EPA Requests Input on Hazardous Waste Management in the Retail Sector

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2014

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing the Notice of Data Availability (NODA) for Hazardous Waste Management in the Retail Sector. EPA is responding to issues the retail industry has identified that they face in implementing hazardous waste regulations. This NODA provides stakeholders the opportunity to help the agency better understand their operations and identify options for possible further action.

“As part of President Obama’s efforts to make regulatory programs more effective and less burdensome, EPA is committed to working closely with the retail industry and stakeholders to help remove barriers that may affect compliance with federal regulations,” said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response.

The agency seeks comment on existing data on the retail industry universe and amount of hazardous waste it generates, and suggestions for improving hazardous waste regulations for retail operations. The NODA also seeks information and hazardous waste data on the following:

· Episodic generation
· Retails stores’ programs for handling hazardous waste
· Hazardous waste training for employees
· Aerosol cans
· Transportation and reverse logistics
· Reverse logistics centers
· Sustainability efforts undertaken by retail facilities

All comments on the NODA should be submitted by 60 days from publication and should be identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-RCRA-2012-0426.

Today’s action is part of the agency’s regulatory reform plan that implements President Obama’s directive given in Executive Order 13563, which directs agencies to make regulatory programs more effective or less burdensome in achieving regulatory objectives. The NODA is the latest in continuing efforts to reach out to the retail sector. The agency has conducted multiple site visits at retailers to learn more about how they manage their pharmaceutical and retail waste, and issued guidance within the current regulatory structure to provide flexibility to stakeholders in managing pharmaceutical container hazardous waste residues. The agency has also reached out to the retail sector by giving presentations to industry associations and other stakeholders about retail sector compliance concerns and efforts that EPA is taking to understand and address these concerns and offering to host listening sessions.

More information on the NODA: http://www.epa.gov/waste/hazard/generation/retail.htm