Hazardous Waste Management Frequently Asked Questions For Businesses

REGULATORY RESPONSIBILITY

All businesses that generate waste in Ohio are required to determine if their waste is a hazardous or a non-hazardous waste. Once the waste is identified as a hazardous waste, you must ensure that it is sent to a permitted off-site facility for treatment, storage or disposal. The Division of Hazardous Waste Management monitors hazardous waste from its creation to its final disposal. This is commonly called “cradle-to-grave” regulation.

All generators, except those that are conditionally exempted because they generate less than 100 kilograms or 220 pounds per month are required to notify the Ohio EPA of their hazardous waste activity. The requirements for generators of hazardous waste are determined by how much waste is generated. Those who generate small quantities of waste are subject to fewer requirements; those who generate large quantities are subject to all of the generator regulations. Generators of large quantities of hazardous waste are responsible for having such things as contingency plans and personnel training programs.

Facilities that treat, store, and dispose (TSD’s) of hazardous waste are subject to the most stringent requirements, including the need to apply for and receive a hazardous waste facility permit.

Key Definitions

Hazardous Waste is any material that is discarded or abandoned which meets one or more of the following criteria:

• Characteristic Hazardous Waste - The waste must demonstrate one of the characteristics of a hazardous waste (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity or toxicity).
• Listed Hazardous Waste - The waste is included on a list of wastes from non-specific (F-codes) or specific sources (K-codes) and discarded or off-specification commercial chemical products (U and P codes).
• Mixture Rule - Any material which is mixed with or derived from one of the listed hazardous wastes is automatically a hazardous waste, such as contaminated soil or treatment residues. However, contaminated soil cannot be considered waste until it is removed from the ground.
• Used Oil - Any oil that has been refined from crude oil or synthetic oil that has been used and, as a result of that use, is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a copy of Ohio’s Hazardous Waste Rules?
Ohio’s Hazardous Waste Rules

If I am a business owner and my company generates hazardous waste, how can I get the required EPA Identification Number?
EPA Identification Number

My business generates numerous fluorescent bulbs, are they a hazardous waste?
Fluorescent bulbs

I have heard the term “universal waste,” but what does that mean?
Universal waste

I am a small quantity generator of hazardous waste.  Is there information available to help me manage my hazardous waste?
Hazardous Waste Generator Handbook

I am a large quantity generator of hazardous waste who is closing.  Are there environmental regulations that I need to be aware of before the facility is closed?
Closure plan review guidance

Ceasing your regulated operations

Resources

If your Business Has Regulating Authority

Industrial activities which took place prior to 1980.
The Division of Emergency and Remedial Response (DERR)

The Right-To-Know program and SARA Form R reporting
The Division of Emergency and Remedial Response (DERR)

The regulation and disposal of PCBs
The Division of Emergency and Remedial Response (DERR)

Worker health and safety issues
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Hazardous waste treated in a wastewater treatment facility
The Division of Surface Water
Also
The Division of Hazardous Waste Management

The regulation and disposal of Pesticides (Households)
The Department of Agriculture

Petroleum product spills
The Division of Solid & Infectious Waste Management

Underground Storage Tank Removal
State Fire Marshal’s Office, Buried Underground Tank Storage Program at 1-800-686-2878

Brown Fields
The Division of Emergency and Remedial Response (DERR)

Radiation
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Where can I find other sources of information about the management of hazardous waste?
Division of Hazardous Waste Management

Updated 04/05/12