Key Terms

Interim status facilities are TSDFs that have an interim status permit because they were already in operation when the RCRA standards were established. This permit allows TSDFs to treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste while they are working toward meeting the criteria for an RCRA operating permit.

Interim status permit refers to a temporary EPA-issued permit that is given to a facility that was already in operation when the RCRA standards were established.

Open dump refers to a disposal facility that fails to meet the technical standards for disposal facilities as set forth in the RCRA regulations at 40 CFR Parts 257 and 258.

Permitted facilities are TSDFs facilities that have applied for or have obtained an operating permit (and/or a special form of permit, if required) after the RCRA regulations were established. This RCRA permit allows facilities to treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste according to the standards set forth in the permit.

RCRA operating permit refers to a permit issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that must be applied for and obtained before the construction of a new hazardous waste management facility begins. This permit is maintained across the active life of the facility, and during activities related to the facility's closure.

Special forms of permits are different special permits that are required for TSDFs that meet certain criteria (for example, emergency permits and combustion permits).

Standardized permit refers to a permit that is obtained through a streamlined application process. To qualify for this permit, the waste must have been generated on-site or at another site under the same ownership. Furthermore, this permit does not allow combustion to be used as a treatment method.

TSDF is an abbreviation used in RCRA regulations that refers to treatment, storage, and disposal facilities that handle hazardous waste.

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