EPA proposes new hazardous waste recycling regulations to address environmental justice concerns

EPA is has released for public comment its draft expanded environmental justice analysis of the 2008 definition of solid waste. The draft evaluates the rule’s potential impact on low-income and minority communities. EPA is also requesting public comment on the environmental justice analysis as well as on suggested changes received from peer review. The analysis and peer-review comments will be available in the docket for this rulemaking once the proposal is published. As with all environmental justice initiatives, the objective is to show EPA’s commitment to achieving sustainable materials management through increased recycling, while retaining safeguards to protect "vulnerable communities" and the environment.

EPA’s re-examination of the 2008 DSW final rule identified areas in the regulations that could be improved to better protect public health and the environment with a particular focus on adjacent communities by ensuring better management of hazardous waste. Comments will be accepted for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register.

The prepublication version of the proposed regulations can be found at http://www.epa.gov/waste/hazard/dsw/downloads/2011-pr-fr-prepub.pdf.

EPA's Frequently Asked Questions (and answers) can be found at http://www.epa.gov/waste/hazard/dsw/2011pr-faqs.htm.

A list of supporting studies (and links for their download) can be found at http://www.epa.gov/waste/hazard/dsw/2011pr-support.htm.

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