRA standards regardless of the waste's potential hazards. Toxic materials not covered under the RCRA law are often subject to other laws such as the Atomic Energy Act or the Clean Water Act.

It is essential for generators, transporters, and owners and operators of treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs) to know the legal definition of a solid waste so that they can understand what makes something a hazardous waste. This definition is complex, and is listed in 40 CFR 261.2. We will look at the general criteria for the definition next.

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