Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule Effective in Texas and Vermont

The hazardous waste generator regulatory program was first put into effect in 1980, and the past 40 years have resulted in updates and improvements to the program to allow for more clarity, consistency and flexibility. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule amends hazardous waste regulations by allowing for flexibility in how hazardous waste is handled and has made the regulations easier to understand.

In order to remain compliant, it’s important for hazardous waste generators to stay up-to-date on where the rule is in effect and when to expect adoption in each state. To provide updates on these changes, Clean Earth will be monitoring the rule’s progress throughout the year.

Rule is Effective

• Texas: The rule is complete and went into effect February 3, 2022.
• Vermont: The rule is complete and went into effect February 1, 2022.

Anticipated Rulemaking by July 1, 2022

• Montana: The rule is currently being drafted (adopting by reference). The public meeting was held February 9, 2022.
• Washington, D.C.: The rule is currently in the public comment period (adopting by reference). The comment period has been extended to February 21, 2022.

Anticipated Rulemaking after July 1, 2022

• Maine: The rule is not yet being considered. The proposed rule is set to be published in late 2022, along with public hearings, comment periods and meeting notices. The final rule is to go into effect in 2023.
• Massachusetts: The rule is not yet being considered. The proposed rule is set to be published in 2023, along with public hearings, comment periods and meeting notices. The final rule is to go into effect in 2023.
• Missouri: The rule is currently being drafted and in the Stakeholder Review Period. The proposed rule is set to be published in fall 2022, as well as the public hearing dates, comment periods and meeting notices.
• Minnesota: The rule is currently being drafted and will be added to the previously proposed rulemaking: Land-Related Housekeeping Amendments. It is in the first half of the 2022 public comment period and set to be published in June 2022. Public hearings, comment periods and meeting notices will be held in June 2022.

Clean Earth encourages any generator managing potentially hazardous waste to do so in accordance with the generator regulations as safety remains of the utmost concern. Our expertise in the industry and expansive technical capabilities have allowed us to process a wide variety of hazardous waste materials, prompting us to always look for innovative solutions for disposal and recycling.

Learn more about how we reduce the environmental impact of hazardous waste.

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