7.1 Solid and Hazardous Waste Management under RCRA

RCRA, enacted in 1976, sets rules for managing hazardous and non-hazardous waste. It covers everything from waste generation to disposal, with the EPA developing regulations and states often implementing them.

Solid waste includes garbage, refuse, and other discarded stuff. RCRA defines what counts as solid waste and how to identify hazardous waste. Proper classification is key for following the rules and handling waste safely.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Overview and Key Components

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• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) enacted in 1976 establishes framework for proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste
• Subtitle C regulates hazardous waste from generation to disposal ("cradle-to-grave" approach)
• Subtitle D focuses on non-hazardous solid waste management primarily handled by state and local governments
• EPA develops regulations to implement RCRA provisions includes specific guidelines for waste handling, storage, and disposal

Regulatory Structure and Implementation

• RCRA amends Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965 expands federal role in waste management
• Mandates development of state and regional solid waste plans promotes environmentally sound disposal practices
• Establishes national goals for waste reduction and management emphasizes conservation of energy and natural resources
• Requires EPA to set standards for hazardous waste generators, transporters, and treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs)

Enforcement and Compliance

• EPA authorized to conduct inspections enforce regulations through administrative, civil, and criminal actions
• States can obtain authorization to implement RCRA program must demonstrate equivalent or more stringent standards than federal requirements
• RCRA corrective action program addresses environmental contamination at facilities that treat, store, or dispose of hazardous wastes
• Public participation required in RCRA decision-making processes includes permit issuance and cleanup activities

Waste Classification

Solid Waste Definitions and Categories

• Solid waste encompasses garbage, refuse, sludge, and other discarded materials includes liquids, semi-solids, and contained gases
• RCRA defines solid waste as any material discarded by being abandoned, inherently waste-like, or recycled in certain ways
• Categories of solid waste include municipal solid waste (household and commercial waste), industrial waste, and special wastes (medical waste, electronic waste)
• Exclusions from solid waste definition include domestic sewage, irrigation return flows, and certain nuclear materials regulated under the Atomic Energy Act

Hazardous Waste Identification

• Hazardous waste defined as solid waste that poses substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment
• Characteristics of hazardous waste include ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity
• Listed hazardous wastes categorized into F-list (non-specific source wastes), K-list (source-specific wastes), P-list and U-list (discarded commercial chemical products)
• Mixture rule and derived-from rule determine if wastes containing hazardous constituents are regulated as hazardous

Waste Classification Process

• Waste classification involves systematic evaluation to determine appropriate management and disposal methods
• Generator must determine if waste is hazardous using knowledge of waste characteristics or laboratory testing
• Universal wastes category simplifies management of certain common hazardous wastes (batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment)
• Proper waste classification crucial for compliance with RCRA regulations and ensuring appropriate handling and disposal

Waste Management Strategies

Waste Management Hierarchy

• Waste management hierarchy prioritizes strategies for dealing with waste emphasizes prevention and minimization
• Source reduction ranks highest involves reducing waste at its source through product design and manufacturing processes
• Reuse follows encourages using items multiple times or repurposing them before disposal
• Recycling and composting convert waste materials into new products or soil amendments
• Energy recovery extracts usable energy from waste materials (waste-to-energy facilities)
• Treatment and disposal rank lowest in hierarchy used when other options not feasible

Landfill Design and Operation

• Modern landfills engineered to protect environment and public health
• Components include bottom liner system, leachate collection and removal system, gas collection system, and final cover
• Daily operations involve compacting and covering waste to minimize odors, vectors, and litter
• Monitoring systems track groundwater quality, landfill gas emissions, and structural stability
• Post-closure care required for 30 years after landfill closure includes ongoing monitoring and maintenance

Waste Treatment Technologies

• Incineration reduces waste volume and destroys harmful constituents through high-temperature combustion
• Advanced air pollution control systems required to minimize emissions from incinerators
• Waste-to-energy facilities generate electricity or heat from incineration process
• Other treatment technologies include chemical stabilization, bioremediation, and thermal desorption
• Treatment selection based on waste characteristics, regulatory requirements, and cost-effectiveness

Recycling and Waste Reduction Initiatives

• Recycling programs collect and process materials for reuse (paper, plastics, metals, glass)
• Single-stream recycling allows all recyclables to be collected together increases participation rates
• Extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs shift responsibility for post-consumer waste to manufacturers
• Waste reduction strategies include package redesign, durability improvements, and product leasing
• Zero waste initiatives aim to eliminate waste through comprehensive redesign of resource lifecycles