EPA Waste Management Updates: Upcoming Webinars, Request for Comments, and much more!

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November 17, 2022

Join Our Webinar about Revisions to Standards for the Open Burning and Open Detonation of Waste Explosives

EPA is developing a proposed rulemaking that will consider revisions to the regulations that allow for the open burning and detonation (OB/OD) of waste explosives. EPA will present and request input on specific approaches under consideration for its proposed rulemaking during a public webinar on Monday, December 5, 2022, at 1:00 pm (ET). Register in advance to attend the webinar.

Background: Under the existing Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulations, open burning of hazardous waste is prohibited except for waste explosives with no safe mode of treatment. This variance for explosive wastes was established at a time when there were no safe alternatives to treatment of waste explosives by OB/OD. Because there are safe alternatives in use today that capture and treat emissions prior to release, EPA is considering revising regulations to better implement use of these alternatives, where applicable.

EPA Publishes a Tribal Waste Journal about Managing Disaster Debris on Tribal Lands

On November 1, 2022, EPA published Issue 13 of the Tribal Waste Journal. This issue aims to support tribes’ plans for disaster debris management in a way that fits the needs of their communities. The issue offers unique considerations for tribes and tribal lands, suggestions for designing disaster debris management plans that are easy to use and scalable for the time, staff, and resources available, stories from tribes that have plans, and more. Access this issue and past issues on our website.

EPA Issues USWAG New Member Approval for Public Comment

EPA received a request to add one new Utility Solid Waste Activities Group (USWAG) member to the existing risk-based disposal approvals issued to USWAG. EPA is publishing a draft approval, containing some minor changes to the existing approvals, to allow the public to comment. This draft approval applies to all existing USWAG members as well as the member requesting to be added and does not remove any approved USWAG members. Access the proposed changes on our PCBs website. EPA is accepting comments on this draft approval until November 30, 2022. Send written comments or questions to ORCRPCBs@epa.gov.

EPA Provides Guidance on Disposal of Lithium-ion Batteries

Electric scooters and bikes can be fun, easy, and eco-friendly when used safely. Safety should also be a top priority when it’s time to dispose of the battery. Did you know that lithium-ion batteries (like the ones in electric scooters and bikes) can cause fires in bins, garbage trucks, and waste facilities - which could endanger people and property? That’s why they shouldn't be thrown in trash or curbside recycling bins. Get safety tips and information on battery storage, recycling, and safe disposal on our website.

EPA Responds to an Inquiry about the Wastewater Treatment Unit Exemption

EPA recently issued a memorandum discussing the applicability of the wastewater treatment unit exemption to a unit storing hazardous wastewater prior to shipment off-site to a publicly owned treatment works. Read the memorandum.

Join Us for the November e-Manifest Webinar

Please join EPA's e-Manifest team, Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at 2:00 pm Eastern Time for the next e-Manifest Monthly Webinar. The slides and recording of the October 26th e-Manifest webinar are now available at Monthly Webinars about the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest (e-Manifest).

Learn How to Start a Community Composting Program

EPA held three virtual trainings geared toward tribes interested in starting community composting programs to divert organic materials from landfills and restore nutrients to the soil: Part 1: Composting Fundamentals. Part 2: Composting Methods for Your Community. Part 3: Planning Your Community Composting Program. Check out the recordings of these trainings on our Tribal Webinar Series webpage.

The purpose of this newsletter is to provide interested parties with updates about the federal solid and hazardous waste programs, such as information about rulemakings, upcoming webinars, guidance documents, open comment periods, and other related communications.