Alaska Gets Full Control of Its Hazardous Waste Rules
Published Date: 8/6/2026
Rule
Summary
The State of Alaska (Alaska or the State) has applied to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA or the Agency) for final authorization of its hazardous waste program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended (RCRA). The EPA has reviewed Alaska's application and has made a final determination that Alaska's hazardous waste program satisfies all requirements for final authorization. Thus, the EPA is granting final authorization for the State to operate its program subject to the limitations on its authority retained by the EPA in accordance with RCRA, including the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 (HSWA). Alaska's program will operate in lieu of the Federal hazardous waste program in Alaska; however, the EPA will retain jurisdiction and authority to implement the Federal RCRA program in Indian country and areas of exclusive Federal jurisdiction in Alaska.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Stricter Cleanup and Corrective Action Rules
Alaska's rules (for example, 18 AAC 62.527 and 18 AAC 75.340-75.345) can require corrective action and cleanup standards that are more stringent than Federal RCRA standards, and where State cleanup standards differ the more stringent standard applies. If you own or operate a facility needing cleanup in Alaska, you may face stricter cleanup procedures and standards under State law.
Alaska Now Runs RCRA Hazardous Waste Program
Effective August 6, 2026, Alaska is authorized to run the State hazardous waste program in place of the Federal RCRA hazardous waste program within the State. If you handle hazardous waste in Alaska, you must follow Alaska's hazardous waste rules (as adopted, effective June 1, 2025) instead of the Federal rules except in Indian country and areas of exclusive Federal jurisdiction where the EPA still enforces the Federal program.
Electronic Waste Treated as Universal Waste
Alaska adds electronic items (for example: computers, laptops, monitors, cell phones, keyboards, printers, copy machines) to its universal waste rules at 18 AAC 62.205, 1110, 1135, and 1390. Electronic waste managed as universal waste is exempt from the State's standard hazardous waste requirements and may be handled under streamlined recycling rules if properly recycled.
New State Siting Steps for Hazardous Facilities
Alaska's regulations (18 AAC 63 and 18 AAC 62.1010) add Alaska-specific siting requirements for new hazardous waste management facilities, including a rule that owners/operators must initiate siting requirements not fewer than 365 days before construction and meet pre-application and setback requirements. If you plan to build a new hazardous waste facility in Alaska, you must follow these State siting steps and timelines.
State Requires Annual Notifications
Alaska's hazardous waste rules add annual notification requirements for Small Quantity Generators (SQGs), Large Quantity Generators (LQGs), and Transporters (see 18 AAC 62.301(a)(2), 18 AAC 62.430, and 18 AAC 62.840(b)). If your business is a generator or transporter in Alaska, you must file these annual notifications under State law.
EPA Keeps Authority in Indian Country
The EPA will continue to implement and enforce the Federal hazardous waste program in Indian country (as defined by 18 U.S.C. 1151) and in areas of exclusive Federal jurisdiction in Alaska after August 6, 2026. That means Federal (not State) hazardous waste rules and EPA enforcement will apply in those areas.
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