Maryland Completes Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rulemaking

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed the final Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule (HWGIR) on Oct. 28, 2016, and it was published in the Federal Register (FR) on Nov. 28, 2016. 

The rule improves the entire hazardous waste generator program to strengthen environmental protection while ensuring businesses have the flexibility and certainty they need to successfully operate. 

New rules go into effect in a state when the state adopts them into state law. 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. The EPA authorizes states through a final rule and can then enforce authorized state rules. 

Clean Earth is tracking the latest HWGIR rulemaking updates for the states to show when and where the rule is effective, as well as interim steps such as public comment periods. 

• California: Rulemaking is currently under legislative review (California Code of Regulations, Title 1, Section 100 Rule) for mandatory portions of rulemaking only. The anticipated rule is expected to be partially effective in 2021. No public comment required for Section 100 Rule, which allows for changes without regulatory effect.
• Connecticut: Currently drafting the rule with the intent to adopt portions of it. Final rule is anticipated to be partially in effect in late 2021 with public comment (partial) in fall 2021.
• Maryland: Rulemaking is complete and pending publication. The final rule is effective 10 days after publication, which is expected in late April 2021.  
• Minnesota: Currently drafting the rule and adding it to a previously proposed rulemaking: Land-Related Housekeeping Amendments. Public hearing dates and comment periods will be from July to September 2021 with anticipated rulemaking after July 1, 2021.
• Missouri: Currently drafting the rule with anticipated rulemaking after July 1, 2021. Public comment was held on March 18, 2021, with stakeholder meetings in April 2021.
• Rhode Island: Drafting the rule is currently on hold and the final rule effective date has not yet been determined.
• Vermont: Currently drafting the rule with it expected to go into effect in summer 2021. Public hearing and comment in April 2021.

Clean Earth’s approach has always been to provide faster, smarter, greener solutions for clients and stakeholders. It’s no surprise that our company has 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 about our nationwide hazardous waste disposal services here.