Who Is A Generator Of Hazardous Waste? A generator of hazardous waste is any individual, business, or organization who through their activities produce a hazardous waste of any quantity.

What Is A Hazardous Waste? A hazardous waste is any substance that is a federally listed waste, characteristic waste, used oil and waste mixed with a known hazardous waste which threatens human health or the environment. Hazardous wastes may be solid, liquid or sludge. They may be the by-products of manufacturing processes or unwanted commercial products. By definition, a waste may be hazardous if it is federally listed or it has at least one of these characteristics: ignitable (flammable), corrosive to metal and tissue, reactive (explosive), and toxic or damaging to living organisms or the environment.

How Do I Decide If My Waste Is Hazardous Waste? It is the generator’s responsibility to determine if a waste is a hazardous waste. A waste generator is required to maintain a written hazardous waste determination for each waste that they generate. The waste determination may be based upon the generator’s knowledge of the waste and/or upon analytical test results. In general, it is helpful to review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a product- derived waste as well as see if the waste is specifically listed in, or meets the characteristics set forth in, Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.

What Is A Safety Data Sheet (SDS, formerly Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS)? A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a form prepared by a chemical manufacturer or formulator. It provides the following information: product name (common, trade, and/or chemical), hazardous ingredients, physical and chemical characteristics, fire and explosion information, physical and health hazards, special precautions and personal protection information, and disposal and spill information. Employees of the facility must have access to and be trained on the use of the SDS so that they can properly handle the hazardous materials in both normal and emergency circumstances.

What Are Some Examples of Hazardous Waste Generators? Auto repair facilities, auto body shops, agriculture, dry cleaning facilities, plating shops, print shops, auto wrecking yards, pesticide formulators, fertilizer manufacturers, schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and laboratories.

What Forms Do Hazardous Waste Generators Have to Submit? All facilities that handle or store hazardous materials and/or hazardous wastes must submit to Yolo County the Hazardous Materials Business Plan. This must be done electronically via the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS).

How Long Can I Store Hazardous Waste? For information on hazardous waste accumulation please refer to DTSC Fact Sheet on “Accumulation”.

How Can I Dispose Of Small Quantities Of Hazardous Waste Responsibly and Inexpensively? Yolo County has a low-cost program to help small quantity generators legally and properly dispose of small quantities of hazardous waste.

What Are Some Of The Other Hazardous Waste Generator Requirements? The generator must label each container of hazardous waste, with the words "Hazardous Waste", the date accumulation of the waste began, the name and address of the generator, the manifest tracking number, and with labels that conform to the U.S Department of Transportation requirements.

When hazardous waste is transported, the generator must record the type, quantity, and the hazards of the waste on a tracking document called a hazardous waste manifest. Copies of all hazardous waste manifests must be kept on-site and available for a minimum of 3 years.

During accumulation and storage the generator must inspect the hazardous waste containers weekly to verify that the containers are closed and in good condition.

For further information on generator requirements please refer to the DTSC Fact Sheet on “Hazardous Waste Generator Requirements”

What Is An EPA ID Number? An EPA Identification (ID) Number is required for every non-household generator of hazardous waste. An EPA ID Number consists of a three-letter prefix followed by nine digits.

EXAMPLE: CAL 000 123 456

The EPA ID Number tracks the generation, transportation, and disposal of hazardous wastes (cradle to grave). EPA ID numbers are site/location specific. Visit the EPA ID webpage on the state Department of Toxic Substances Control website, and complete the application form to obtain an EPA ID Number. This number is permanent and there should only be one number for each address. Make sure you do not already have one before you submit an application. For more information on EPA ID numbers, you can call the DTSC at 1-800-618-6942.

Is It OK To Dump Hazardous Waste in the Gutter or Storm Drain? No. It is NOT legal to place hazardous waste in the garbage, down the drain, into the air, or on the ground. Hazardous waste can cause injury or illness to the public, utility employees, and wildlife. Do not pour or flush hazardous waste down the sewer or into the storm drain. Do not discard it on the ground. Waste engine oil, oil filters, and automotive batteries can be taken to Yolo Central Landfill for free disposal. Additionally, many auto-parts stores take waste engine oil, oil filters, and automotive batteries. See Division of Integrated Waste Management for programs helping small business operators and homeowners dispose of waste properly and cost effectively in Yolo County.

What is Universal Waste? Universal waste is a type of hazardous waste that is generated by businesses and households alike. Universal waste is very common and poses a lower risk to people and the environment than other types of hazardous waste. This waste is now being regulated under the “Universal Waste Rule” which can be found in the California Code of Regulations, title 22, division 4.5, chapter 23. For more information on Universal Waste DTSC Fact Sheet: Managing Universal Waste in California.