MCF Environmental Services have been serving medical clinics, laboratories, education institutions and local businesses for more than 31 years, offering specialist waste collection and disposal services for hazardous and non-hazardous waste streams.
It is the responsibility of hazardous waste generators throughout the state of Pennsylvania to be aware of – and follow – the regulations hazardous waste management including segregation, storage, and disposal processes. In the state, hazardous waste is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Do you know where to find the rules?
Hazardous waste generators need to know where to find the rules in order to maintain compliance. State guidelines for waste management are found under Title 25: Environmental Protection.
Chapter 261a (Identification and listing of hazardous waste) provides detailed information regarding definitions and how to deal with residues of hazardous waste and empty containers. If you are unsure if the material is a hazardous waste, manage it as one until otherwise determined.
- Chapter 262a defines Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste.
- Chapter 270a covers the Hazardous Waste Permit Program.
- Chapter 284 covers Regulated Medical and Chemotherapy Waste.
Guidelines also cover acceptable forms of treatment/decontamination of such wastes that includes incineration, autoclave, or chemical disinfection methods to render such waste harmless prior to disposal.
Requirements for hazardous waste generators in Pennsylvania
Hazardous waste generators are required to fill out and file a notification of regulated waste activity to obtain their EPA hazardous-waste ID number (EPA form 8700-12). This also ensures that you’re using a licensed transporter to ship hazardous waste to permitted facilities. Additional requirements may apply depending on volume of hazardous waste generated in a calendar month.
Pennsylvania’s Hazardous Waste Regulation Compliance Guide and Generator Requirements can be found here. You are required to follow Pennsylvania’s laws for storage and transportation of hazardous waste and those of the federal government, found in Title 40 CFR Part 262.
A large quantity generator (LQG) can accumulate hazardous waste on-site for 90 days or less if federal requirements are met. A small quantity generator (SQG) can accumulate hazardous waste on-site for 180 days or less, with certain stipulations.
Know the rules. Know the guidelines.
MCF Environmental Services provides the expertise needed to maintain compliance and safety. For guidance on Pennsylvania’s regulations, required forms, or other aspects of hazardous waste management across all fields and industries, you can rely on our regulatory expertise. Call us today.
