Complying with the EPA’s
Hazardous Waste Generator
Improvements Final Rule
Generators must indicate the hazards of hazardous contents, but have flexibility in doing so
To enhance safety and environmental protection, the EPA’s Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Final
Rule, which became effective federally last year, requires identification including the words “Hazardous Waste,”
a description of the container’s hazards, and the date the accumulation started on each container.
Previous Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) program labeling regulations did not require waste
generators to identify the hazards of waste accumulated in containers, tanks, drip pads and containment
buildings. This resulted in a failure to communicate risks associated with wastes being accumulated or stored
in different locations, which could put workers, waste handlers, emergency responders and visitors at serious
risk.
16 SZM Magazine • January ‘19