The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is encouraging businesses, schools, and other small facilities to double-check how they handle hazardous waste to avoid costly violations.
In recent years, EPA Region 2 has found that many facilities are unknowingly violating federal hazardous waste rules. A common issue is shipping regulated amounts of hazardous waste without first obtaining the required EPA identification number. These mistakes often stem from confusion about how much hazardous waste a facility generates and what that means for compliance.
“Many of these violations stem from misunderstanding, not malice,” said Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “We want to make sure businesses understand their legal obligations and take proactive steps to handle hazardous waste properly. It’s about protecting human health and the environment — and helping companies avoid costly mistakes.”
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To address this, EPA has worked with dozens of facilities across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands through Expedited Settlement Agreements — a tool that helps businesses fix the problem quickly and return to compliance with minimal penalty.
“If you run a small business, you may be generating more hazardous waste than you think,” Martucci said. “We’re here to help you get it right, because the rules protect both your workers and your community.”
The rules apply to any facility that generates hazardous waste, including:
- Used paint, solvents, or thinners
- Expired lab or cleaning chemicals
- Disinfectants and sterilants
- Waste from auto work, art programs, or health services
When a facility generates more than 100 kilograms (approximately 220 pounds) of hazardous waste in a month, it must notify EPA and comply with additional handling and shipping regulations. Many facilities — such as auto shops, dental and medical clinics, printers, schools, and laboratories — may unknowingly exceed this threshold. Even facilities that generate less than 100 kilograms of hazardous waste per month are subject to specific requirements. A summary of these requirements is available here.
EPA encourages facilities to:
- Check how much hazardous waste they generate monthly
- Apply for EPA ID numbers using EPA Form 8700-12 if you generate more than 100 kilograms (about 220 pounds) of hazardous waste in a month.
- Follow storage, labeling, and disposal rules based on generator category
- Use EPA’s online guidance to stay informed and in compliance
For more information and compliance resources, visit: https://www.epa.gov/hw
EPA also reached an agreement on a hazardous waste violation with Ecolab Inc. for alleged Resource Conservation and Recovery Act violations at the company’s facility in Joliet, Ill. Ecolab has addressed the alleged violations and will pay a $423,308.60 penalty.
“The first pillar of EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback initiative is clean air, land and water for every American,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel. “EPA is devoted to protecting communities like Joliet from the threats posed by improper and unregulated hazardous waste storage.”
Ecolab sells programs, products, equipment and services to help clean and treat wastewater. The company has failed to comply with certain RCRA regulations during its business operations, including the failure to:
- Obtain a permit, or interim status, for hazardous waste storage.
- Comply with hazardous waste storage tank requirements.
- Comply with container management requirements.
- Comply with contingency plan requirements.
- Maintain documentation for waste determinations and training.
Ecolab has certified its return to compliance with RCRA regulations. RCRA is the nation’s primary law governing the management of solid and hazardous waste to protect human health and the environment.
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