A Hazardous Waste Guide for Farmers

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE?

This guide is designed to help New York State farmers to better understand and comply with the requirements of the hazardous waste regulations as they apply to the farming industry. It will provide you with an overview of the regulations and give you a basic understanding of your responsibilities as a hazardous waste generator. If, after reading this guide, you need more information, you can call (800) 462-6553 for assistance.

As in any business, it is important for farmers to know exactly what wastes they are generating. Once these wastes are generated by your business, it is your responsibility to properly manage and dispose of these wastes. This guide will help you determine if you generate hazardous wastes, how to manage these wastes, and what requirements are imposed on your business if you do generate hazardous waste.

WHAT IS A HAZARDOUS WASTE?

There are several ways to determine if you generate a hazardous waste. The first way is to see if your waste is listed in the New York State hazardous waste regulations (6NYCRR Part 371). If you see your waste listed here, then it is a hazardous waste. If your waste is not listed in the regulations, then you can either have your waste tested according to the methods set forth in 6NYCRR Parts 371 and 372, or you can apply your knowledge of the waste to determine if it exhibits a hazardous characteristic. If you can't determine whether or not your waste is hazardous just call the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) toll free (800) 462-6553 for assistance.

WHICH OF MY WASTES ARE LIKELY TO BE HAZARDOUS WASTES?

Some pesticides are listed as hazardous wastes, and others will display the characteristic of toxicity. In some cases, the pesticide's active ingredient may not be a listed hazardous waste, but the product may contain a toxic or flammable solvent which causes the waste to be hazardous. Other potentially hazardous wastes commonly found on a farm include some fertilizers, contaminated rinse water, contaminated soil from spills, oil paints, old gasoline, paint thinners, kerosene, and automobile parts cleaning solvents. Depending on your activities, other wastes may be hazardous as well.

WHAT ABOUT MY USED OIL?

Used oil is not considered a hazardous waste as long as it is recyled or burned for energy recovery, and not contaminated with any other hazardous waste. You should contact a recycler in your area to arrange for pickup of your used oil. Antifreeze can also be recycled if it has been determined that there is no contamination.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY PESTICIDE RINSE WATERS?

Rinse water which results from triple rinsing of pesticide application equipment or containers should not be dumped on the ground or in any body of water. Instead, this rinse water should be used to dilute your next batch of the same pesticide.

IF I GENERATE HAZARDOUS WASTE, AM I SUBJECT TO ANY REGULATIONS?

Yes. All hazardous waste generators are responsible for properly managing and disposing of their waste. Depending on the type and volume of waste you generate and store, there are three categories you may fall into. They are: Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG), Small Quantity Generator, and Large Quantity Generator.

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR A CESQG?

Generate no more than 220 lbs. (27 gal.) of hazardous waste per month.
Generate no more than 2.2 lbs. of acute hazardous waste per month.
Store no more than 2,200 lbs. of hazardous waste on site at any time.
Store no more than 2.2 lbs. of acute hazardous waste on site at any time.

As a CESQG, you must:

Identify your hazardous waste;
Comply with storage quantity limits;
Ensure proper treatment and/or disposal of your hazardous waste that is one of the following:
- A state or federally regulated hazardous waste management treatment, storage, or disposal facility.
- A landfill permitted by NYS to manage municipal or industrial solid waste.
- A facility that uses, reuses, or legitimately recycles the waste.
- A household hazardous waste collection program (check with your municipality).
- A universal waste handler (for unused hazardous pesticides).
- A licensed hazardous waste hauler.

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR A SMALL QUANTITY GENERATOR?

Generate between 220 lbs. and 2,200 lbs. of hazardous waste per month.
Generate no more than 2.2 lbs. of acute hazardous waste per month.
Store no more than 13,200 lbs. of hazardous waste on site at any time.
Store no more than 2.2 lbs. of acute hazardous waste on site at any time.

If you exceed the conditions mentioned above for the Small Quantity Generator, then you become a Large Quantity Generator.

For more information on Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators or Small Quantity Generators see the DEC's booklet entitled "Are You a Small Quantity Generator?" Call (800) 462-6553 to order.

WHERE CAN I GO FOR ASSISTANCE?

The Pollution Prevention Unit at DEC has a hotline number (800) 462-6553 that is available for questions regarding proper waste reduction or disposal of waste from small quantity generators. Call (518) 402-8753 for information on pesticide applicator licensing, and (518) 402-8768 for information on pesticide product registration.

HERE ARE SOME POLLUTION PREVENTION METHODS WHICH COULD SAVE YOU MONEY

Do not mix nonhazardous waste with hazardous waste. Mixing may increase the amount of hazardous waste created, thus costing you more money for disposal. Also, mixing may be a violation of the hazardous waste regulations. Call DEC if you have questions.
Purchase no more pesticides or solvents than you absolutely need. Use older pesticides and solvents first by marking dates on the containers.
Give unwanted but legally usable pesticides to another farmer who may be able to use them.
Use nonhazardous alternatives to pesticides, solvents and fertilizers. Check with the cooperative extension in your area.
Train all employees about waste reduction and recycling methods. Get your employees involved.
If you are a CESQG, you can bring your hazardous waste to a household hazardous waste collection program. You should check with the sponsor in your area to see if their collection program includes CESQG waste.
Hazardous pesticides may also be collected under the Universal Waste Regulations. Check for pesticide collection days in your area which may be conducted under these regulations.

Any comments or questions?
Contact us at: 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-1750
518-402-9469 (phone); 518-402-9168 (fax)