A hazardous waste container is a portable device used to collect, store, treat, and transport hazardous waste. These containers can be any size but they should be easy to move. According to 40 CFR 260.10, some common examples are:

• A five gallon safety can
• 55 gallon drum
• 30 cubic yard roll-offs

Hazardous waste containers must be managed in accordance with a multitude of regulations:

• The EPA outlines requirements through the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) which is contained in Title 40 of the Code Of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 264.
• The 2006 Uniform Fire Code (UFC) addresses requirements in Standard 60.3.2.8.3.
• The 2006 International Fire Code (IFC) also addresses these requirements.

The EPA refers to secondary containment in two different areas:

Subpart I Use and Management of Containers (40 CFR 264.175)

This covers portable storage containers, such as 55 gallon drums for hazardous waste.

Subpart J, Tank Systems (40 CFR 264.193)

This covers large stationary containers, such as tank systems, for hazardous waste.

Facilities that store hazardous materials may also be required to meet either the UFC or IFC, depending upon what the locality has adopted.

Storage Limits

There are storage limits which depend upon the category of waste generation.

• If you are a Large Quantity Generator (LQG), you have 90 days to ship the waste offsite.
• If you are a Small Quantity Generator (SQG), you have 180 days or up to 270 days if you ship the waste more than 200 miles away.

The time limit begins when the first bit of waste is placed in the container. If the waste is collected in satellite accumulation containers, the time starts after the containers are filled (40 CFR 262.34).

Satellite Containers

A satellite container is one that is placed at or near the process that generates the waste. It is used for routine, repetitive collection of waste from a specific process, such as a production spray paint booth where thinners and waste paint are constantly generated and are subject to reduced requirements.

Requirements For Reduced Satellite Containers

These containers must be located where the waste is generated and is under the control of the process operator. Each container must be labeled "Hazardous Waste" with a description of the waste, i.e. the name of the chemical. The containers must be kept closed and their size can not exceed 55 gallons or one quart of extremely hazardous waste as listed in 40 CFR 261.33 (e). Once a container is full, it must be moved to a container storage area within 72 hours. The full containers are subject to all of the container management requirements. If the hazardous waste is to be shipped in the same accumulation container, you must comply with the Pre-Transport Requirements. These requirements include those of the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and are included in 40 CFR 262.30-33.

If there are questions about compliance, the local fire marshal should be consulted.