Non-Hazardous & Special Waste Management

Special wastes, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), encompass categories of waste materials that have historically been subject to regulatory scrutiny due to their potential environmental and health impacts. These wastes were initially identified as “special” under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) due to their large volumes of generation and perceived lower risk compared to hazardous wastes. The EPA deferred hazardous waste regulations for six specific categories, termed special wastes, pending further study to assess their risks.

The types of special wastes include:

• Cement Kiln Dust Waste: Generated during the cement manufacturing process, this fine-grained solid by-product is captured by air pollution control systems. It is often excluded from hazardous waste regulations due to its composition and management practices.
• Crude Oil and Natural Gas Waste: Certain wastes from oil, natural gas, and geothermal energy exploration and production are excluded from hazardous waste regulations under RCRA. These include materials brought to the surface during extraction operations and those in contact with the production stream.
• Fossil Fuel Combustion Waste: Wastes produced from burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These wastes include fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and particulates removed from flue gas. Some categories of fossil fuel combustion waste have been excluded from hazardous waste regulations based on EPA determinations.
• Mining and Mineral Processing Waste: Waste generated during the extraction, beneficiation, and processing of minerals. While many mining wastes are excluded from federal hazardous waste regulations, certain mineral processing wastes are subject to regulation under RCRA.

The EPA conducted assessments and submitted reports to Congress on each special waste category to determine regulatory status. Despite exemptions from Subtitle C of RCRA, special wastes may still be subject to state-specific regulations. Therefore, compliance with state and federal guidelines is essential when managing these materials to mitigate environmental and health risks.

We ensure compliance with regulations governing the management of special wastes through rigorous adherence to local, state, and federal guidelines. Our experienced team stays up-to-date with evolving regulations and industry best practices to ensure proper handling, transportation, treatment, and disposal of special wastes.

We conduct thorough waste characterization assessments, implement appropriate waste management plans, and maintain detailed documentation to demonstrate compliance throughout the waste management process.

When handling and storing non-hazardous waste, it’s essential to prioritize safety to prevent accidents and minimize environmental impact.

Some key safety precautions include:

• Proper training: Ensure that personnel involved in handling and storing non-hazardous waste receive adequate training on safety procedures, including proper lifting techniques and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Secure containment & clear labeling: Store non-hazardous waste in sturdy containers that are designed to prevent leaks, spills, and contamination. Clearly label those containers with appropriate hazard information, including the type of waste and any special handling instructions. Keep waste storage areas clean, organized, and well-maintained to reduce the risk of accidents.
• Emergency preparedness: Develop and implement emergency response plans for handling spills, leaks, or other incidents involving non-hazardous waste. Train personnel on emergency procedures and provide access to spill response equipment and materials.