RCRA 8hr Training & Annual Refresher Course
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The EPA requires RCRA training for “personnel” [40 CFR 260.10 - Definitions] or "all persons who work at, or oversee the operations of, a hazardous waste facility, and whose actions or failure to act may result in noncompliance" - must complete RCRA training within 6 months of initial hire - and take an 8 hour refresher training course annually [40 CFR 265.16(b) and (c)].

Our accredited RCRA compliance training meets the 8hr training requirements for hazardous waste facility personnel (40 CFR 265.16) and covers the proper management of hazardous waste (generation, transportation, treatment, storage or disposal) for hazardous waste generators (40 CFR 260-279).

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RCRA Training Audience

This course is intended for:

  • Personnel involved in the handling, shipping, or receiving hazardous materials, including samples of hazardous waste; and
  • Personnel involved in the management of hazardous wastes. This may include engineers; scientists; geologists; facility personnel; field technicians; samplers; drillers; laboratory technicians; and shipping/receiving personnel.

RCRA Training Required

The EPA requires RCRA training for “personnel” [40 CFR 260.10 - Definitions] or "all persons who work at, or oversee the operations of, a hazardous waste facility, and whose actions or failure to act may result in noncompliance" - must complete RCRA training within 6 months of initial hire - and take an 8 hour refresher training course annually [40 CFR 265.16(b) and (c)].

  • 40 CFR §265.16 Personnel training.
  • (a) (1) Facility personnel must successfully complete a program ... that teaches them to perform their duties in a way that ensures the facility's compliance with the requirements of this part.
  • (b) Facility personnel must successfully complete the program required in paragraph (a) of this section within ... six months after the date of their employment or assignment to a facility, or to a new position at a facility, whichever is later. Employees hired after the effective date of these regulations must not work in unsupervised positions until they have completed the training requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.
  • (c) Facility personnel must take part in an annual review of the initial training required in paragraph (a) of this section.

Employers should train all personnel that handle hazardous waste so they are able to properly recognize and manage hazardous wastes in order to identify situations that could cause releases and react quickly to prevent or stop spills.

Hazardous Waste Generators

Very Small Quantity Generators

  • Hazardous Waste Generated - Quantity Limits: ≤ 100 kg/month, and ≤ 1 kg/month of acute hazardous waste, and ≤ 100 kg/month of acute spill residue or soil.
  • RCRA Training: Training not mandatory - but recommended so employees can recognize and properly manage hazardous wastes and prevent spills.
  • 40 CFR 260.14

Small Quantity Generators

  • Hazardous Waste Generated - Quantity Limits: >100 kg/month and <1,000 kg/month
  • RCRA Training: Basic RCRA training required.
  • 40 CFR 262.16 (b)(9)(iii)
    • (iii) The small quantity generator must ensure that all employees are thoroughly familiar with proper waste handling and emergency procedures, relevant to their responsibilities during normal facility operations and emergencies.

Large Quantity Generators

  • Hazardous Waste Generated - Quantity Limits ≥1,000 kg/month, or >1 kg/month of acute hazardous waste, or >100 kg/month of acute spill residue or soil
  • RCRA Training: Full RCRA training Required
  • 40 CFR 262.17(a)(7)
    • (7)Personnel training.
    • (i)(A) Facility personnel must successfully complete a program of classroom instruction, online training (e.g., computer-based or electronic), or on-the-job training that teaches them to perform their duties in a way that ensures compliance with this part.
    • (C) At a minimum, the training program must be designed to ensure that facility personnel are able to respond effectively to emergencies by familiarizing them with emergency procedures, emergency equipment, and emergency systems, including where applicable:
      • (1) Procedures for using, inspecting, repairing, and replacing facility emergency and monitoring equipment;
      • (2) Key parameters for automatic waste feed cut-off systems;
      • (3) Communications or alarm systems;
      • (4) Response to fires or explosions;
      • (5) Response to ground-water contamination incidents; and
      • (6) Shutdown of operations.
    • (iii)Facility personnel must take part in an annual review of the initial training required in paragraph (a)(7)(i) of this section.

Reference: EPA: Categories of Hazardous Waste Generators