ECAR Fact Sheet for Illinois
Hazardous Wastes

The intent of the hazardous waste program is to provide a cradle-to-grave management system for hazardous wastes to ensure that these wastes are not mismanaged in a way that will impact human health or the environment. At Illinois EPA, the Bureau of Land Permit Section is responsible for implementing the hazardous waste program. If you have any further questions, contact the Permit Section at 217-524-3300.

Regulations

Definition of Solid Waste. In order for a waste to be considered a hazardous waste, it must first meet the definition of solid waste. For the most part, this includes any material that you are discarding, but there are many exceptions. Solid waste is defined in the regulations in Title 35 of the Illinois Administration Code in Section 721.102.

Hazardous Waste Determination. It is the responsibility of all solid waste generators to determine whether their waste is hazardous. The procedure for this is called a "hazardous waste determination" and is outlined in Part 722 of the regulations at Section 722.111.

Hazardous waste generated by auto recycling/salvage yards may include (but are not limited to):

• Spent solvents
• Solvent contaminated wipers/shop towels
• Waste paints
• Mercury switches
• Used antifreeze contaminated with metals, solvents or fuels
• Used oil contaminated with metals, solvent or fuels
• Contaminated gasoline
• Lead-acid batteries.

Generator Rules. If you manage hazardous waste, you must determine your generator status. Your facility will fall under one of these three classifications.

• Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG). You are considered a CESQG in a calendar month if you generate no more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of hazardous waste in that month.

• Small Quantity Generator (SQG). You are considered an SQG if you generate greater than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) but less than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of hazardous waste in a calendar month.

• Large Quantity Generator (LQG). You are considered an LQG if you generate 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) or more of hazardous waste in a calendar month. You also are considered an LQG if you generate during a calendar month, or accumulate at any time, more than one kilogram of acutely hazardous waste, or more than a total of 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of any residue, contaminated soil, waste, or debris from cleaning up a spill of any acutely hazardous waste onto land or into water.

Treatment/Storage/Disposal - Unless exempted, a person engaged in the treatment, storage and/or disposal of hazardous waste, as defined in the regulations in Part 720 at Section 702.110, is required to obtain a hazardous waste management permit. For facilities receiving waste from off-site and on-site facilities managing non-remediation waste, a RCRA Part B Permit is necessary. Regulations for treatment, storage and disposal facilities that are subject to a RCRA Part B Permit include all of Parts 700 to 739 as they apply to the specific activities conducted at the site.

If you are seeking to engage in any activity that will require a RCRA permit in the state of Illinois should contact the Bureau of Land Permit Section at 217-524-3300 to discuss the permitting process.

Record Keeping. As part of the cradle-to-grave manifest system, you will be required to track your hazardous wastes through disposal by preparing a manifest for any company transporting your hazardous wastes off-site. You must retain your records for at least 3 years after the termination of the agreement.

For more information, visit ECAR’s RCRA/Hazardous Waste Resource Locator.

IEPA Fact Sheet - How Do I Manage My Hazardous Waste?

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