1. What is RCRA? What is Hazardous Waste? How can I determine if my waste is hazardous?

RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) is a federal law that encourages environmentally sound methods for managing waste. It regulates facilities that generate, transport, treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste. The term "RCRA" is often used interchangeably to refer to the law, the regulations, and EPA policy and guidance. The law describes the waste management program mandated by Congress that gave EPA authority to develop the RCRA program. EPA regulations carry out the Congressional intent by providing explicit, legally enforceable requirements for waste management. EPA guidance documents and policy directives clarify issues related to the implementation of the regulations.

• All of the RCRA hazardous waste regulations can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 40, Parts 260 to 279 and can be accessed at
  www.epa.gov/docs/epacfr40/chapt-I.info/subch-I.htm or www.access.gpo.gov/nara.
• EPA's web page for frequently asked questions about waste can be accessed at
  www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/basifact.htm.
• A Handbook for Small Businesses - Understanding the Hazardous Waste Rules can be accessed at
  www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/sqg/sqghand.htm.
• Publications that provide an overview of the RCRA regulations affecting specific industry sectors (RCRA in Focus) can be accessed at
  www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/id/infocus/index.htm.

2. How do I obtain an EPA Identification Number?

To obtain the notification forms go to
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/data/form8700/forms.htm.
If you are located in a state that is authorized to enforce EPA regulations you must submit your completed forms to the authorized state agency. You may also obtain the forms from the state agency listed below, or you can get them from Environmental Options and we can assist you in completing them.

• Virginia:
  Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
  Division of Waste Management
  PO Box 10009
  Richmond, VA 23240
  Attention: Arthur Kapell
  Phone: 804-698-4251
• West Virginia:
  West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection (DEP)
  Office of Waste Management
  1356 Hansford Street
  Charleston, WV 25301
  Attention: Brenda Woodyard
  Phone: 304-558-5989
• North Carolina:
  North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
  Division of Waste Management
  401 Oberlin Road
  Raleigh, NC 27605
  Attention: Jim Edwards
  Phone: 919-733-2178, Ext. 209
  

3. What are some additional helpful websites?

• VA DEQ, Division of Waste Management: www.deq.state.va.us/waste
• WVA DEP, Office of Waste Management: www.dep.state.wv.us/item.cfm?ssid=10
• NC Division of Waste Management: http://wastenot.enr.state.nc.us

4. If I want a "real live" person to answer my questions, whom can I call?

• Environmental Options, Inc: 540-483-3920
• EPA Hotline: 800-424-9346
• VA DEQ, Div. Waste Mgmt: General #: 804-698-4000 or 800-592-5482. For regulatory questions, Steven Frazier: 804-698-4199.
• WVA DEP, Div. Waste Mgmt: General #: 304-558-5929
  For regulatory questions, Carroll Cather: 800-307-8710
• NC Div. Waste Mgmt: General #: 919-733-2178.
  Customer service: Toll-free 877-623-6748.
• DOT Hotline (For questions about Hazardous Materials transportation): 800-467-4922