Hazardous wastes may be a liquid, solid or sludge. The wastes may be by-products of manufacturing processes or has been determined by the generator the material is no longer usable. If the waste has any of these four characteristics, it is considered hazardous:

  • Ignitability
  • Reactivity
  • Corrosivity
  • Toxicity

These materials or substances include, but are not limited to: spent solvents, paints (oil and latex), used oil, used oil filters, spent acids, corrosives, unwanted or expired products (pesticides, aerosol cans, cleaners, etc.), universal waste, and pharmaceutical waste. If the original material or substance is labeled danger, warning, toxic, caution, poison, flammable, corrosive or reactive, the waste is very likely to be hazardous.

The CUPA is charged with overseeing the Hazardous Waste Generator Program. The purpose of this program is to ensure that all hazardous wastes generated by businesses are properly handled, recycled, treated, stored, and/or disposed.

For more information on specific hazardous wastes contact this Division at (661) 862-8740 or the Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC).

Hazardous waste generators have different guidelines and storage time frames depending on their status and amount of hazardous waste generated. Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG), Small Quantity Generator (SQG), Large Quantity Generator (LQG), Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) waste generator are the different generator statuses that can be assigned. See the chart below for specific regulations and storage requirements.

 Small Quantity Generator SQG
Large Quantity Generator LQG
 22 CCR § 66262.34(d), 66262.34(d)(3);
HSC § 25123.3 (h)(1)
22 CCR § 66262.34;
HSC § 25123.3
> 100 kg but < 1,000 kg or
> 200 lbs but < 2,240 lbs or
> 27 gal but < 270 gal
per month
≥ 1,000 kg or ≥ 2,240 lbs or ≥ 270 gal
per month
 < 1 kg or < 2.2 lbs of ≤ 0.3 gal
per month
acute or extremely hazardous waste
 > 1 kg or > 2.2 lbs or ≥ 0.3 gal
per month
acute or extremely hazardous waste
> 100 kg or > 2.2 lbs or > 27 gal
per month
acute spill residue or soil
 Accumulation Time Limits
  Accumulation Time Limits
 22 CCR § 66262.34(d)(2),66262.34(d)(3)
 22 CCR § 66262.34(a)
≤ 180 days or ≤ 270 days (if greater than 200 miles)
≤ 90 days

 

Refer to the Hazardous Waste Generator Requirements Summary Chart below and the and the Hazardous Waste Generator Requirements Fact Sheet for more information.


Universal Waste

Universal Wastes are hazardous wastes that are generated by several sectors of society, rather than a single industry or type of business. Universal Waste contains harmful chemicals which, if put in the trash, may cause health and safety concerns to people or the environment. Universal Wastes are more common and pose a lower risk to people and the environment than other hazardous wastes. Federal and state regulations identify Universal Waste and provide simple rules for handling, recycling, and disposing of them. The regulations, called the “Universal Waste Rule,” are in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, Division 4.5, Chapter 23. Universal Wastes are managed under the same stringent standards as hazardous wastes and can include:

  • Florescent tubes, bulbs & other mercury containing lamps
  • Mercury thermostats
  • Mercury thermometers
  • Batteries
  • Non-Empty aerosol cans
  • Electronic devices
  • Electrical switches and relays
  • Pilot light sensors
  • Mercury gauges
  • Mercury added novelties

For more Universal Waste information visit the DTSC website.


Household Hazardous Waste

Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be household hazardous waste (HHW). These items contain potentially hazardous ingredients require special care when you dispose of them.

Improper disposal of HHW can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases putting them out with the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these wastes can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health. Many communities in the United States offer a variety of options for conveniently and safely managing HHW. No more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds of waste will be accepted at one time. Some products that can be considered HHW are:

  • All types of batteries
  • Automotive products and fluids
  • Cosmetics, Personal hygiene products
  • Deodorizers
  • Electronics
  • Expired medication
  • Fertilizers
  • Florescent light bulbs
  • Home generated sharps
  • Household cleaners
  • Paint products
  • Pesticides, Herbicides, Insecticides
  • Pet care products
  • Photographic chemicals
  • Swimming pool chemicals
  • Waste oil & oil filters

 

How Do I Obtain an EPA ID number?

Complete the application for a new number or renewal and submit to DTSC via mail, PO Box 806 Sacramento, CA 95812-0806, email at idnumber@dtsc.ca.gov, or fax at (916) 255-4703.


What is Tiered Treatment of Hazardous Waste?

Treatment of hazardous waste after it has been generated to reduce or eliminate the hazardous characteristics is regulated under a Tiered Treatment permit. The three tiers handled by the CUPA are Permit by Rule (PBR), Conditional Authorization (CA), and Conditional Exempt, which includes Conditional Exemption Small Quantity Treatment (CESQT) and Conditional Exempt Specified Waste streams (CESW). All other tiers are handled by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). You can access the DTSC Online Tiered Permitting Flowchart to help determine the correct permit tier for your waste stream and treatment processes.

After determining the correct tier, the appropriate forms are to be submitted to this Division on an annual basis. These documents are available for download and must be uploaded onto CERS.

  • Onsite Hazardous Waste Treatment Notification – Facility Form
  • Onsite Hazardous Waste Treatment Notification – Unit Form
  • Permit By Rule (PBR) Form
  • Conditionally Authorized (CA) Form
  • Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Treatment (CESQT) Form
  • Conditionally Exempt Specified Wastestreams (CESW) Form
  • Conditionally Exempt Limited (CEL) Form
  • Certification of Financial Assurance Form
Contact Information: 

Contact Information

Main Office
707 Nevada St
96130 Susanville , CA
Mon - Fri:
7:00 am-12:00 pm , 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Sat - Sun:
Closed
Fax
(530) 251-8373