Some waste streams may meet applicable exclusion and exemption criteria and not be fully regulated as a hazardous waste. These exclusions and exemptions can be found at 40 CFR 261. Indiana has adopted most of these by reference under 329 IAC 3.1. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has an informational page which defines solid waste and frames cases for solid waste and hazardous waste exclusion. Note that solid waste excluded by the federal regulations may be regulated in Indiana under the state rules.
Indiana adopted the Definition of Solid Waste (DSW) Rule [PDF] as amended by the U.S. EPA on January 13, 2015 by reference effective November 5, 2016. In the 2022 Indiana legislative session, HEA 1226 was passed which included the adoption of the “transfer-based” provisions of 40 CFR 261.24(a), concerning the legitimate recycling of hazardous secondary materials (HSM). Parties interested in utilizing this particular exclusion and shipping their HSM to, or receiving HSM from, another state must be aware that different regulations exist from state to state, and they must comply with all applicable requirements to utilize the exclusion(s). Additional information on the DSW rule, including a map displaying where the DSW rule is in effect and a guidance document explaining the different versions of this exclusion and how to comply, can be found on the U.S. EPA’s website.
Hazardous Waste Exemptions
There are some specific types of waste with qualities that would result in them being labeled as hazardous, but are regulated separately under rules specifically tailored to those waste to encourage proper collection and recycling. Certain toxic wastes are regulated by EPA under a different set of regulations rather than as hazardous waste.
Universal Waste
Batteries, pesticides, mercury equipment, lamps, and aerosol cans are considered universal wastes. These common wastes are hazardous, but the regulations for them are reduced to encourage more recycling and less disposal.
Used Oil
Petroleum-based oils, not vegetable/animal oils destined for recycling or energy recovery under Used Oil Rule (329 IAC 13). Used oils may be regulated under the hazardous waste rules when disposed.
Household Hazardous Waste
The wastes around our homes are regulated by solid waste, not hazardous waste, because they come in such small amounts. Household hazardous wastes still need to be disposed of properly, otherwise they could cause public health and environmental hazards and are subject to Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
Toxic Substances Control Act
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) waste: industrial wastes from a source with concentration of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 50 mg/L or greater, regulated under Toxic Substances Control Act.