Ohio Cleans Up: EPA Eyes State Waste Rules for Final Approval
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Ohio wants the EPA to approve updates to its hazardous waste rules to keep things safe and clean. These changes affect businesses and facilities that handle dangerous waste, making sure they follow the latest safety steps. The EPA is asking for public feedback by December 18, 2025, before giving the green light—no big costs or delays expected!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Who Issues Permits After Authorization
If EPA grants final authorization, Ohio will issue permits for the hazardous waste provisions it is authorized to implement, and EPA will stop issuing new permits for those provisions after the authorization's effective date. EPA will continue to administer any RCRA permits it issued prior to the authorization effective date until those permits expire or are terminated.
EPA Retains HSWA Implementation Authority
New Federal HSWA requirements and prohibitions take effect in authorized states at the same time as in unauthorized states, and EPA will implement those HSWA requirements and issue permits in Ohio until the State is granted authorization for them. That means EPA will continue implementing HSWA provisions for Ohio until Ohio is authorized for those specific HSWA rules.
State Rules Become Federally Enforceable
EPA proposes to authorize Ohio's hazardous waste program revisions submitted June 27, 2023, which would make the State rules described in that application part of the federally enforceable RCRA program. EPA will still retain certain RCRA enforcement authorities, and the public can submit comments on this proposal by December 18, 2025.
Indian Country Jurisdiction Unchanged
This proposed authorization does not apply to Indian country in Ohio; EPA retains jurisdiction and will continue to implement and administer the RCRA hazardous waste program on lands that qualify as Indian country. The State authorization, if finalized, will not change who enforces RCRA in Indian country.
Universal Waste: Aerosol Cans Standardized
Ohio updated its universal waste rules to replace the State term "aerosol containers" with the Federal term "aerosol cans" and aligned aerosol-specific provisions with the Federal universal waste standards. EPA states it no longer considers Ohio's treatment of aerosol cans to be broader in scope than the Federal rule.
No New Requirements for Regulated Community
EPA states this proposed authorization will not impose additional requirements on the regulated community because the regulations EPA proposes to authorize are already effective under Ohio law. EPA certified the action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in