October 29, 2003—A proposed change to federal hazardous waste management regulations that could significantly increase the recovery of metals, solvents, and other usable materials was recently announced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This action could make it easier to possibly recycle more than 1 million tons of hazardous waste annually, and encourage recovery of valuable materials worth an estimated 1 billion dollars yearly.
The proposal is an outgrowth of EPA’s Resource Conservation Challenge, which aims to increase recycling and reduce harmful chemicals in the environment. Hazardous waste includes residue from industrial processes, such as used solvents, metal-containing sludge, and dust collected in air pollution equipment.
Specifically, EPA proposes to exclude from hazardous waste regulation those materials that are recycled in a continuous process within the same industry. If these materials are released to the environment, however, the existing hazardous waste regulations will apply and EPA will use all appropriate enforcement authorities to control them. In addition, the proposal does not change the agency’s current regulations or authority over the following types of hazardous recyclable materials: (1) those recycled by a commercial or third-party reclaimer who is not within the same industry; (2) those placed on the land for beneficial use; (3) those burned for energy recovery; and (4) those considered inherently waste-like, such as certain dioxin-containing wastes.
The proposal is in the Federal Register, with a ninety-day public comment period. More information is available by contacting EPA at 800/424-9346.
