Waste Disposal Regulations

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 208,000,000 tons of municipal waste and 279,000,000 tons of hazardous waste have been generated by the United States alone. Every household, business and industrial plant generates waste of varying degrees of harmfulness, and all of that waste must be disposed of. Due to the harmful nature of waste, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act was created to govern how we dispose of our trash. These laws provide a level of safety for our environment and for us.

Laws Regarding Storing Household Waste

• The RCRA act governs the way you store your trash prior to trash day. All waste must be kept in a covered, leak proof, and nonabsorbent container such as a lidded trashcan that meets the standards set by the American National Standards Institute. Waste containing food or other organic material must be sealed so it does not attract animals. The container can weigh no less then 75 pounds when it is filled to capacity. Waste service collectors must be able to empty your container without having to be exposed to its contents.

Laws Regarding Household Waste Removal

• State and local governments are responsible for maintaining a waste removal program for every household in their area. Regular trash must be collected at least once a week, and large or bulky items must be a collected a minimum of once every three months. Waste service collectors must be properly trained in safely handling and removing waste.

Laws Regarding Hazardous Waste Removal Facilities

• The owner of any hazardous waste removal facility must obtain an EPA identification number. The owner of the facility must develop a waste analysis plan. The facility must notify the regional administrator in writing before it can obtain hazardous waste. Before the facility can treat or dispose of hazardous waste, itmust perform a detailed chemical and physical test of the waste product. The facility must keep a record of all waste received and tested for three years from the received date.

Laws Regarding Disposing of Used Oil

• Used oil facilities must store the oil in clean, leak proof above ground containers. The facility can burn the used oil in an approved burner. Used oil collectors are required to have a permit to remove large quantities of oil but can transport smaller quantities, such as oil from household collection sites, without the use of a permit. Used oil facilities are responsible for maintaining a high level of safety on the premises and must have an emergency plan in place.