EPA Seeks Comments on Endless Solid Waste Form Filling
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA is asking for your thoughts on extending a paperwork rule about what counts as solid waste under environmental laws. This affects businesses and organizations that handle waste, as they’ll keep reporting info to the EPA. You’ve got until February 9, 2026, to share your comments—no extra costs, just keeping the info flowing smoothly!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 6 costs, 0 mixed.
Three‑Year Recordkeeping for Tolling Contracts
If you run a business that sends or receives hazardous secondary materials under the generator-controlled exclusion (40 CFR 261.4(a)(23)), your tolling contractor must keep records at its facility for at least three years and the tolling manufacturer must keep records at its facility for at least three years. Facilities that recycle under this exclusion must also keep documentation of their legitimacy determination onsite.
Estimated Annual Burden and Cost to Respondents
EPA estimates 4,800 respondents, with a total annual burden of 27,055 hours and a total estimated cost of $2,933,678 per year, which includes $18,403 in annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs. The ICR is currently approved through June 30, 2026 and EPA proposes to extend it.
Audits and Recycler Conditions for Transfers
Under the transfer-based exclusion (40 CFR 261.4(a)(24)), a generator sending hazardous secondary materials to a non-permitted facility must conduct a "reasonable efforts" environmental audit of the receiving facility. Recyclers receiving such materials must meet conditions including having financial assurance, trained personnel, and emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
Three‑Year Shipment Records for Remanufacturing
Under the remanufacturing exclusion (40 CFR 261.4(a)(27)), both the hazardous secondary material generator and the remanufacturer must keep records of shipments and confirmations of receipt for three years from the dates of shipment.
Exporters Must Notify, Get Consent, and Report Annually
If you export hazardous secondary material under the transfer-based exclusion (40 CFR 261.4(a)(25)), you must provide notice to and obtain consent from the receiving country and file an annual report. The requirement includes an annual reporting duty.
Labeling Date Requirement for Accumulated Materials
Under the revised speculative accumulation rule (40 CFR 261.1(c)(8)), anyone subject to the rule must label the storage unit with the first date that the material began to be accumulated.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22528, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; RCRA Expanded Public Participation, EPA ICR No. 1688.11, OMB Control No. 2050-0149
The EPA wants to keep collecting info to help more people get involved in decisions about hazardous waste rules. This affects communities, businesses, and anyone interested in environmental safety. They’re asking for your thoughts by February 9, 2026, and this process won’t cost you anything but your two cents!
Next: 2025-22531, Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality wants to keep collecting info using their Patient Safety Culture Hospital Survey, which helps hospitals understand safety and errors. They’re asking for 30 more days of public comments before getting final approval, with no changes to the survey. Hospitals and healthcare workers are the main players here, and there’s no new cost or big time changes involved.