Operating Records & Reporting

Each hazardous waste management facility must maintain a written operating record as established in the RCRA regulations found at 40 CFR 264.73. The operating record must contain items such as the following:

• The quantity and description of each hazardous waste received, including methods and dates of its treatment, storage, or disposal
• The location of each hazardous waste in the facility, and the quantity found at each location
• Results of waste analysis procedures
• Information about all incidents that occur in which it has been necessary to implement the contingency plan
• Up-to-date estimates for the cost of closing the facility and for maintaining it after it is closed

Other information must be maintained in the operating record as well, depending upon the role the facility takes in the processing of hazardous waste. All records must be made available for inspection by a designated Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) representative. In addition, by the first day of March of each even-numbered year, the facility owner or operator must submit a report to the EPA regional administrator. This report summarizes much of the information found in a properly maintained operating record. At the time of occurrence, the facility must report to the EPA regional administrator any facility closures or waste releases, fires, or explosions.

Finally, permitted and interim status TSDFs must complete and submit EPA Form 8700-13 A/B to the EPA regional administrator on March 1 of even-numbered years for facility activities during the previous calendar year. This is similar to the Biennial Report requirement for LQGs. Facilities that recycle hazardous waste without storing the waste must also now prepare and submit EPA Form 8700-13 A/B on a biannual basis.

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