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Scope
Once you know your hazardous waste generator category, you must notify EPA and/or your state of your waste activities and obtain your EPA Identification Number.
Note: This step is not required for very small quantity generators (VSQGs) on the federal level, but be sure to check with your state. Some states require VSQGs to obtain EPA ID Numbers.
EPA ID Numbers are 12-character identification numbers used by both EPA and the states as part of a national database to track hazardous waste activities.
The application for the number notifies the state and federal government that your company is involved in hazardous waste activity. The ID number that you receive is used on all documents relating to hazardous waste: manifests, biennial reports, labels, etc.
Regulatory citations
Key definitions
- EPA ID number: A 12-character identification number used by both EPA and the states as part of a national database to track hazardous waste activities.
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): The principal federal law governing the disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste.
Summary of requirements
EPA’s Form 8700-12 and associated instructions are designed to help you determine if you are subject to the requirements under RCRA for notifying EPA or authorized state of your regulated waste activities.
The instructions will assist you in obtaining an EPA Identification Number by completing and submitting EPA Form 8700-12 for initial notifications, or in revising EPA Form 8700-12 if you are required to submit a subsequent notification. The instructions also include appendices on typical waste streams produced by small quantity generators and typical waste streams and EPA Hazardous Waste Numbers.
If you do not currently have an EPA identification number and you handle hazardous waste, you must submit an initial notification form. Circumstances under which you should submit an initial notification form include:
- If you generate, transport, treat, store, or dispose of solid wastes that are hazardous wastes.
- If you recycle secondary materials that are hazardous wastes.
- If you transport, process, re-refine, market, or burn off-specification used oil for energy recovery.
EPA Form 8700-12: Notification of Regulated Waste Activity Forms and Instructions.Form 8700-12 and associated instructions are designed to help you determine if you are subject to the requirements under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for notifying EPA or authorized state of your regulated waste activities.