How to File Your Annual Hazardous Waste Report by the March 1 Deadline

Federal and State Hazardous Waste Reporting

For hazardous waste generated in 2022 or later, both the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) are encouraging electronic reporting of RCRA Subtitle C Hazardous Waste Reports via the RCRAInfo system.

What Is the RCRAInfo System?

The RCRAInfo system is used to track information provided by the regulated community concerning the generation, shipment, treatment, and disposal of hazardous wastes. The reports submitted by the system users detail the hazardous waste generated, the activities leading to waste generation, and the quantities produced. They also outline the method used for waste management, whether treatment, recycling, or disposal, along with the quantities managed. This data is used by the State for planning, compliance monitoring, and enforcement purposes.

NYSDEC Requirements for Electronic Annual Reporting

The NYSDEC utilizes the USEPA RCRAInfo system for receiving electronic submissions of hazardous waste annual and biennial reports. Facilities based in New York State can utilize the Annual and Biennial Report modules in RCRAInfo as an “industry user.” The Annual Report module is suitable for reporting activities in even-numbered years, while the Biennial Report module covers odd-numbered years.

NYSDEC employs the same codes as USEPA, with some state-specific exceptions. Definitions and lists of codes can be found in the latest version of the “RCRA Subtitle C Reporting Instructions and Forms” document on the USEPA RCRAInfo Web website. Additionally, New York State-specific hazardous waste codes for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are detailed in the Industry User Guide. When inputting hazardous waste codes in RCRAInfo, state-specific codes should be entered into the “Hazardous Waste Codes (State)” field.

Keep in mind that reports entered online will not be considered filed until they are finalized by “e-signing” in the RCRAInfo system. The filing must be completed by the March 1 deadline to fulfill the NYSDEC regulatory requirement. Creating a draft report without e-signing does not meet the criteria for submission.

Also remember, after reporting is completed, the originator of the report is responsible for retaining a copy for three (3) years.

How Do I Know if My Facility Needs to File an Annual Waste Report?

If you need to determine if your facility is required to file an annual waste report, refer to Walden’s previous blog here.

Do you have questions or concerns about any aspect of hazardous waste compliance and reporting? Give Walden a call at 516-559-6976 to talk with one of our waste management engineers and we can help you file your hazardous waste reports on time.