Small quantity generators (SQGs)

• SQGs generate between 220 and 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste per month.

Small quantity generators (SQGs) generate between 220 and 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste per month, 2.2 pounds or less of acute hazardous waste, and 220 pounds or less of residues from a cleanup of acute hazardous waste generated in a calendar month. They are more regulated than very small quantity generators (VSQGs), but less regulated than large quantity generators (LQGs).

Basic requirements for SQGs are:

• Identify all hazardous waste generated.
• Obtain an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Hazardous Waste Generator ID number.
• Ship waste offsite within 180 days (or 270 days if shipping a distance greater than 200 miles).
• Do not accumulate more than 13,000 pounds of waste onsite at any one time.
• Ensure there is always at least one employee available to respond to an emergency. This employee is the emergency coordinator responsible for coordinating all emergency response measures. SQGs are not required to have detailed, written contingency plans.
• Store waste in proper containers (no leaks, bulges, etc.).
• Properly mark and label waste containers.
• Train employees in basic waste management and emergency procedures.
• Ship waste offsite using the hazardous waste manifest.
• Submit annual waste report to state (if required) and submit SQG re-notification every four years beginning in 2021. This is a recent requirement under the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule (HWGIR).