 How
Do I Manage My Hazardous Waste?
Information presented in this publication is intended to
provide a general understanding of the statutory and regulatory requirements
governing hazardous waste. This information is not intended to replace, limit
or expand upon the complete statutory and regulatory requirements found in the
Illinois Environmental Protection Act and Title 35 of the Illinois Administrative
Code of Regulations.
In the "Do I Have a Special Waste"
fact sheet, you determined if you generate hazardous waste, which is
a type of special waste. If you generate hazardous waste, this fact
sheet will help you understand how to properly manage it so that you protect
your employees and the environment, and comply with the law. Ask yourself the
following questions to determine your hazardous waste management requirements.
To obtain a copy of the "Do I Have a Special Waste" fact sheet, call
the Office of Small Business.
What Type of Hazardous Waste Generator Am I?
The hazardous waste regulations that apply to you depend on the amount of hazardous
waste you generate per month. There are three categories of hazardous waste
generators:
- Conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQG) generate less than
a total of 100 kilograms (220 pounds) per month of hazardous waste
- Small-quantity generators (SQG) generate a total of 100 to 1,000 kilograms
(220 to 2,200 pounds) per month of hazardous waste
- Large-quantity generators (LQG) generate over 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds)
per month of hazardous waste
To determine your hazardous waste generator category, add up the weight or
volume of all your hazardous waste generated per month.
What is a Hazardous Waste Manifest?
  Tip
If your generator category changes from month to month, you may want
to follow the larger category requirements to ensure you are always in
compliance.
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The manifest allows the waste to be tracked during shipment and at its final
destination. All SQGs and LQGs must use the Illinois Uniform Hazardous Waste
Manifest or an SQG can enter into a tolling agreement with a recycling facility
for all hazardous waste that is shipped from their business. For more information
about hazardous waste manifest requirements, call the Office of Small Business.
What Requirements Apply to CESQGs?
- Identify all hazardous waste that you generate.
- Hire a licensed special waste hauler to transport your hazardous waste to
a facility permitted to receive hazardous waste. To obtain a list of Illinois-licensed
special waste haulers and permitted facilities, call the Office of Small Business
- Do not accumulate more than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of hazardous
waste on your property at any time.
- If you accumulate more than 220 pounds of Special Waste, you must
use a hazardous waste manifest. To determine other special waste that you
may generate, refer to the "Do I Have a Special Waste" fact sheet.
- Store all hazardous waste in containers such as drums
What Requirements Apply to SQGs?
- Accumulate hazardous waste in containers such as 55-gallon drums or tanks.
- Do not store hazardous waste on your property more than 180 days. You may
store the waste for up to 270 days if it will be transported greater than
200 miles from your business
- Do not accumulate more than 6,000 kilograms (13,200 pounds) of hazardous
waste on your property at any time.
- Register with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA)
using a Notification of Hazardous Waste Activity form, which can be obtained
from the Office of Small Business.
- Make sure all your hazardous waste is packaged and labeled correctly before
transport. Although you are responsible for packaging and labeling your waste,
ask your transporter for assistance with this requirement.
- Hire a licensed special waste hauler to transport your hazardous waste to
a permitted hazardous waste facility using the Illinois Uniform Waste Manifest
or the manifest of the state you are shipping the waste to or sign a tolling
agreement with a recycling facility. To obtain a list of Illinois-licensed
special waste haulers and permitted hazardous waste facilities, call the Office
of Small Business.
- Keep your hazardous waste manifests or a copy of your tolling agreement
at your business for 3 years
- If you do not receive a copy of the manifest signed by the disposal company
within 60 days of shipment, send a copy to Illinois EPA of the manifest copy
left by the transporter.
What Requirements Apply to LQGs?
If you are an LQG, there are many additional requirements that you must comply
with in addition to the requirements described in this fact sheet. Call the
Office of Small Business to obtain a complete list of LQG requirements that
apply to you.
 TIP
Although a licensed transporter ships your waste, you
are responsible for ensuring that the transporter and the facility that
accepts your waste manage your waste properly. Call the Office of Small
Business for tips on how to make this determination.
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Can I Collect Waste Near the Process?
Yes, an Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA) allows you to accumulate hazardous
waste near where you generate it. You may accumulate up to 55 gallons in containers
that must be labeled "Hazardous Waste." Once you accumulate 55 gallons
in the SAA, you have 3 days to move the waste to a 90-day accumulation area.
Write the date you move the waste on the container and ensure that the waste
is removed from your business within 90 days from that date.
Should I Prepare for an Emergency?
All SQGs must establish safety guidelines and emergency response procedures
and be equipped with the following:
| An internal communication or alarm system that can provide immediate emergency
instructions to all personnel |
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| A telephone or two-way radio to request emergency assistance from local
police and fire departments |
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| Portable fire extinguishers, fire control devices, spill control materials,
and decontamination supplies |
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| Adequate water volume and pressure to supply water hoses, foam-producing
equipment, or automatic sprinklers |
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Are there any any Requirements for the Containers I use to Accumulate Hazardous
Waste?
Tip
To protect the environment and reduce your regulatory requirements, minimize
the amount of waste you generate. For more information, call the Office
of Small Business.
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All SQGs must:
- Label each container with the words "HAZARDOUS WASTE," and mark
each container with the date you start accumulating the waste in a 90-day
accumulation area.
- Use a container made of or lined with a material that will not cause hazardous
waste stored in it to react, ignite, or explode.
- Keep all containers of hazardous waste closed except when adding or removing
waste.
- Do not open, handle, or store containers in a way that might cause them
to leak, rupture, or fail.
- Inspect areas where containers are stored at least weekly for leaks and
deterioration.
- Maintain the containers in good condition. If a container leaks, put the
hazardous waste in another container.
- Do not mix incompatible hazardous waste or materials unless precautions
are taken to prevent potential hazards.
For information about requirements for tanks, call the Office of Small Business.
| For additional information on YOUR hazardous waste and other environmental
requirements, please call the Office of Small Business toll-free at 1-888-EPA-1996.
All calls are considered confidential and the caller can remain anonymous. |
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