Tracking Haz Waste Generator Improvements Rule State Adoption

DECEMBER 17, 2020

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule on Nov. 28, 2016, that finalized a necessary update to the hazardous waste generator regulations, thus making the rules easier to interpret and facilitating greater compliance, enhanced flexibility in how hazardous waste is managed, and closing essential gaps in the regulations.

To date, 32 states and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico have adopted the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements(HWGIR) Final Rule.

When the EPA authorizes a state for a new rule, the Agency reviews the new state regulations subsequent to adoption to ensure they are equally as stringent as, or more stringent than the federal regulations. EPA authorizes states through a final rule and can then enforce authorized state rules. See the State Authorization page for further information about the State Authorization program.

As more states continue working toward adopting the Final Rule in order to reach compliance, Clean Earth is tracking implementation and timelines for public comment.

Anticipated rulemaking after Dec. 31, 2020 is expected in Connecticut, Delaware and Tennessee.

Maryland and Missouri are also expected to have rulemaking after Dec. 31, 2020, though there will be public comment in the first half of 2021 in these states.

Clean Earth’s approach has always been to provide faster, smarter, greener solutions for our clients and stakeholders. It is no surprise that we have found other innovative ways to recycle and reuse hazardous waste. We employ cutting-edge techniques to reduce environmental impact, such as capturing flammable liquids and blending them into a fuel source that cement kilns can use as a cleaner burning alternative to coal. Learn more here.