The EPA is releasing the Notice of Data Availability (NODA) for Hazardous Waste Management in the Retail Sector. EPA is responding to issues the retail industry has identified that they face in implementing hazardous waste regulations. The NODA gives the industry the opportunity to help the agency better identify options for possible further action.
The agency seeks comment on existing data on the retail industry and amount of hazardous waste it generates, and suggestions for improving hazardous waste regulations for retail operations. The NODA also seeks information and hazardous waste data on the following:
- Episodic generation
- Retails stores’ programs for handling hazardous waste
- Hazardous waste training for employees
- Aerosol cans
- Transportation and reverse logistics
- Reverse logistics centers
- Sustainability efforts undertaken by retail facilities
The action is part of a regulatory reform that directs agencies to make regulatory programs more effective or less burdensome in achieving regulatory objectives. The NODA is the latest in continuing efforts to reach out to the retail sector. The agency has conducted multiple site visits at retailers to learn more about how they manage their pharmaceutical and retail waste, and issued guidance within the current regulatory structure to provide flexibility to stakeholders in managing pharmaceutical container hazardous waste residues.