Waste Characterization Support

What is Waste Characterization?

Waste Characterization is the process of identifying and analyzing the types, amounts, and properties of materials in a waste stream. This information is essential for developing effective waste management strategies such as recycling, waste reduction, and compliant disposal. Depending on the facility, this can include:

• • Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
    • Includes diverse materials categories such as paper, metal, glass, and more.
    • Data is utilized to improve management methods (e.g. collection, transportation, processing, and disposal)
  • Hazardous and Special Waste
    • Regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and state programs
    • Determinations are made at point of generation before any alterations

Who Needs Waste Characterization?

Waste Characterization is needed for:

• • Industrial & Commercial Facilities
  • Waste Haulers & Recyclers
  • Local Government & Planners

Waste Characterization Process

The waste characterization process typically follows:

1. 1. Waste Survey – Site walkthrough to identify all waste streams
   2. Determine if the Material is a Solid Waste
      1. Evaluate whether the material meets the definition of “solid waste” under 40 CFR §261.2 (i.e. any discarded material that is abandoned, recycled, or inherently waste-like)
      2. Applicable exclusions include:
         1. Recycled materials not discarded
         2. Secondary materials reclaimed in continuous process
         3. Specific exclusions listed under 40 CFR §261.4(a), which are domestic sewage, irrigation return flows, certain mining wastes, etc.
   3. Check for Solid Waste Exemptions/Exclusions
      1. Some wastes are not solid wastes or are conditionally exempt under RCRA prior to hazardous waste determination
      2. Examples: Household waste, agricultural waste returned to the soil, certain industrial wastes managed under specific exclusions
   4. Determine if Solid Waste is a Listed Hazardous Waste
      1. Check if waste matches any listed waste categories under 40 CFR Part 261, Subpart D:
         1. F-List: Wastes from nonspecific sources
         2. K-List: Wastes from specific industries
         3. P-List and U-List: Discarded commercial chemical products
      2. Refer to SEC’s Hazardous Waste site for detailed breakdown of listed waste codes.
   5. Determine if the Waste Exhibits a Hazardous Characteristic
      1. Evaluate for the four hazardous characteristics under 40 CFR Part 261, Subpart C:
         1. Ignitability (D001)
         2. Corrosivity (D002)
         3. Reactivity (D003)
         4. Toxicity (D004-D043)
   6. Testing & Analysis – If waste’s status cannot be determined by process knowledge, perform laboratory analyses, such as:
      1. Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP)
      2. Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP)
      3. pH, flash point, or reactivity tests as applicable
   7. Recordkeeping – Maintain waste characterizations documentation for at least three years from the date waste was last shipped for disposal as per 40 CFR §262.11.
      1. Reports include:
         1. Material Breakdown
         2. Weight and Volume
         3. Source of Waste
         4. Data Analysis
         5. Sampling Methods
   8. Re-Characterization – Repeat characterization process as necessary if changes in production or materials utilized

Importance of Waste Characterization

Accurate waste characterization is crucial for ensuring that waste is managed safely and efficiently in compliance with federal and state regulations. Benefits include:

1. 1. Optimized Waste Management
   2. Enhanced Material Recovery
   3. Cost Reductions/Savings
   4. Environmental Protection

SEC supports facilities through every stage of the characterization process, providing tailored methods to meet your operational needs.