Regulations & Inspections

Generator size is determined by how much hazardous waste your business generates each month. Certain wastes do not count toward generator size, such as used oil, lead acid batteries and fluorescent lamps.

Large Quantity Generator (LQG)

Generates 2,200 pounds or more per month of hazardous waste (about four drums liquid).

Small Quantity Generator (SQG)

Generates greater than 220 pounds but less than 2,200 pounds per month of hazardous waste (about one-half to four drums liquid).

Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)

Generates 220 pounds or less per month of hazardous waste (about one-half drum liquid or less).

Inspections are conducted primarily to review your hazardous waste management. While regulatory in nature, inspections are also a time for your inspector to work with your business to answer questions, educate and provide technical assistance.

Initial inspection

• First hazardous waste inspection that occurs shortly after applying for a hazardous waste license.
• This inspection is often times scheduled with the generator.

Routine inspection

• Generally unannounced.
• Frequency is based on risk (e.g., generator size, types of waste onsite, compliance history, etc.) and last inspection date.

Follow-up inspection

• Occurs as a result of significant non-compliance or if an inspection was incomplete.
• To avoid an incomplete inspection, make sure more than one person can serve as point during an inspection.

Complaint inspection

• Occurs in response to a complaint about a business or property.
• The county’s approach is neutral. The complaint is discussed with the business or property owner to understand and resolve the situation.  

Closure inspection

• Occurs when a generator is closing or moving to make sure all hazardous wastes/materials are removed and properly disposed of.
• Hazardous wastes/materials cannot be left onsite or taken to a new location.
• This inspection is required in order to close a hazardous waste license.

A typical inspection involves a walk-through of the site, review of records, discussion of findings and completed inspection report.

Site walk-through

The inspector will visit all areas where waste is generated, handled, processed, treated or stored as well as check for the presence of emergency equipment. The inspector may ask questions, talk to personnel, take notes and take pictures.

Record review

During the record review, your inspector will want to see:

• Waste disposal manifests, shipping papers and recycling receipts.
• Weekly container inspection logs.
• Waste evaluation information.
• Training records (Small and Large Quantity Generators).
• Contingency plans (Large Quantity Generators). 

Paper or digital records must be available onsite for a minimum of three years. Keep records organized and accessible.

e-Manifest

Generators can access their manifests via the Environmental Protection Agency's e-Manifest system. As of January 22, 2025, small and large quantity generators are federally required to have an e-Manifest account. Learn more

Inspection findings and report

At the end of the inspection, your inspector will communicate findings and next steps. Shortly thereafter, an inspection report will be emailed to you for your review and records. Depending on the types and numbers of violations, your inspector may request written, verbal or photo documentation showing violation has been fixed.

Self-assessments

Consider doing regular self-inspections to help stay in compliance. Use the self-assessment templates below, which are based closely off of the inspection report.

• VSQG self-assessment (PDF)
• SQG self-assessment (PDF)
• LQG self-assessment (PDF)