Making Sense of EPA ID Numbers

Whatever the cause – perhaps it’s the relation to a federal regulatory agency, or even just the association with units of the mathematical system – some people seem to be suspicious of EPA ID numbers. Others still have no idea what they are.

This can be problematic, as EPA ID numbers aren’t exactly nonessential; when one is needed, it is required by law. Enforcement actions can come in the form of civil and criminal penalties.

To help everybody stay compliant, let’s do a little clarification. It’s actually pretty simple stuff.

The purpose of an EPA ID number is to ensure that hazardous waste can be tracked from “cradle-to-grave”, or from its point of generation to its ultimate disposal. Generators are responsible for their waste even after it leaves their facility, and this paper trail is what makes accountability possible.

In most cases, EPA ID numbers are both permanent (unless you’ve been given a provisional number for an emergency or singular clean-up operation) and specific to a site (unless you are a transporter).

If you or your business generates or transports hazardous waste, or if you run a facility that is responsible for recycling, storing, treating, or disposing of hazardous waste, these activities need to be disclosed to your regional Environmental Protection Agency office or authorized state waste management department. If you generate over 220 lbs of hazardous waste or 2.2 lbs of acutely hazardous waste in the course of any calendar month, you will need an EPA ID number.

To do this, you will need to file EPA Form 8700-12, Notification of Regulated Waste Activity (available here). If your business generates hazardous waste from more than one facility, you will need to fill out a form for each (remembering that the numbers are tied to locations, not businesses).

Once you have your EPA ID number, you will need it for shipping manifests for transporting hazardous waste, hazardous waste disposal, hazardous waste management reports, and applications for federal hazardous waste permits. You may also be asked for it by other businesses you deal with.

If you decide to move to a new location after you’ve been given an EPA ID number, you will need to file for a new one. The number will not follow you, even if you’re moving somewhere in the same neighborhood.

Providing you with expert information is just one of the ways we channel our care and concern for our customers. If you need further assistance with EPA ID numbers, or have additional questions, call Hazardous Waste Experts today at 800-936-2311.