Key Terms

Acutely hazardous waste is waste that has been found to be fatal to humans in low doses and therefore meets the EPA listing criteria. Acute hazardous wastes are listed in 40 CFR 261.31 with the assigned hazard code of (H), or are listed in 40 CFR 261.33.

Conditionally exempt small quantity generators or CESQGs, are facilities that, in a given month, generate either less than 100 kilograms of hazardous, less than one kilogram of acutely hazardous waste, or less than 100 kilograms of acutely hazardous waste spill residue. This term is now known as "very small quantity generators," or VSQGs, per updates made to hazardous waste generator regulations in October of 2016.

DOT refers to the United States Department of Transportation.

EPA identifications number, or EPA ID, refers to an identification number issued by the Environmental Protection Agency that must be obtained by generators (and other handlers) of hazardous waste.

Generator refers to a person, business, or other entity that creates hazardous waste.

Hazard classes are the categories of hazards defined by the Department of Transportation ([DOT] such as explosives, flammable liquids, radioactive materials, or corrosives).

Large quantity generators, or LQGs, are facilities that generate 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste, or more than one kilogram of acutely hazardous waste per month.

Manifest refers to paperwork that identifies and tracks hazardous waste that is being transported from its point of generation to its final destination.

Small quantity generators, or SQGs, are facilities that generate between 100 and 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per month.

Transfer facility refers to a location used for temporary storage of a shipment during the course of transportation.

Hazard classes are the categories of hazards defined by the Department of Transportation ([DOT] such as explosives, flammable liquids, radioactive materials, or corrosives).

Large quantity generators, or LQGs, are facilities that generate 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste, or more than one kilogram of acutely hazardous waste per month.

Manifest refers to paperwork that identifies and tracks hazardous waste that is being transported from its point of generation to its final destination.

Non-acute hazardous waste is all hazardous waste that does not meet the definition of acute hazardous waste.

Small quantity generators, or SQGs, are facilities that generate between 100 and 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per month.

Transfer facility refers to a location used for temporary storage of a shipment during the course of transportation.

Very small quantity generators, or VSQGs, are facilities that generate between 100 kilograms or less of hazardous waste per month. VSQGs replace conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQGs) per updates made to hazardous waste generator regulations in October of 2016.

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