Hazardous Waste Generators

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Inspection Authorization

The Orange County Environmental Protection Division's Small Quantity Generator (SQG) Program conducts inspections on all known and potentially hazardous waste generators, as authorized by Florida Statute (F.S.) Sections 403.7225 and 403.7234. The purpose of these unannounced inspections is to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations on proper management and disposal of hazardous waste as well as educate businesses on how to reduce or eliminate their hazardous waste.

What is Hazardous Waste?

Hazardous waste is defined by the federal government in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and codified in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR), Parts 260 to 273 & 279.

The State of Florida has adopted by reference portions of the federal regulations into its Florida Administrative Code (FAC) Chapter 62-730.

Hazardous wastes (HW) are wastes listed in 40 CFR 261 Subpart D, or they are wastes characterized in 40 CFR 261 Subpart C as hazardous by exhibiting one of four characteristics:

  • Ignitability: Solid, gas, or liquid with a flash point of less than 140°F or an oxidizer.
  • Corrosivity: Liquid waste with a pH between 2.0 s.u. and 12.5 s.u.
  • Reactivity: Wastes reactive to water, shock, heat, pressure, or undergoes rapid or violent changes.
  • Toxicity: Includes 8 heavy metals and 32 organic chemicals, including 10 pesticides.

Hazardous Waste Determination

Hazardous waste generators must determine their generator category as outlined in 40 CFR 262.13. A generator’s category is based on the amount of hazardous waste they generate each calendar month, which can fluctuate. The EPA places special attention on proper waste determinations, found at 40 CFR 262.11 and begins “A person who generates a solid waste, as defined in 40 CFR 261.2, must make an accurate determination as to whether that waste is a hazardous waste in order to ensure wastes are properly managed according to applicable RCRA regulations.” Hazardous waste must be recycled, treated, stored or disposed of by a permitted facility.

The generator of hazardous waste is ultimately responsible for the waste from "cradle to grave," and can be held liable for improper management of hazardous waste.

Generator
Categories

Hazardous waste generators are broken into three categories based upon the quantity of hazardous waste generated per month.

  • Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) generates less than 220 pounds (100 kg) of hazardous waste per month and less than 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of acute hazardous waste (e.g. some pesticides, toxins or arsenic and cyanide compounds) per month.
  • Small Quantity Generators (SQG) generates 220-2,200 pounds (100 kg to 1000 kg) of hazardous waste per month
  • Large Quantity Generator (LQG) generates 2,200 pounds (1000 kg) or more of hazardous waste per month or 2.2 (1 kg) pounds or more of acute hazardous waste per month.

Hazardous Waste Surcharge

Florida Statute 403.7225(12) authorizes counties to impose a surcharge up to $50.00 to support the local SQG Program. Orange County implemented its' hazardous waste surcharge in 2001. To assist the SQG Program the following category codes (defined by the Tax Collector's Office) have been assessed a $50.00 hazardous waste surcharge. The $50 surcharge partially subsidizes the costs associated with administering the State mandated SQG Program for services such as inspections, mailings, and educational pamphlets. It is NOT a payment for disposal of hazardous waste. Typical types of generators include (but are not limited to):

  • Auto Repair
  • Chiropractors
  • Dry Cleaners
  • Dentists
  • Large retailers (i.e.; home improvement stores, grocers, etc.)
  • Manufacturers
  • Print Shops
  • Salvage yards

For information on obtaining a Local Business Tax Receipt, please contact the Orange County Tax Collector's Office.

Publications

If you'd like printed brochures on the following topics, email a request to P2@ocfl.net.

  • Demolition & Deconstruction Waste (with mountable poster)
  • New Generator Rule
  • Regulated Waste Surcharge
  • Solvent Contaminated Wipes and Rags Guidance

Contact Us

Environmental Protection Division
3165 McCrory Place, Suite 200
Orlando, FL 32803

Email: EPD@ocfl.net
Phone: (407) 836-1400

All e-mail sent to this address becomes part of Orange County public record. Comments received by our e-mail subsystem can be read by anyone who requests that privilege. In compliance with "Government in the Sunshine" laws, Orange County Government must make available, at request, any and all information not deemed a threat to the security of law enforcement agencies and personnel.