Description
Online Course Duration: Approximately 4 Hours
This comprehensive online course is designed to educate participants on the essentials of hazardous waste management, with a focus on compliance with federal regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Each module builds upon the previous one, providing in-depth knowledge and practical skills to ensure hazardous waste is properly identified, handled, stored, transported, and disposed of in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. The course is tailored for professionals involved in hazardous waste generation and management, including those working in general construction, transportation, and industrial sectors.
At the end of the course, participants will complete a 20-question multiple-choice knowledge assessment covering the material presented throughout the training.
Module 1: Course Objectives and Overview
The course begins with an overview of the objectives and goals of federal hazardous waste management. Participants will gain an understanding of the course structure and the fundamental concepts covered throughout the training, including federal regulations, hazardous waste classification, management, transportation, and disposal. This module emphasizes the importance of regulatory compliance and introduces the responsibilities of hazardous waste generators, including Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs), Small Quantity Generators (SQGs), and Large Quantity Generators (LQGs). Participants will develop a foundational understanding of how proper hazardous waste management protects human health and the environment.
Module 2: Regulatory Overview and Recordkeeping Requirements
The second module examines the federal regulatory framework governing hazardous waste under RCRA, including the responsibilities of the EPA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Department of Transportation (DOT). Participants will explore generator classifications, EPA identification numbers, and updated requirements established under the Generator Improvements Rule. This module also emphasizes the importance of accurate recordkeeping, covering hazardous waste manifests, disposal records, training documentation, and biennial reporting requirements. Additional topics include emergency preparedness, contingency planning, employee training requirements, and common regulatory violations. Participants will gain an understanding of their responsibilities under federal regulations and the procedures necessary to maintain compliance.
Module 3: Hazardous Waste Determination
Module three focuses on determining whether a material qualifies as hazardous waste under federal RCRA regulations. Participants will learn how to identify listed hazardous wastes, including F-, K-, P-, and U-listed wastes, as well as characteristic hazardous wastes classified as ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic. The module covers hazardous waste determination through analytical testing and generator knowledge, along with applicable waste codes and regulatory exclusions. Additional topics include used oil, universal waste, contaminated containers, hazardous debris, and contaminated soil. By the end of this module, participants will understand how to properly classify hazardous waste and determine appropriate management and disposal requirements.
Module 4: Container and Tank Management
Proper management of hazardous waste containers and tanks is essential to maintaining workplace safety and regulatory compliance. In this module, participants will learn about federal requirements for hazardous waste storage, including container labeling, accumulation areas, secondary containment, inspections, and storage time limitations. The module addresses Central Accumulation Areas (CAAs), Satellite Accumulation Areas (SAAs), container compatibility, tank management, and the handling of incompatible wastes. Participants will also review procedures for managing liquid waste, used oil, spent batteries, used oil filters, and universal waste. Emphasis is placed on proper housekeeping, spill prevention, and maintaining containers and tanks in accordance with applicable federal regulations.
Module 5: Shipping Requirements
The final module focuses on federal requirements for preparing and shipping hazardous waste, particularly for Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) and Large Quantity Generators (LQGs). Participants will learn how to properly prepare hazardous waste for transportation, including waste profiling, packaging, transporter requirements, and completing the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (EPA Form 8700-22). The module also covers the EPA e-Manifest system, continuation sheets, generator certifications, manifest recordkeeping, and applicable transportation exceptions. Participants will review hazardous waste accumulation time limits and the responsibilities of generators, transporters, and receiving facilities. By the end of this module, participants will understand the essential procedures for safely and legally shipping hazardous waste in compliance with federal EPA and DOT regulations.


