How do I designate for dangerous waste codes?

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How do I designate for dangerous waste codes?

Waste generators are required to designate dangerous properties of their wastes in order to know if their wastes are regulated dangerous wastes. Federal and/or State only dangerous waste codes are applied to the waste if it designates. An example of a dangerous waste code is "D001" which is applied to ignitable wastes.

You need to designate a material when it first becomes a waste. Waste handlers or consultants can help designate, but generators are ultimately responsible for knowing the regulatory status of their waste.

If you already know a waste is not a dangerous waste (for example, cardboard), or you know the waste is excluded or exempted from the Dangerous Waste Regulations (for example, domestic sewage) you do not have to designate it or report it. See Exempted and Excluded Waste.

When can I stop designation?

The following designation steps are described in the Dangerous Waste Regulations, WAC 173-303-070.

Follow the steps in order for each potential dangerous waste.
Record each waste code or waste number that you assign to your waste.
Additional designation or testing may be required by Ecology in specific circumstances (i.e. identifing a waste for an exclusion) Refer to WAC 173-303-070, and your regional Ecology office for help.

Step 1 – Is the waste listed?

Look up each waste using Option 1 or Option 2. If the waste is not described by either option go to Step 2.

Option 1 – Choose Option 1 for discarded chemical products described in WAC 173-303-081. Also check if it is a mixture of solid waste and one of these discarded chemical products.

Check the list in WAC 173-303-9903.
If the waste is listed, apply the waste code (for example P023 or U001).
If it is listed, will it also be disposed of on the land (for example sent to a landfill).
If "Yes" – Go to Step 2.
If "No" – Go to Step 3.

Option 2 - Choose Option 2 For waste from any source (process) described in WAC 173-303-082, or a mixture of a solid waste and a waste from one of these sources.

Check the list in WAC 173-303-9904.
If the waste is listed, apply the waste code (for example F003, K048 or WPCB).
If it is listed, will it also be disposed of on the land (for example sent to a landfill)?
If "Yes" – Go to Step 2.
If "No" – Go to Step 3.

Step 2 – Does the waste have dangerous characteristics?

Check the following characteristics described in WAC 173-303-090.

Ignitable, waste code D001.
Corrosive, waste code D002 or WSC2.
Reactive, waste code D003.
Toxic by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test, waste codes D004 through D043.

Does the waste have any of the characteristics?

If "Yes" – Apply the waste code, go to Special Conditions.
If "No" – Go to Special Conditions.

Step 3 - Check for Special Conditions.

Condition A – Are you a SQG (Small Quantity Generator) and is all your waste dangerous waste (DW) with a 220 pound Quantity Exclustion Limit (QEL)?

If "Yes" – Go to Step 4, find out if the waste is WT01 Extremely Hazardous Waste (EHW) Criteria.
If "No" – Go to Condition B.

Condition B – Is the waste discharged to a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) operating under Permit-by-Rule (PBR) and is it DW?

If "Yes" – Go to Step 4 and/or Step 5, find out if the waste is WT01 or WP03 EHW Criteria.
If "No" – go to Condition C.

Condition C – Is it a State Only DW (WPCB, WSC2, WT02, or WP02) and the waste will be either burned for energy recovery as used oil, or land disposed within the state?

If "Yes" – Go to Step 4 and/or Step 5, find out if the waste is WT01 or WP03 EHW Criteria.
If "No" – you can stop designation and add the waste codes from the previous steps.

Step 4 - State Criteria Designation.

Is it a state toxic criteria waste described in WAC 173-303-100?