How does this rule help eligible academic entities better manage their laboratory hazardous waste and improve environmental performance?
The rule helps eligible academic entities safely manage their hazardous laboratory waste by providing them flexibility to make the hazardous waste determination either: 1) in the laboratory before the hazardous waste is removed; 2) at an on-site central accumulation area (CAA); or 3) at an on-site permitted or interim status treatment, storage or disposal facility (TSDF). Previously, the hazardous waste determination was frequently made by individual researchers or students in the laboratory. This action is designed to ensure that persons properly and thoroughly trained in the RCRA hazardous waste regulations are making such determinations for all hazardous wastes generated at the laboratory. EPA believes that this change will reduce the chances of improper hazardous waste determinations and, thus, the possibility of hazardous wastes being improperly managed. The rule continues to allow environmental health and safety personnel at the eligible academic entities to determine – campus-wi
