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ez Explanations

Waste minimization

RegSenseezExplanationWaste/HazWasteSatellite AccumulationWasteEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)Best ResultsEnvironmentalEnglishFocus AreaUSA

Waste minimization and sustainability practices are closely related, but are also distinctly different. Waste minimization is required by federal hazardous waste law, while sustainability practices are voluntary measures taken to reduce a company’s impact on the environment. Sustainability is defined by the World Commission on Environment and Development as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Scope

Hazardous waste generators certify they are taking steps to minimize waste whenever they sign a hazardous waste manifest. In addition, Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) must report on their waste minimization practices whenever they complete a biennial report.

Sustainability considers the environmental impact of every stage of development, whether on a national, local, or individual business level. Sustainability looks at the interaction between environmental considerations and social and financial impacts.

Regulatory citations

  • 40 CFR 262 Subpart B — Criteria for Identifying the Characteristics of Hazardous Waste for Listing Hazardous Waste
  • 40 CFR 262 — Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste

Key definitions

  • Biennial report: EPA Form 8700-13 A/B, which tracks the waste activities of Large Quantity Generators.
  • Hazardous waste manifest: EPA Form 8700-22, which tracks waste shipped from a generator to its final destination.
  • Pollution prevention: The efforts to reduce or prevent pollution at the source through cost-effective changes in production, operation, and raw materials use.
  • Recycling: Using, reusing, or reclaiming materials/waste, including processes that regenerate a material or recover a usable product from it.
  • Source reduction: Equipment or technology modifications, process or procedure modifications, reformulation or redesign of products, substitution of raw materials, and improvements in housekeeping, maintenance, training, or inventory control. Source reduction does not include recycling, treatment, or disposal.
  • Sustainability: The careful management of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.
  • Waste minimization: Source reduction and the following types of recycling: beneficial use/reuse and reclamation. Waste minimization does not include recycling activities whose use constitute disposal and burning for emergency recovery.

Summary of requirements

  • Certify your company’s efforts to minimize waste when signing the hazardous waste manifest.
  • Describe your company’s waste minimization efforts when completing the Biennial Report.
  • Complete waste minimization plan and make it available to all personnel.
  • Ensure management buy-in to sustainability efforts.
['Waste']
['Satellite Accumulation']
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