EPA Considers Measures to Toughen Definition of Solid Waste Rule

Date: June 1, 2009

Source: News Room

The EPA is considering measures that would make its controversial rule amending the definition of solid waste (DSW) under the Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA) more stringent. In answer to critics, the agency, which finalized the rule late last year in an effort to promote recycling, is considering a more precise definition of how industry must "contain" recyclable materials in order to qualify for an exemption from strict hazardous waste requirements. Moreover, companies seeking to take advantage of the exemptions will likely need to notify the agency earlier and meet the definition of "legitimate" recycling. "EPA does not plan to repeal the rule," the agency says in a May 27 Federal Register notice which is bound to disappoint environmentalists who have fought against the new regulation. In response to an administrative lawsuit filed by environmentalists, the Obama EPA initially announced on May 5 that it would host a public meeting June 30 to discuss possible revisions to the rule.

In the May 27 Federal Register notice, EPA provides detail on which specific provisions of the rule it is considering revising, and how (www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-WASTE/2009/May/Day-27/f12283.htm).

To learn more, visit: www.epa.gov/waste/hazard/dsw/rulemaking.htm.

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