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Home›Courses›Safety Training›Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Safety

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Safety

28 minutesENSafety TrainingRCRA - 40 CFR Part 262
Quick Answer

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Safety is a 28-minute online course that trains employees on federal hazardous waste management requirements under RCRA and EPA regulations in 40 CFR Part 262. It is designed for personnel at large quantity generator (LQG) and small quantity generator (SQG) facilities who handle, store, or ship hazardous waste and includes a downloadable certificate of completion.

Course Overview

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), enacted in 1976, establishes the federal framework for managing solid and hazardous waste from generation through disposal. The EPA administers RCRA regulations under 40 CFR Parts 260-279, with hazardous waste generator requirements concentrated in Part 262. Large quantity generators (1,000+ kg/month) must provide annual training to all hazardous waste personnel under 40 CFR 262.17(a)(7), and new employees must be trained within six months of hire while working under direct supervision of trained personnel. EPA enforcement actions for RCRA violations can result in civil penalties up to $70,117 per day per violation.

This course trains your employees on the fundamentals of RCRA compliance for hazardous waste generators. Your team will learn hazardous waste identification and classification, proper container labeling and storage procedures, accumulation time limits, manifest requirements for off-site shipment, and emergency response procedures for spills or releases. The training addresses the specific requirements for both large and small quantity generators and helps employers meet their annual training obligations under 40 CFR Part 262.

What You'll Learn

  • RCRA overview and the EPA's hazardous waste regulatory framework under 40 CFR Part 262
  • Hazardous waste identification including listed wastes and characteristic wastes
  • Generator category determination - VSQG, SQG, and LQG requirements
  • Container labeling, marking, and storage requirements
  • Accumulation time limits - 90 days for LQGs, 180 days for SQGs
  • Hazardous waste manifest preparation and recordkeeping requirements
  • Emergency response procedures for hazardous waste spills and releases
  • Land disposal restrictions and prohibited waste management practices

Who Needs This Training

  • Employees at large quantity generator (LQG) facilities who handle hazardous waste
  • Workers at small quantity generator (SQG) facilities involved in waste management
  • Environmental health and safety managers overseeing hazardous waste programs
  • Shipping and receiving personnel who prepare hazardous waste manifests
  • Maintenance workers who generate hazardous waste through their duties
  • New hires at facilities that generate, store, or transport hazardous waste

Regulatory Background

RCRA hazardous waste generator requirements are codified at 40 CFR Part 262, administered by the EPA. Large quantity generators (1,000+ kg/month of hazardous waste) must comply with annual training requirements under 40 CFR 262.17(a)(7), which mandates that all facility personnel whose work involves hazardous waste receive initial training within six months of hire and annual refresher training thereafter. Small quantity generators (100-1,000 kg/month) must ensure all employees are thoroughly familiar with proper waste handling and emergency procedures under 40 CFR 262.16(b)(9)(iii). Training records must be maintained until facility closure and for three years beyond the employee's last date of employment. EPA civil penalties for RCRA violations can reach $70,117 per day per violation. Most states are authorized to implement their own RCRA programs and may impose additional or more stringent requirements than the federal baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Under 40 CFR 262.17(a)(7), all facility personnel at large quantity generators (LQGs) whose duties involve hazardous waste or hazardous waste emergencies must receive training. This includes employees who generate, handle, store, label, ship, or manage hazardous waste. Small quantity generators (SQGs) must ensure employees are thoroughly familiar with proper waste handling and emergency response procedures under 40 CFR 262.16(b)(9)(iii). Even employees who generate hazardous waste indirectly through their work duties - such as painters or maintenance workers - may be included.
Large quantity generators must provide annual refresher training to all hazardous waste personnel. New employees must complete initial training within six months of their hire date and must work under the direct supervision of a trained employee until training is complete. While SQGs do not have a specific annual training requirement, annual refresher training is strongly recommended to maintain compliance. Training records must include employee name, job title, description of duties, and training dates.
Generator categories are based on the amount of hazardous waste generated per calendar month. Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) produce 1,000 kg or more per month and have the most extensive requirements including annual training, 90-day accumulation limits, and full contingency planning. Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) produce 100-1,000 kg per month with 180-day accumulation limits. Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs) produce 100 kg or less per month and face the fewest requirements.
Yes. EPA regulations at 40 CFR 262.17(a)(7) allow training through classroom instruction, online training (including computer-based or electronic formats), or on-the-job training. Online training is acceptable as long as it teaches personnel to perform their duties in compliance with RCRA requirements and includes content on emergency procedures. Employers should supplement general RCRA training with site-specific instruction on their facility's waste streams and procedures.
EPA can impose civil penalties up to $70,117 per day per violation for RCRA non-compliance. Common violations include failure to perform hazardous waste determinations, improper storage or labeling, exceeding accumulation time limits, and failure to train personnel. State environmental agencies - which administer RCRA in most states - may impose additional penalties. Criminal violations involving knowing endangerment can result in fines up to $1 million and imprisonment. Maintaining documented training records is one of the most important compliance elements during inspections.

Related Courses

Employers managing hazardous waste programs often pair this training with Hazard Communication: GHS Safety Data Sheets to ensure workers understand both the waste disposal requirements and the chemical identification systems they encounter daily. For facilities with larger hazardous waste operations, Hazardous Waste: Large Quantity Generators provides additional depth on LQG-specific compliance requirements.

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$29.95
per person
Volume Pricing
Team Size Price per Person
1 - 9$29.95
10 - 24$23.95
25 - 49$21.55
50 - 99$17.50
Subtotal $29.95

Certificate of completion included. Downloadable upon passing the final assessment.

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$29.95
per person