Changing the definitions of solid and hazardous waste

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may revise the definitions of solid waste and hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) based on the recommendations of two government work group. Initiatives by the Definition of Solid Waste Roundtable and by the Hazardous Waste Identification Committee (HWIC) could have a profound impact on the regulatory classification of materials disposed of or recycled by virtually every manufacturing operation across the US. The Definition of Solid Waste Roundtable, a discussion group of the Definition of Solid Waste Task Force, may recommend revisions to the definition of solid waste under RCRA. The task force aims to eliminate disincentives to recycling. Under the current definition, which was promulgated Jan. 4, 1985, any material that is discarded'' is considered a solid waste. HWIC is charged with recommending revisions to the definition of hazardous waste, particularly the mixture and derived from rules. EPA aims to ensure RCRA regulatory controls are commensurate with risks posed by contaminated media, mixtures of listed hazardous wastes and solid wastes, and their spill and treatment residues.