EPA Asks: Better Ways to Test Toxic Leach from Waste?
Published Date: 9/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The EPA wants your input on how we test and sample solid waste, especially the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) that checks if waste is harmful. This affects industries, researchers, governments, and communities who handle or study waste. Share your thoughts by November 13, 2026, so the EPA can improve testing methods and keep everyone safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
TCLP (Method 1311) Still Required for Compliance
The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), SW-846 Method 1311, is currently used for toxicity characteristic hazardous waste determinations under 40 CFR 261.24 and for numeric standards under the Land Disposal Restrictions at 40 CFR 268.48, and must be followed for those regulatory compliance tests.
EPA Considering LEAF as TCLP Alternative
EPA is considering providing a regulatory alternative to TCLP testing using the LEAF methods (SW-846 Methods 1313–1316) for wastes disposed in lined landfills other than municipal solid waste landfills, and is seeking information on how to define testing conditions and on costs and benefits of such an approach.
Method Updates Could Lower Cleanup Costs
EPA notes that analytical methods updates can reduce costs for identification and/or treatment of hazardous waste or for cleanup of contaminated sites, and is requesting information about sampling, testing challenges, and measurable benefits.
Stakeholder RFI — Submit by Nov 13, 2026
EPA is asking for information on SW-846 test methods and waste sampling and will accept comments identified by Docket ID EPA-HQ-OLEM-2026-7360. Comments and information must be received on or before November 13, 2026 to be considered for short-term updates.
LEAF Validated for Inorganics; Organics R&D Underway
EPA states the published LEAF methods (SW-846 Methods 1313–1316) have only been validated for inorganic chemicals, and EPA is conducting research and development to adapt the leaching methods to address organic constituents.
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Key Dates
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