Special Requirements for Containers That Hold Ignitable or Reactive Wastes

When an ignitable characteristic waste comes into contact with a reactive waste, their chemical reaction can lead to an explosion or fire. For this reason, workers should never place ignitable and reactive wastes in the same container. Similarly, these wastes must not be placed in an unwashed container that previously held an incompatible waste or material. If two nearby storage containers hold wastes that are ignitable and reactive, and thus incompatible with each other, the containers must be separated by a dike, berm, wall, or other structure. RCRA regulations require that containers that hold ignitable or reactive waste must be stored at least 50 feet away from a facility's property line. Since meeting this requirement can sometimes be impossible, especially in urban areas where properties are less than 100 feet wide, LQGs may approach the authority having jurisdiction over the fire code to apply for a waiver from the 50-foot requirement. The precautions taken by the facility must make the waiver appropriate and safe. This rule essentially creates a fire lane that will help to prevent fires and explosions from spreading to neighboring properties.

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