Under RCRA, what constitutes an 'empty' hazardous waste container?

Under RCRA, what constitutes an 'empty' hazardous waste container?

• A. A container with full contents.
• B. A container that has been drained and cleaned to remove its contents to the extent practicable; some residuals may still be regulated.
• C. A container that has never held waste.
• D. A container that is recycled.

Answer: (B)

Under RCRA, an empty hazardous waste container is one that has been drained and cleaned to remove its contents to the extent practicable, with any remaining residues possibly still regulated as waste. The idea is to remove as much material as is reasonably possible for that type of container, recognizing that a small amount may remain. The rule sets practical limits for what counts as empty, such as residues no greater than a shallow depth (typically about 1 inch) or no more than a certain percentage of the container’s capacity (often around 3 percent by weight), whichever limit is greater. This ensures containers aren’t treated as waste only because a trace amount remains, while still keeping any leftover material properly managed. So the best description is a drained and cleaned container with the possibility of small, regulated residues remaining.

Under RCRA, an empty hazardous waste container is one that has been drained and cleaned to remove its contents to the extent practicable, with any remaining residues possibly still regulated as waste. The idea is to remove as much material as is reasonably possible for that type of container, recognizing that a small amount may remain. The rule sets practical limits for what counts as empty, such as residues no greater than a shallow depth (typically about 1 inch) or no more than a certain percentage of the container’s capacity (often around 3 percent by weight), whichever limit is greater. This ensures containers aren’t treated as waste only because a trace amount remains, while still keeping any leftover material properly managed. So the best description is a drained and cleaned container with the possibility of small, regulated residues remaining.