E-Enterprise partners evaluated the need for compliance assistance tools for hazardous waste generators

Hazardous waste regulations can be complex. Even the most sophisticated members of the regulated community can encounter challenges determining which rules apply to their particular operational circumstances. This uncertainty can increase the cost of regulatory compliance and contribute to higher rates of non-compliance.

The EPA and ADEQ sponsored a one-day Kaizen event that brought together 11 representatives of seven Arizona generators of different sizes. To maintain focus with limited time, the project scope was refined to examine liquid solvent waste in a case study approach to how facilities make determinations and what tools can ensure accurate decisions are made the first time at the facility level.

The EPA provided support for expert Lean facilitation at the Kaizen event and additional consultant work on the scoping report. EPA and ADEQ staff conducted the project in joint governance. The EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management provided supplemental resources to complete development of the decision support tool.

The event’s final report concluded that there is strong interest and need for materials and tools that can clarify RCRA compliance issues, as underscored by the broad participation in the event, even among sophisticated large quantity generators.

The EPA’s Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery took the next step to develop the decision support tool through guidance that is easily navigated on handheld devices, helping facilities make more accurate determinations on their liquid solvent waste.

In addition, this tool enables facilities to easily find information about recycling or reusing their solvents, which can reduce waste management costs and the nation’s need for virgin materials.