What's New in RCRA Online

• March 2005, Several issues were reported by users about the Full Text Search not performing as expected. As a result the database index was rebuilt and the search issues have been resolved.
• September 2004, Redesigned the Advanced Search Page, removed unused fields, added an "OSW Policy?" field, added another value to the "Document Type" drop-down list, new value is "Question and Answer". Redesigned the Detail screens, removed several unused fields. Updated the "Regulatory Citation" field to display values as hyperlinks that link to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) parts or subparts found at the Access GPO website for e-CFR, Part 40, Chapter I (http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html). Updated the "Statutory Citation" field to display values as hyperlinks that link to the specific public laws found at the Legal Information Institute web site (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/42/ch82.html)
• April 2003, New RCRA Online Trifold PDF File Published. Removed reference to the Fax On Demand system now that it is no longer used. Redesigned the Advanced Search Page to make it more user friendly.
• Results of topic, full text and advanced searches will now include not only documents but publications and other outreach materials that have been developed and distributed by the Office of Solid Waste.

The following is a list of Memos/Letters, Questions and Answers, and Publications from the most recent months update. Click on the 'Title' to view the details of the record.

Document Date Document Title Document Type 12/15/1994 WasteWise Update (Issue #1) Publication Description: This kickoff issue of the WasteWise Update features waste reduction experiences and thoughts from WasteWise member companies, discusses waste prevention goals, and includes a form for the WasteWise "Peer Exchange" program.   12/01/1997 WasteWise Update: Closing the Loop Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update provides information about how to start a buy-recycled program. It discusses moving beyond paper products and some real life examples of communities and businesses with such programs.   10/23/1998 WasteWise Update: Extended Product Responsibility Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update highlights the extended product responsibility (EPR) strategies. EPR shifts the focus from what individual manufacturers may do to reduce waste production to all of the players in the product chain, including product designers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers. The Update reviews the Design for the Environment program, WasteWise partnerships, and take-back programs.   10/01/2000 WasteWise Update: Electronics Reuse and Recycling Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update discusses the electronics waste stream and the benefits of electronics reuse and recycling; provides information on donating or recycling electronics, reducing electronics waste by changing purchasing practices, and managing used electronics; and highlights electronics waste reduction opportunities specific to manufacturers and governments.   09/15/1995 WasteWise Update: Measuring Waste Reduction Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update is dedicated to sharing information about techniques and tools for measuring the effectiveness of waste prevention.   09/01/2002 WasteWise Update: Global Warming is a Waste! Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update discusses how EPA is upgrading its efforts to incorporate climate change education and technical assistance throughout the WasteWise program. It provides an overview of the climate change and waste link and highlights WasteWise partners that have achieved greenhouse gas reductions by reusing products, recycling, and creating products with fewer raw materials.   09/01/2000 RCRA In Focus: Leather Manufacturing Publication Description: The RCRA in Focus series provides an overview of the basic federal regulations covering wastes that are likely to be hazardous in certain industries. This edition explains how the leather manufacturing industry could be regulated under the RCRA program. It describes RCRA in general and includes a table detailing each requirement that might apply to this industry. The document also contains suggestions for methods of waste minimization, a summary of other laws that might be pertinent and a list of additional resources.   09/01/1999 WasteWise Update: Recovering Organic Wastes -- Giving Back to Mother Nature Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update highlights a number of organic waste diversion and recovery options implemented by WasteWise partners, including composting, vermicomposting, mulching and chipping, grasscycling, and donation. Provides basic information on the science of composting and tips on getting started with organics recovery. The Update also lists EPA and non-EPA publications related to composting.   09/01/1997 Innovative Uses of Compost: Bioremediation and Pollution Prevention Publication Description: This document describes a compost technology, known as compost bioremediation, currently being used to restore contaminated soils, manage storm water, control odors, and degrade VOCs. It defines compost bioremediation as the use of a biological system of microorganisms in a mature, cured compost to sequester or break down contaminants in water or soil. The document also discusses remediation of soils contaminated by heavy metals, organics, and petroleum hydrocarbons; addresses vapor-phase biofiltration; and includes references and sources for additional information.   08/01/1997 WasteWise Update: Donation Programs - Turning Trash into Treasure Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update describes how organizations can reduce waste and serve the community by donating surplus items to local or national nonprofit organizations.   07/01/2001 WasteWise Update: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update discusses how environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) encourages organizations to consider environmental attributes of products and services prior to purchase. It identifies the benefits of EPP, describes how to establish and maintain an EPP program, and provides EPP examples.   07/01/1999 WasteWise Update: The Measure of Success -- Calculating Waste Reduction Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update describes how to measure waste reduction, including selecting the right measurement approach, establishing a baseline, collecting data, and calculating results. It also details how to assess the cost savings, environmental impact, and hidden benefits of waste reduction.   05/21/1996 WasteWise Update: Going Paperless with Technology Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update discusses paperless technology, a question and answer section on the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), case examples of how WasteWise corporate partners are implementing EDI, and how WasteWise information and registration material can be accessed on the Internet.   05/15/1995 WasteWise Update: A Fresh Look at Packaging Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update features waste reduction activities of the business community, focusing on packaging reductions. It provides case studies, a sampling of WasteWise packaging goals, and efforts to reduce packaging at every step of the manufacturing process, from raw materials delivery to the transportation of products to customers. It also includes a list of organizations providing resources.   05/15/1982 Financial Assurance for Closure and Post-Closure Care; Requirements for Owners and Operators of Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities; A Guidance Manual Publication Description: This document communicates information to ensure that adequate financial responsibility is provided for proper closure and post-closure care of hazardous waste facilities. The introduction provides a general background for understanding financial requirements and manual organization. An overview of requirements is included in Chapter II and subsequent chapters deal with trust funds, surety bonds, letters of credit, insurance, financial test and corporate guarantee, state-required mechanisms, and assumption of responsibility.   05/01/1997 WasteWise Update: Remanufactured Products, Good As New Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update provides information on the variety of remanufactured products available and introduces issues to consider when buying them.   04/24/2013 REGULATORY STATUS OF CATHODE RAY TUBE (CRT) PROCESSED GLASS SENT TO COPPER SMELTERS Memo Description: Under 40 CFR 261.4(a)(22)(iv), processed cathode ray tube (CRT) glass is excluded from solid and hazardous waste regulation, provided it meets the requirements of 261.39(c). Section 261.39(c) requires that the CRT glass is destined for recycling at a CRT glass manufacturer or a lead smelter and the glass is not speculatively accumulated as defined in 261.1(c)(8). This exclusion does not apply to CRT processed glass sent to copper smelters (SEE ALSO: 71 FR 42928, 42937; July 28, 2006). However, processed CRT glass used as an effective substitute for virgin fluxing agent at copper smelters would be excluded from solid and hazardous waste regulation under 261.2(e)(1)(ii) (SEE ALSO: 71 FR 42928, 42937; July 28, 2006; Memorandum, Shapiro to Richter; March 8, 1995 (RO 11900)).   04/01/2004 Let's Go Green Shopping Publication Description: This document provides tips and resources for "green purchasing." Green purchasing means shopping with the environment in mind by buying products that help conserve natural resources, save energy, and prevent waste or by not buying things that aren't needed.   04/01/1998 WasteWise Update: Building Supplier Partnerships Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update focuses on establishing waste partnerships between suppliers and purchasing companies. There are also articles that highlight specific businesses' success in this area and other resources that are available.   03/07/1995 APPLICABILITY OF THE HOUSEHOLD WASTE EXCLUSION TO LEAD-CONTAMINATED SOIL Memo Description: Lead-contaminated soil at a residence is exempt household hazardous waste (HHW) if it is the result of routine stripping and painting or natural weathering of lead-based paint (LBP). LBP chips from stripping and repainting of residence walls by an owner or contractor are HHW. Construction, renovation, or demolition debris is not HHW (SUPERSEDED: See RPC# 7/31/00-01). Waste generated by home health care providers may be HHW. Media and debris contaminated by residential heating oil tanks are household hazardous waste (HHW). Covering residential soil containing hazardous waste with sod, mulch, or gravel does not constitute generation, treatment, or disposal of hazardous waste and triggers no Subtitle C obligations. HHW mixed with a regulated hazardous waste is subject to Subtitle C regulation. The Subtitle D regulations (Part 257 open dumping rules and Part 258 municipal solid waste landfill regulations) may not apply to household waste disposed on residential property.   03/01/2002 WasteWise Update: Resource Management -- Strategic Partnerships for Resource Efficiency Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update discusses why resource management (RM) is a strategic alternative to traditional disposal contracting that emphasizes and rewards resource efficiency (i.e., prevention, reuse, recycling) rather than waste disposal. It highlights tactics and performance of RM contracting by three WasteWise partners.   03/01/2000 WasteWise Update: Moving Toward Sustainability Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update defines and describes the evolution of environmental thinking from end-of-pipe pollution control solutions to more sophisticated concepts such as industrial ecology and sustainability. It also features examples of WasteWise partners who have made a commitment toward becoming a sustainable business.   02/01/2002 WasteWise Update: Building for the Future Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update discusses how resource efficient building emphasizes the reduction of construction and demolition (C&D) debris; incorporation of waste prevention, durability, and recyclability into building design; and the use of resource-efficient building materials. It provides an overview of resource-efficient and green buildings and a comprehensive list of resources.   01/01/2003 WasteWise Update: Environmental Management System Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update discusses the importance of organizations, such as large corporations, small businesses, state and federal agencies, schools and non-profit organizations having and Environmental Management System (EMS). An EMS is a formal set of policies and procedures that define how an organization will evaluate, manage, and track its environmental impacts. An EMS serves as an excellent tool for achieving cost-effective environmental improvements through methods spurred by an organizations initiative rather than government regulations.   01/01/1996 WasteWise Update: Employee Education Publication Description: This issue of the WasteWise Update contains employee education tips, a waste prevention checklist for WasteWise employees, a list of awards and recognition for successful environmental achievements, and examples on educating suppliers and customers on the effectiveness of waste reduction efforts.

If you want more information on the RCRA program, please visit the Office of Solid Waste Contact us page. This page provides, among others, links to EPA's Regional Offices, State environmental offices and the RCRA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) database.