Where is the DSW Rule Effective?
Like in most federal environmental legislation, EPA encourages states to develop and run their own hazardous waste programs as an alternative to direct EPA management. • State adoption of the 2008 DSW final rule is optional because the rule is less stringent than the previous requirements under RCRA • States can create different standards (except for batteries due to the Battery Act (PDF) (9pp, 134K), but they have to be equivalent to the federal regulations (i.e., they must provide equivalent protection, cannot regulate fewer handlers, etc.) • States may adopt the entire rule or certain provisions. The 2008 DSW final rule went into effect immediately in states and territories that are not RCRA-authorized, including Iowa and Alaska. State adoption of the 2008 DSW final rule is strongly encouraged. If you would like to suggest updates to the page, please send your comments to Amanda Geldard (geldard.amanda@epa.gov).
