Full Document:
RCRA Online Number: 14685
Title: TREATMENT STANDARDS FOR MERCURY-CONTAINING DEBRIS
Document Date: 2003-10-23
To: RCRA Senior Policy Advisors, State Waste Managers
From: Springer
Description: D009 mercury wastes have LDR treatment standards for low mercury and high mercury-inorganic subcategories. LDR treatment standards include specified technologies such as RMERC, commonly called retorting. Macroencapsulation and microencapsulation are alternative LDR treatment technologies for D009 debris and do not depend on mercury levels in the debris. If alternative treatment standards are not used, the waste is subject to the non-debris standards in 40 CFR 268.40. The definition of debris is located in 268.2(g). Intact containers of mercury (e.g., thermometers, batteries) are not debris (SEE ALSO: 57 FR 37194, 37225; 8/18/92). Intact containers mixed with debris must be removed and managed separately. Certain mercury-containing items may be universal waste (SEE ALSO: 70 FR 45508; 8/5/05). Mercury-containing CESQG and household hazardous waste is exempt from RCRA regulations. Retorters are capable of accepting mercury-containing debris with certain limitations and exceptions. Source separation involves removing mercury-contaminated material from debris. Macroencapsulation involves mixing waste with reagents and stabilization materials to produce a more stable waste form. Macroencapsulation uses surface coatings or jackets to reduce surface exposure to leaching media.
Superseded: Citations Changed
Regulatory Citation(s): 260.10, 261.4(b)(1), 261.5
Official ORCR Policy: Yes
Associated Topic(s):
Best Demonstrated Available Technology (BDAT),
Characteristic Wastes,
Containers,
Land Disposal Restrictions |