EPA is encouraging businesses, schools, and other small facilities to double-check how they handle hazardous waste to avoid costly violations. In recent years, EPA Region 2 has found that many facilities are unknowingly violating federal hazardous waste rules. A common issue is shipping regulated amounts of hazardous waste without first obtaining the required EPA identification number. These mistakes often stem from confusion about how much hazardous waste a facility generates and what that means for compliance.
鈥淢any of these violations stem from misunderstanding, not malice,鈥� said Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. 鈥淲e want to make sure businesses understand their legal obligations and take proactive steps to handle hazardous waste properly. It鈥檚 about protecting human health and the environment 鈥� and helping companies avoid costly mistakes.鈥�
To address this, EPA has worked with dozens of facilities across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands through Expedited Settlement Agreements (ESAs) –听a tool that helps businesses fix the problem quickly and return to compliance with minimal penalty.
鈥淚f you run a small business, you may be generating more hazardous waste than you think,鈥� continued Regional Administrator Martucci. 鈥淲e鈥檙e here to help you get it right, because the rules protect both your workers and your community.鈥�
The rules apply to any facility that generates hazardous waste, including:
- Used paint, solvents, or thinners
- Expired lab or cleaning chemicals
- Disinfectants and sterilants
- Waste from auto work, art programs, or health services
When a facility generates more than 100 kilograms (approximately 220 pounds) of hazardous waste in a month, it must notify EPA and comply with additional handling and shipping regulations. Many facilities鈥攕uch as auto shops, dental and medical clinics, printers, schools, and laboratories鈥攎ay unknowingly exceed this threshold. Even facilities that generate less than 100 kilograms of hazardous waste per month are subject to specific requirements.听EPA encourages facilities to:
- Check how much hazardous waste they generate monthly
- Apply for EPA ID numbers using听EPA Form 8700-12 if you generate more than 100 kilograms (about 220 pounds) of hazardous waste in a month.
- Follow storage, labeling, and disposal rules based on generator category
- Use EPA鈥檚 online guidance to stay informed and in compliance
These steps help avoid enforcement actions and protect your business, employees, and environment.