Generator Improvements Rule (GIR) – UPDATE!

California has adopted the mandatory portions of the Generator Improvements Rule (GIR). This takes effect in California on July 1, 2024. For more information on the GIR as well as ongoing work to adopt other sections of this rule, please go to our Generator Improvements Rule webpage. 

Any business which generates a hazardous waste must obtain a permit. Waste is generally considered hazardous if it is flammable, corrosive, toxic, reactive, or if it can be shown to be detrimental to health and/or the environment. If the waste is detrimental to health and/or the environment it is usually listed specifically by the State as a regulated waste. Examples of hazardous waste include: used motor oil and antifreeze, used cleaning solvents, used acid and alkaline cleaners, used plating solutions containing metals or cyanide, etc.

Hazardous Waste Requirements:

• EPA Identification Number - This number identifies each hazardous waste generator on waste manifests/receipt and other paperwork. To receive an EPA ID Number, call 800-618-6942 for State regulated waste or 415-495-8895 for Federally regulated waste. Or visit the Department of Toxic Substances Control website at https://dtsc.ca.gov/apply-for-hazardous-waste-epa-id-number/ . There is no fee to obtain an Identification Number.
• Accumulation Time Limits - The amount of time a hazardous waste generator may keep hazardous waste on their facility depends on the amount they generate each month. The time frame can range from ninety (90) days to one year.
• Hazardous Waste Container Management - Any container holding hazardous waste must be in good condition, compatible with the contents, closed except when adding or removing waste, properly labeled, etc.
• Labeling/Marking - Each container must be labeled or clearly marked with a label.

If a business treats the hazardous waste they generated, by altering its physical, chemical, or biological state; the business would need a tiered treatment permit. Business which would treat their hazardous waste may include plating shops, photo developers, metal etching shops, acid or alkaline chemical mixers, etc. Treatment methods include precipitation, evaporation, absorption, phase separation, distillation, neutralization, etc.

If the business does not treat their waste on-site (someone else comes and picks the waste up), the business does not need a tiered permit, but they do need a Generator Permit.

The permit fees for hazardous waste treatment are based on the treatment tier.

• Permit by Rule (PBR)
• Conditional Authorization (CA)
• Conditionally Exempt (CE) which includes:
  • Cond. Exempt - Small Quantity Treatment (CESQT)
  • Cond. Exempt - Specified Waste Stream (CESW)
  • Cond. Exempt - Limited (CEL)
  • Cond. Exempt - Commercial Laundries (CECL)