Waste Piles

In some instances, hazardous wastes may be managed through the use of waste piles. Ignitable, reactive, and incompatible waste cannot usually be stored in this way, unless the waste has undergone special treatment to make it safe. When acceptable hazardous wastes are stored in a pile, however, specific rules apply to ensure that the material stays in place. The rules are as follows:

• A waste pile must have a liner, with regulations similar to those of a container system. Liners prevent the leaching or leaking of material into the surrounding soil and water supply.
• The owner or operator must also provide for suitable control of water and waste run-off that would result from a 25-year storm that lasts 24 hours.
• The facility must prevent the hazardous material from being blown around by the wind.
• The facility must have an approved response action plan in place before receiving any waste. This plan needs to detail what actions the facility will take if the materials in the waste pile begin to leak into the surrounding environment.
• The facility must inspect the waste piles weekly and after storms to detect problems.

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