Determining Hazardous Waste Generator Status
The next step in the management of hazardous waste is to determine the institution's "generator classification". Each generator category has specific generation, accumulation and storage requirements and corresponding time limits. Knowledge of the generator category enables the institution to ensure that the quantity of waste generated, how the waste is accumulated, and storage time limits, comply with EPA / GA EPD requirements. The following outlines the three generator categories:
- Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG)
- This is the most desirable category due to the fact that fewer regulatory requirements apply. This category applies to a generator of hazardous waste that generates less than 100 kilograms (220 lbs) of hazardous waste and less than one (1) kilogram (2.2 lbs) of acutely hazardous waste (P-wastes) per calendar month.
- Small Quantity Generator (SQG)
- This category applies to a generator of hazardous waste that generates more than 100 kilograms (220 lbs), but less than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lbs) of hazardous waste and less than 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs) of acutely hazardous waste (P-wastes) per calendar month.
- Large Quantity Generator (LQG)
- This category applies to a generator of hazardous waste that generates more than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lbs) of hazardous waste OR greater than 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs) of acutely hazardous waste (P-wastes) per calendar month.