Summary of Hazardous Waste Regulations

This summary is provided to assist hazardous waste handlers in complying with federal and state of Florida regulations. Most of the following regulations have been in effect since November 19, 1980. Florida has adopted and incorporated portions of Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 260-273 into its Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) Chapter 62-730. In some instances, 62-730, F.A.C., contains more detail than the CFR as promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Hazardous wastes (HW) are wastes listed in 40 CFR Part 261, Subpart D, as hazardous, or they are wastes characterized in 40 CFR Part 261, Subpart C, as hazardous by exhibiting one of four characteristics: ignitability (i.e., an oxidizer or flash point < 140°), corrosivity (i.e., pH < 2 or > 12.5), reactivity [40 CFR 261.23], or toxicity [40CFR 261.24]. Toxicity is defined through a laboratory procedure called the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) (Method 1311). The TCLP helps identify wastes likely to leach concentrations of contaminants that may be harmful to human health or the environment.

A hazardous waste determination must be made of any waste material generated (262.11). If the material is hazardous, then it must be recycled, treated, stored or disposed at a HW facility authorized by DEP, EPA or another state. HW cannot be disposed on or in the ground, or in local landfills, septic tanks or injection wells. Also, regardless of quantity, the generator of HW is ultimately responsible for the waste from "cradle to grave," and can be held liable for improper management of HW even though it may have been sent to a authorized HW management facility using a licensed transporter authorized by DEP.

A copy of the federal hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 260-268) can be obtained from public, college or law libraries; EPA Region 4, Atlanta Federal Center, 61 Forsyth St. S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3104 (404-562-8579); the U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; or the U.S. Government Printing Office, 100 W. Bay St., Suite 100, Jacksonville, Florida 32202 (904-353-0569). Copies of Chapter 62-730, F.A.C., may be obtained from DEP.

This page is based on DEP's understanding of the HW regulations. It should be read in conjunction with (and not as a substitute for) the federal and state HW regulations. This summary includes the principal components of the HW regulations. Regulatory requirements may change because of changes in the regulations, new interpretations or guidance from EPA or DEP, judicial rulings, etc.

Ultimately, it is the facility's responsibility to stay current with HW regulations and be in compliance with all applicable environmental regulations. Failure to meet the applicable rules may subject facilities to more stringent standards. For example, small quantity generators (SQGs) dumping HW illegally not only become subject to disposal facility standards but will also be subject to enforcement actions. DEP has an agreement with EPA that mandates the assessment of penalties for violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements.

Many local governments have regulations and ordinances regarding the management of hazardous materials and/or wastes. Please check with those agencies for information on local requirements. New regulations may be adopted by EPA and become effective in Florida prior to adoption by DEP.

Land Disposal Restrictions

On November 8, 1984, the president signed into law the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The amendments require the EPA to evaluate all listed and characteristic hazardous wastes to determine which wastes should be restricted from land disposal. These restrictions are called the Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR). As of May 8, 1990, most hazardous wastes must be treated to meet these standards prior to disposal in permitted hazardous waste landfills or surface impoundments. The LDR rule prohibits the dilution of restricted wastes as a substitute for effective adequate treatment.

Before treating a HW or disposing of it off-site, the generator must determine whether the waste is subject to the LDR rules, what hazardous constituent levels are in the waste, and whether the waste must be treated or already meets the applicable treatment standard or prohibition level upon generation.

Generators who treat hazardous waste on site in tanks or containers under 40 CFR 262.34 must develop and follow a written waste analysis plan. The plan must be based on a detailed chemical and physical analysis of the waste. Records must be kept documenting treatment. Listed hazardous wastes must still be disposed of to a permitted hazardous waste landfill after treatment.

For the initial shipment of a waste shipped off-site, the generator must notify treatment, storage and disposal facilities of the nature and hazardous constituents of each HW shipped.

The written generator notice must include:

• The initial manifest document number and all applicable EPA hazardous waste number(s) and treatability groups (See 40 CFR 268.40);
• A list of the hazardous constituents that must be treated;
• Waste analysis data (if available); and
• A signed certification if the generator is claiming that his waste already meets the treatment standard.

All notifications, certifications and waste analysis data must be kept on-site for at least three (3) years from the date the waste was last sent to on- or off-site treatment or disposal. The generator must submit a new notice if the waste or the receiving facility changes.

The LDR rule provides for a few limited opportunities for delaying the effective date of prohibition, for a treatability variance or for gaining an exemption from the prohibitions. This LDR explanation is a brief synopsis of a complex set of rules and regulations and is not all inclusive. Contact the EPA or DEP or review 40 CFR Part 268 for detailed information.

Used Oil Requirements For All Generators

40 CFR PART 279

• Used oil may be stored only in tanks or containers.
• Containers and tanks must be in good condition and not leaking.
• Containers and tanks must be labeled "Used Oil."
• Spills must be cleaned up, and contaminated materials disposed of properly.
• Oil filters may not be disposed of at landfills. They must be recycled by an oil filter processor or municipal refuse incinerator (Chapter 62-710, F.A.C.).

Used oil must have secondary containment for containers, existing tanks or aboveground tanks.

Hazardous Waste Requirements

Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs)

40 CFR 261.5

VSQGs generate no more than 100 kilograms of HW in a calendar month and never accumulate more than 1,000 kilograms of HW at any time. Many wastes that are recycled are included in this quantity determination.

• Perform HW determination (262.11).
• Cannot accumulate > 1,000 kg at any time.
• Ensure delivery of HW to a proper recycling facility or TSDF.
• Keep records documenting proper disposal (Rule 62-730.030, F.A.C.).

Small Quantity Generators (SQG)

40 CFR Part 262

SQGs generate more than 100 kilograms but less than 1,000 kilograms of HW in a calendar month and never accumulate more than 6,000 kilograms of HW at any time. Many wastes that are recycled are included in this quantity determination.

• Obtain a DEP/EPA ID Number (262.12) using DEP Form 8700-12FL Notification of Regulated Waste Activity. For assistance phone 850-245-8705.
• Use manifest system (unless there is a reclamation agreement pursuant to 262.20(e)), and ship only to a permitted facility (262, Subpart B).
• Never exceed the 6,000 kg accumulation/180 day storage time limit.
• Emergency Planning:
  • Have at least one employee or a designee with authority as Emergency Coordinator (EC) on 24-hour call.
  • Next to the telephone, post:
    • the EC name and phone number;
    • fire department's number;
    • location of fire extinguishers; spill control equipment/material, and fire alarm (if any).
  • Follow emergency procedures, including taking necessary steps to address spills and fires, and notifying the National Response Center (24-hour number 800-424-8802) and the State Warning Point (850-413-9911).
  • Upon request, the DEP will provide contingency plan guidance if the facility wishes to develop a more comprehensive emergency plan than required of SQGs.
• Training of personnel regarding proper HW handling and emergency response.
• Keep records (262.44), including manifests, test results, etc., a minimum of three (3) years.
• If tanks are used for management of HW, meet the tank requirements of 265.201. This includes daily and weekly inspections, required maintenance, spill response and closure standards.
• Meet the following requirements under III -- LQG Requirements, below: Items 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 12 to 15, 17, and 22.
• If a SQG fails to meet applicable requirements, the full generator standards (and possibly TSDF standards) may apply.

Large Quantity Generators (LQG)

40 CFR Part 262

LQGs generate 1,000 or more kilograms of HW in a calendar month or generate 1 kilogram or more of acutely toxic HW. Many wastes that are recycled are included in this quantity determination.

• Perform HW determination (262.11), including LDR waste analyses (268.7).
• Obtain a DEP/EPA ID number (262.12) using DEP Form 8700-12FL Notification of Regulated Waste Activity. For assistance phone 850-245-8705.
• Use EPA hard copy or e-Manifest system, and ship to a permitted facility (262, Subpart B). State rules require the generator to complete areas Items 1 through 15 and the applicable parts of item 16, if required for international shipments, on Form 8700-22, and items 21 through 32, on Form 8700-22A.
• Meet pre-transport requirements for packaging, labeling, marking and placarding (262, Subpart C).
• Meet satellite accumulation rules (262.34(c)). Close and label these containers.
• Label containers and tanks with the words "Hazardous Waste" and label containers with accumulation start dates (262.34(a)).
• Do not store HW > 90 days (262.34(b)).
• Keep all records (262 Subpart D) for at least three (3) years (including manifests, test data, biennial reports, etc.).
• File a biennial report for HW shipped off-site (Rule 62-730.160, FAC).
• File exception report for late or missing manifests from the designated facility (262.42).
• Meet personnel training requirements, including documentation of training (264.16 & 265.16).
• Maintain and operate the facility in a clean, safe manner (265.31).
• Emergency equipment (265.32).
  • telephone or hand-held two-way radio;
  • internal communication or alarm system;
  • fire and spill control equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, hoses, sprinklers, etc.);
  • neutralizing agents, spill adsorbents, overpack drums, standby 55-gallon drums, etc.;
  • test and maintain the emergency equipment (265.33).
• Maintain adequate aisle space for evacuation, inspecting drums, etc. (e.g., no less than three (3) feet) (265.35).
• Attempt to make arrangements with local fire and police departments, hospitals, and emergency response contractors/equipment suppliers with regards to emergency arrangements, hazards of materials handled, layout of facility, etc. (265.37).
• Have a contingency plan meeting the requirements of Part 265 Subpart D. Upon request, DEP will provide contingency plan guidance. Emergencies that require implementation of the contingency plan must be reported to DEP. Updated contingency plans must be distributed when facility conditions or emergency coordinators change.
• Containers (e.g., drums, cans, etc.) must be kept closed and in good condition, inspected at least weekly, be compatible with the HW stored, and separated from other incompatible wastes (e.g., keep cyanides away from acids) (265 Subpart I). Records must be kept of these inspections ( FAC 62-730.160).
• Ignitable or reactive HW must be stored at least fifty (50) feet from the facility's boundary line (265 Subpart I).
• Tanks must meet the requirements of Part 265 Subpart J (structural integrity; containment and detection of releases; inspections; response to leaks or spills; operating requirements; closure and post-closure care; special requirements for ignitable, reactive and/or incompatible wastes; waste analysis and trial tests).
• Special cautions (including "no smoking" signs) are required for ignitable or reactive wastes (265.17).
• Security (e.g., a locked fence) and bermed containment areas (with roof and impermeable floor) for HW storage areas are strongly recommended.
• A Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR) Certification or Notification must accompany the initial manifest for a restricted waste. Generators who treat waste to meet land disposal restrictions must submit a waste analysis plan to DEP (268.7).
• Meet applicable air emission standards under 40 CFR 265 Subparts AA, BB and CC.

It is the facility's responsibility to comply with other applicable laws such as Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety and protective clothing rules; fire codes; Florida's Right to Know Law; Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA); etc.

Hazardous waste may never be disposed of in septic tanks or on the ground.

Hazardous waste may be burned only in permitted hazardous waste incinerators. Do not dispose of hazardous waste by evaporation.

Transporters

40 CFR Part 263 (Chapter 62-730, FAC)

• Obtain ID number (263.11) using DEP Form 8700-12FL Notification of Regulated Waste Activity. For assistance phone 850-245-8705.
• Use manifest system (263 Subpart B).
• Ability to clean up hazardous waste discharges during transportation-related incidents (263 Subpart C).
• Provide annual documentation of financial responsibility (Rule 62-730.170, FAC).
• Submit annual status update to DEP (Rule 62-730.170, FAC).
• Transporters storing waste > 24 hours at a transfer facility must notify DEP and meet many TSDF requirements (Rule 62-730.171, F.A.C.), including containment, operating record, contingency plan, training, security and closure.
• All transfer facilities operated in the state must have a unique ID number (Rule 62-730.171, F.A.C.).
• Transfer facilities must submit closure plan and contingency plan to DEP (Rule 62-730.171, F.A.C.).
• Transfer facilities must maintain a written record of when all hazardous waste enters and leaves the facility (Rule 62-730.171, F.A.C.).

Florida's hazardous waste regulations for transporters and transfer facilities are more comprehensive than the federal regulations.

Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSD)

40 CFR  Part 264 or Part 265

• Obtain a DEP/EPA ID number (264.11) using DEP Form 8700-12FL Notification of Regulated Waste Activity. For assistance phone 850/245-8705.
• Obtain a HW permit unless exempt (e.g. wastewater treatment units, elementary neutralization, etc.) and comply with permit conditions. Facilities receiving HW from off-site (including some recycling facilities) may be subject to TSDF requirements.
• Must meet applicable generator standards.
• Comply with general facility standards, including waste analyses, security, inspections and personnel training (264 Subpart B).
• Maintain emergency equipment, adequate aisle space, and make arrangements with local authorities (264 Subpart C).
• Have a contingency plan meeting the requirements (264 Subpart D).
• Use manifest system and comply with recordkeeping requirements (264 Subpart E).
• Comply with groundwater monitoring requirements (264 Subpart F).
• Comply with closure and post-closure requirements (264 Subpart G).
• Maintain financial assurance for closure, post closure (if applicable) and liability (264 Subpart H).
• Comply with container management standards (264 Subpart I).
• Comply with tank management standards (264 Subpart J).
• Comply with additional requirements for individual units such as surface impoundments, waste piles, containment buildings, incinerators, drip pads, etc. (264 Subpart K - 264 Subpart DD).
• Meet applicable air emission standards (264 Subparts AA, BB, and CC, Subpart CC).
• Meet applicable LDR requirements for treatment facilities, or as generators for wastes sent off-site for further treatment (Part 268).

Manifest Forms

Title 40 CFR Part 262 Subpart B requires the use of the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (EPA Form 8700-22 and 8700-22a) for hazardous waste shipments. Florida adopted 40 CFR Part 262 Subpart B by reference in Rule 62-730.160, F.A.C.
Obtaining Manifest Forms

Florida does not supply manifests, but does supply a list of vendors from which copies of the manifest may be obtained. Copies may also be available from hazardous waste transporters or hazardous waste management facilities.

Manifest Copies

40 CFR 262.22 requires the manifest to consist of copies for:

• the generator;
• each transporter;
• the owner/operator of the designated facility; and
• a signed copy to be returned to the generator by the designated facility.

For regular shipments of hazardous waste, Florida does not require the submission of a manifest copy to DEP. However, manifests must be retained for three (3) years and are reviewed as part of hazardous waste compliance inspections conducted by DEP.

When hazardous wastes are shipped under an emergency EPA/DEP identification number, as defined in 62-730.161, F.A.C., the generator must send a legible copy of all signed and returned manifests to DEP within 45 days of the last shipment.

The owner/operator of a designated facility must submit to DEP any manifests for which a significant discrepancy is discovered, as defined in 40 CFR 264.72 and 40 CFR 265.72, if the discrepancy is not resolved within 15 days.

A large quantity generator must submit a legible copy of a manifest to DEP if he has not received a copy of the signed manifest from the designated facility within 45 days of shipment. A small quantity generator must submit a legible copy of a manifest to DEP if the signed manifest is not received from the designated facility within 60 days of shipment.

Completing the Manifest

Florida requires (Rule 62-730.160(1), F.A.C.) the completion of the following sections of the manifest in accordance with Appendix to 40 CFR 262. Waste codes are listed in 40 CFR 261, Subparts C and D.

Form 8700-22

• Items 1 - 15
• Applicable parts of Item 16, if required for international shipments

Form 8700-22a

• Items 21-32

Return to the Hazardous Waste Management webpage.