Managing Hazardous Waste in Arizona: State Laws and Procedures

Proper management of hazardous waste is crucial for protecting Arizona’s environment and public health. This guide provides an overview of Arizona’s hazardous waste regulations, procedures, and resources to assist businesses and residents in compliance.

Understanding Hazardous Waste in Arizona

Definition:

In Arizona, hazardous waste is defined as discarded materials—solid, liquid, semisolid, or contained gaseous—that, due to their quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics, may pose a substantial hazard to human health or the environment if improperly managed. (codes.findlaw.com)

Characteristics of Hazardous Waste:

Waste is considered hazardous if it is:

Ignitable: Creates fire under certain conditions, spontaneously combustible, or has a flash point less than 140°F (e.g., some paints, degreasers, and solvents).
Corrosive: Capable of corroding metals or has a high or low pH (e.g., acid or alkaline cleaning fluids, rust removers, and battery acid).
Reactive or Unstable: Can cause explosions, toxic fumes, gases, and vapors when mixed with water or under other conditions, such as heat or pressure (e.g., some cyanides and sulfide-bearing wastes).
Toxic: Harmful or fatal when ingested or absorbed, or leaches toxic chemicals into the soil or groundwater (e.g., wastes with high concentrations of heavy metals, such as cadmium, lead, or mercury). (azdeq.gov)

Arizona State Laws and Regulations

Arizona’s hazardous waste management is governed by both federal and state regulations. Key state regulations include:

Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Title 49, Chapter 9: This chapter outlines definitions, standards, and procedures for hazardous waste management in Arizona. (codes.findlaw.com)
Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) Title 18, Chapter 8: This chapter provides detailed regulations on hazardous waste management, including identification, standards for generators, transporters, and treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. (law.cornell.edu)

Hazardous Waste Management Procedures

Waste Determination:

Businesses must determine whether their waste is hazardous by evaluating its characteristics and composition. This assessment should be conducted as soon as the material becomes a solid waste. (azdeq.gov)

Generator Categories:

Arizona classifies hazardous waste generators into three categories:

Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs): Generate no more than 220 pounds (100 kg) of hazardous waste per month and store no more than 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) at any time. VSQGs are conditionally exempt from certain hazardous waste management regulations, provided they meet specific requirements.
Small Quantity Generators (SQGs): Generate between 220 and 2,200 pounds (100 and 1,000 kg) of hazardous waste per month and store no more than 13,228 pounds (6,000 kg) at any time. SQGs must comply with both federal and state hazardous waste management regulations.
Large Quantity Generators (LQGs): Generate more than 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) of hazardous waste per month. LQGs are subject to the most stringent hazardous waste management regulations. (azdeq.gov)

Satellite Accumulation Areas (SAAs):

Generators can accumulate hazardous waste at or near the point of generation in SAAs. Requirements include:

Time Limits: Waste must be transferred to a central accumulation area within three consecutive calendar days once the following limits are exceeded:

– 55 gallons of non-acute hazardous waste

– 1 quart of liquid acute hazardous waste

– 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of solid acute hazardous waste

Location: SAAs must be under the control of an operator familiar with the process and trained to manage the container.
Required Equipment: Each SAA must include an internal communication or alarm system, a phone or radio capable of summoning outside emergency assistance, a portable fire extinguisher, spill control equipment, decontamination equipment, and access to water at adequate volume and pressure. (water.azdeq.gov)

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Management

Household hazardous waste includes materials from households that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic. While HHW is excluded from the definition of hazardous waste, it still requires special care during disposal.

Collection Programs:

Many Arizona municipalities offer HHW collection programs, such as periodic drop-off days or permanent collection sites at solid waste transfer facilities approved by ADEQ. Residents should contact their local environmental, health, or solid waste agency to learn about HHW collection options in their area. (azdeq.gov)

Local Resources and Contacts

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is the primary agency overseeing hazardous waste management in the state. They offer resources and assistance for businesses and residents.

ADEQ Contact Information:

Main Office: 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007
Northern Regional Office: 1801 W. Route 66, Suite 117, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Southern Regional Office: 400 W. Congress, Suite 433, Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: (602) 771-2300
Toll-Free: (800) 234-5677 (ccar-greenlink.org)

Additional Resources:

Hazardous Waste Transfer Stations: ADEQ provides a list of waste transfer stations by county, which can be found on their website. (azdeq.gov)
Compliance Assistance: ADEQ offers guidance on hazardous waste compliance, including information on satellite accumulation areas and emergency procedures. (water.azdeq.gov)

Conclusion

Effective hazardous waste management is essential for safeguarding Arizona’s environment and public health. By understanding and adhering to state regulations, utilizing available resources, and implementing proper procedures, businesses and residents can contribute to a safer and cleaner Arizona.