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Which Rules Apply? (Generator Status)

The Dangerous Waste Regulations apply differently for businesses that create different amounts of dangerous waste.  All businesses that produce dangerous waste are called "dangerous-waste generators." The amount and types of waste a business produces and accumulates determines which rules apply to that business.  Every business is legally responsible for knowing if any of their wastes are dangerous and how much they generate. See links below to learn more.

"Generator status" is the term the regulations use for the regulatory category that a business fits into. This status is determined by the amount and types of waste produced and accumulated and determines the business' requirements under the regulations.  The three categories under the regulations are Small Quantity Generators (SQGs), Medium Quantity Generators (MQGs), and Large Quantity Generators (LQGs).

To determine generator status, click the appropriate links below:

I DON'T KNOW whether my company generates dangerous waste:

Identify and Designate Waste will help you to learn whether your company generates dangerous waste:

I DON'T KNOW how much dangerous waste my company generates:

Count Dangerous Waste tells how to measure the dangerous waste that your business creates. The regulations refer to this process as “counting,” as in counting up the pounds of waste generated each month.

My company generates dangerous waste:

My Business Generates Dangerous Waste is for those who are fairly sure that they generate some amount of dangerous waste. Learn which rules apply for each category of dangerous waste generators.

My company treats dangerous waste generated by others:

Business Manages Dangerous Waste for Other Businesses introduces the regulations for Dangerous Waste Management Facilities, such as "treatment, storage, disposal " (TSD) facilities and recyclers.

Related information

Exclusions by Regulation Some wastes are conditionally excluded from dangerous waste management, but remain solid wastes.  These wastes may be excluded because an agency other than the Department of Ecology already regulates the waste or the waste can be recycled in a way that will not harm human health or the environment.

Office of Regulatory Assistance in the Governor's Office can answer a broad range of questions about the rules businesses must follow in Washington state. ORA can help with environmental, labor, licensing requirements, and more.