TSDF Regulations

The cradle-to-grave chain of hazardous waste management activities is completed with the proper treatment, storage, and disposal of the waste. As we have already learned, facilities that perform these activities are referred to as hazardous waste "treatment, storage, and disposal facilities" or TSDFs. The regulations pertaining to TSDFs are the strictest of the three categories (generators, transporters, and TSDFs) of RCRA regulations. They cover both general facility standards that are applicable to all types of facilities and specific standards for various types of hazardous waste handling units. These "units" include waste disposal methods such as landfills, surface impoundments, tanks, containers, and containment buildings. The specific, technical standards for these units are designed to prevent the release of hazardous waste into the environment. To enforce these standards, the RCRA regulations require the owner or operator of a TSDF to apply for and receive a permit. The permitting process ensures that the owner or operator can show evidence of suitable compliance with the regulations. In addition, to maintain the permit as active, recordkeeping, monitoring, and testing is required on an ongoing basis.

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