Classification of Hazardous Waste - Classification Checklist

To determine if a waste is a hazardous waste, you must ask a series of questions.

  • Is the material a solid waste as defined in 40 CFR §261.2 ? Remember -- some materials are not a solid waste when recycled (40 CFR Part 261.2(e)).
  • Is the material excluded from regulation as a hazardous waste (e.g., household waste)? If it is, then it is not a hazardous waste -- otherwise continue ( 40 CFR §261.4(a) & (b) ).
  • Is the material a listed hazardous waste? If it is, then the waste is hazardous, however, you still must determine if the waste is also a characteristic waste ( 40 CFR 261 SubPart D ).
  • Does the waste exhibit any of the characteristics of a hazardous waste? If it does, then the waste is hazardous and there is no need to continue
    ( 40 CFR 261 SubPart C ).
  • Is the material a mixture containing a listed hazardous waste and a nonhazardous solid waste? ( 40 CFR §261.3 ).
  • Furthermore, the by-products of the treatment of any hazardous waste are also considered hazardous unless specifically excluded.

 

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