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.
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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06275 — Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes
The EPA just set new rules for renewable fuels in 2026 and 2027, including how much biofuel must be used. They’re also easing the 2025 cellulosic biofuel goals because production fell short and dropping renewable electricity as a qualifying fuel. These changes affect fuel producers and sellers, kick in mostly by mid-2026, and aim to keep America’s fuel cleaner and greener without breaking the bank.
2026-05167 — National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide Emissions Standards for Sterilization Facilities Residual Risk and Technology Review Reconsideration
The EPA is proposing changes to rules for sterilization facilities that use ethylene oxide, a chemical that can be harmful if not controlled. They want to remove some strict risk-based limits, fix technical mistakes, and update how facilities prove they’re following the rules. If you run or work with these facilities, get ready for new deadlines and clearer standards by mid-2026, which could affect how you manage emissions and compliance costs.
2026-04646 — Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Large Municipal Waste Combustors Voluntary Remand Response and Five-Year Review
The EPA is updating pollution rules for big trash-burning plants to cut harmful emissions like lead, mercury, and dioxins. These changes affect both new and existing facilities, tighten limits, remove some loopholes, and improve reporting, all starting May 11, 2026. This update will help clean the air by reducing over 3,200 tons of pollution each year, making communities healthier and safer.
2025-21788 — Oil and Natural Gas Sector Climate Review: Extension of Deadlines in Standards of Performance for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources
The EPA is giving oil and natural gas companies more time to meet new pollution control rules and report their emissions. Deadlines for fixing leaks, monitoring equipment, and submitting state plans are pushed back to help everyone get ready without rushing. These changes keep the climate goals on track while easing the financial and timing pressure on the industry.
2025-20402 — Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The EPA and Army Corps are updating the rules that decide which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act, following a 2023 Supreme Court decision. This change helps everyone know exactly which waters are covered, making it easier to protect lakes, rivers, and wetlands while respecting state and tribal rights. People and businesses affected should share their thoughts by January 5, 2026, as this update could impact water projects and environmental protections.
2025-19882 — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Data Reporting and Recordkeeping Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Revision to Regulation
The EPA is updating rules for companies that make or import PFAS chemicals, asking them to report certain info about these substances from 2011-2022. The changes add some smart exceptions to ease reporting on things companies probably don’t know, saving time and hassle. Comments on the proposal are open until late December 2025, so affected businesses should get ready to weigh in!
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.
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