A common misconception is that the RCRA closure standards (measures a company must take upon closure to remove existing hazardous waste contamination and eliminate the potential for future contamination caused by past activities) apply solely to Treatment Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF’s) such as Subtitle C landfills or hazardous waste incinerators.  While it is true that a hazardous waste TSDF has a responsibility for long-term post-closure care that do not apply to a generator of hazardous waste; it is also true that some hazardous waste generators must comply with certain disposal and decontamination requirements if they cease operation of a hazardous waste accumulation unit.  This article will review the applicable closure standards for the three hazardous waste generator statuses and the four hazardous waste accumulation units.

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