Conducting a hazardous waste determination is a requirement for all persons that generate a solid waste, learn more:  The Hazardous Waste Determination.  The determination may be based on either or both of the following methods:  Process Knowledge or Analysis.  The regulations of the USEPA do not indicate which of these methods is preferred, however, many states with an authorized hazardous waste program will specify that they prefer (aka:  require) the hazardous waste determination to rely on the analysis of a representative sample of the waste whenever that is possible.  Some states will require that the lab used to conduct the analysis be a state approved or state certified lab in order for the results to be acceptable while others have no such requirement.

It is your responsibility as a generator of any waste, particularly a hazardous waste, to ensure the lab you use to determine the hazardous waste characteristics of your waste (eg. Ignitable, Corrosive, Reactive, or Toxic) complies with the following:

• Maintain its NVLAP accreditation.  Read here the difference between “certification” and “accreditation”.
• Use the USEPA approved test methods.
• Maintain its approval/certification with a state’s environmental regulatory agency (if applicable).

The following is an attempt to tabulate the lab certification or approval requirements of the 50 states and provide a link to each state’s list of approve labs, if applicable.  This list will be updated as the requirements of each state become known to me.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me with information about your state if you wish to see it added to this list.

And finally, this information is correct to the best of my ability and knowledge.  I make no guarantee of its correctness or completeness.  Be sure to check with the requirements of your state to ensure compliance. (more…)