Did you know that the EPA has a new rule that will exclude reusable and disposable wipes, rags and absorbents that are contaminated with F001 through F005 solvents from the hazardous waste regulations? The federal rule goes into effect January 31, 2014 in states where EPA runs the RCRA program. Other states will need to adopt the new rule before it is effective in their state.
Under the new rules generators may store contaminated wipes on-site up to 180 days in leak proof containers labeled “Excluded Solvent-Contaminated Wipes.” When it’s time to ship the wipes off-site for disposal or cleaning at an approved facility, generators must follow EPA-approved methods to make sure there are no free liquids in the containers. Although shipment with a hazardous waste manifest is not required, shipment of contaminated wipes must meet all DOT requirements and records of shipments must be retained by the generator.
Solvent-contaminated wipes that will be disposed must be sent to approved landfills or combustion facilities that meet EPA or state specifications. Wipes that will be cleaned and reused must be sent to industrial laundries or dry cleaners that are in compliance with the requirements of the Clean Water Act.
To help explain what these new regulations mean a team of Heritage experts put together an informative whitepaper. This whitepaper lays out pertinent information about this new regulation including:
- Applicable Wipes,
- Issues to Consider,
- Generator Requirements for Solvent-Contaminated Wipes that will be Disposed, and
- Generator Requirements for Solvent-Contaminated Wipes that will be Cleaned and Reused.
