EPA Identification Numbers

A generator must have an EPA identification number before doing any of the following activities:

• Storing hazardous waste
• Treating hazardous waste
• Disposing of hazardous waste
• Transporting hazardous waste
• Offering to transport hazardous waste

A generator can obtain an EPA identification number by submitting the RCRA Subtitle C Site Identification Form (EPA Form 8700-12). The Site ID form contains such information as the name and address of the generator, the industrial sector in which it belongs, the name of a facility contact, and the type of waste activities that take place at the facility. Without such an identification number, a generator cannot store, treat, dispose of, transport, or offer to transport its hazardous waste. A link to this form can be found in the additional resources found at the end of this unit.

Not only must the generator have an EPA identification number, but the generator must verify that any outside companies or individuals that handle the generator's hazardous waste also have an EPA identification number. For example, the following service companies would require an EPA identification number:

• Facilities that treat the generator's hazardous waste
• Facilities that store the generator's hazardous waste
• Facilities that dispose of the generator's hazardous waste

To ensure that records are kept up to date over time, RCRA now requires SQGs to re-notify EPA or an authorized state program beginning in 2021 and every four years thereafter using EPA Form 8700-12. This form must be submitted by September 1 of each year, in which re-notifications are required. LQGs must re-notify EPA by March 1 of each even-numbered year as part of the LQG's Biennial Report.

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