Introduction

Hazardous wastes fall under a variety of waste classifications. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations are specific to different types of hazardous waste, and may also apply to non-hazardous waste materials when they are mixed with hazardous materials. In order to achieve compliance with the RCRA regulations, a person must first gain a clear understanding of how the RCRA regulations classify waste. In this unit, we will explore that very topic.

Different types of generators and handlers of waste regulated by the RCRA must comply with different regulations. For example, the regulations that the generators of spent fluorescent bulbs must comply with are different from the regulations that those who generate waste military munitions must comply with. In fact, the regulations for spent lead-acid batteries are different from the regulations for alkaline and other types of batteries.

Regulations for transporting, storing, and disposing of materials also vary for different wastes. For example, some processes (such as burning, recycling, or reclamation) are permissible for one waste or for a certain mixture of wastes, but not for other wastes or waste mixtures. For example, used oil is typically managed under the more relaxed regulations pertaining to used oil. However, when used oil is contaminated beyond the allowable limits stated in the regulations, it must be managed under the more stringent hazardous waste regulations.

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