Hazardous Waste FAQs

Does the Land Protection Division regulate Underground Storage Tanks? Underground storage tanks are regulated by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. They also regulate above ground storage tanks containing petroleum products. The Land Protection Division only regulates tanks containing hazardous waste.

How do I change my notification status? The only way to change your notification information to complete the Notification of Regulated Waste Activities form and submit it to our office. Form only. Instructions only. NAICS Codes. We cannot change EPA's database based on phone calls or letters or change of address forms from the Post Office.
If your facility has closed or gone out of business, you may complete this form from the DEQ Web Page to close out the active status..

Does Oklahoma have state specific waste codes? Oklahoma does not have state specific waste codes.

Does Oklahoma manage discarded Cathode Ray Tubes as UW (Universal Waste)? No, Oklahoma does not manage discarded CRTs as UW provided the generator complies with Federal Rules. However, we recognize the potential to recycle these materials for which the generator is obligated to demonstrate them to be recycled material to be qualified for exclusion [40 CFR 261.2(e)] from classification as solid waste (therefore hazardous waste).

If I made an error completing my monthly or quarterly report, how do I correct it? To correct an error on a report already submitted to DEQ, you should make a copy of the report you submitted, mark it revised, add the corrections and mark the corrections as revised.

How much does it cost to dispose of my hazardous waste? Disposal of hazardous waste is performed by private enterprise. The Department of Environmental Quality does not regulate what disposal companies charge to dispose of your hazardous waste. The cost will vary vary depending on what kind of waste is generated, how difficult it is to dispose of, how much and how often waste will be generated and how good a negotiator you are at fixing your disposal cost. The amount varies so much that DEQ does not even attempt to quantify disposal fees charged by disposal companies.

What are Oklahoma's hazardous waste reporting requirements? In addition to the federal biennial reporting requirements for large quantity generators and TSDF's, there are Oklahoma specific requirements. Oklahoma large quantity generators are required to submit a quarterly report summarizing wastes generated in a given calendar quarter. See OAC 252:205-5-3. Click here for the quarterly report form.TSD facilities are required to submit a monthly report summarizing wastes treated, stored or disposed of each month. See OAC 252:205-9-2. Click here for the Monthly report form.

Are Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators required to have an EPA ID Number? Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG) are NOT required to have an EPA ID Number by the Oklahoma DEQ. CESQG's that voluntarily obtain an EPA ID Number will enter the DEQ's inspectable universe.

What method should I use to analyze hazardous waste for characterization by DEQ? Waste should be analyzed using EPA publication Test Methods for Evaluation of Solid Wastes SW-846

Does the Land Protection Division regulate product storage tanks? The Land Protection Division only regulates tanks that contain hazardous wastes as defined by EPA. Product storage tanks are NOT regulated by the Land Protection Division.

What Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests are handled by the Land Protection Division? The Freedom of Information Act applies only to the federal government. The Oklahoma equivalent is the Oklahoma Open Records Act. The Land Protection Division has records relating only to entities it regulates. Requests regarding underground storage tanks should be addressed to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC). Those concerning above ground storage tanks containing petroleum products should also be addressed to OCC. The Air Quality Division regulates emissions from certain storage tanks. Other above ground product storage tanks are not regulated by the Land Proection Division except those storage tanks that stored Hazardous Waste. Spills, accidental releases and complaints are managed by the DEQ's Environmental Complaints and Local Services Division. The agency's Freedom of Information Act official is Jennifer Wright or Jeanette Nance. Those facilities regulated by the Land Protection Division may be found here.

Hazardous Waste FAQ's (last modified April 22, 2013 ) Links to pages outside of the DEQ Pages will open in a new window
Questions answered on this page:
1.		Is asbestos regulated as a hazardous waste?
2.		Are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) regulated as hazardous waste?
3.		Are fluorescent light bulbs regulated as hazardous waste?
4.		What is the telephone number of the RCRA/Superfund Hotline?
5.		What is the telephone number for reporting spills?
6.		How do I obtain copies of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)?,
7.		If I am driving through the state with a shipment of hazardous waste, am I required to register as a hazardous waste transporter?
8.		How do I register to be a transporter of hazardous waste?
9.		Does Oklahoma have its own version of the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest?
10.		What is a Disposal Plan and who is required to have one?
11.		How do I obtain an EPA I.D. Number? How do I obtain a temporary or provisional EPA I.D. Number?
12.		How can I get a list of EPA ID Numbers?
13.		How can I get a copy of the Biennial Report or the Hazardous Waste Report?
14.		How can I get a copy of the Capacity Assurance Plan?
15.		Where can I get a copy of the Small Quantity Generator’s Handbook?
16.		Where can I get more information on Toxics Release Inventories (TRI)?
17.		Where are hazardous waste manifests returned to in the state of Oklahoma?
18.		What are the procedures for remediating soil contaminated with petroleum?
19.		My property was used for a methamphetamine (meth) lab and I have been instructed by local authorities to clean it up. What do I do?
20.		Does the Land Protection Division regulate Underground Storage Tanks (UST's) or aboveground storage tanks?
21.		How do I change my notification status? (E.g., change from large quantity generator to small quantity generator or name changes.)
22.		Does Oklahoma have state specific waste codes?
23.		Does Oklahoma manage discarded Cathode Ray Tubes as UW (Universal Waste)?
24.		If I made an error completing my monthly or quarterly report, how do I correct it?
25.		How much does it cost to dispose of my hazardous waste?
26.		What are Oklahoma's hazardous waste reporting requirements?
27.		Are Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators required to have an EPA ID Number?
28.		What method should I use to analyze hazardous waste for characterization by DEQ?
29.		Does the Land Protection Division regulate product storage tanks?
30.		How can my school dispose of its hazardous waste?
31		What regulations apply when a handler changes generator status for a time period within a given year?
32.		What Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests are handled by the Land Protection Division?

1.	Is asbestos regulated as a hazardous waste? Asbestos is not regulated as a hazardous waste. Agencies regulating asbestos are the Oklahoma Department of Labor, Asbestos Task Force (405) 528-1500 and the Air Quality Division of the DEQ (405) 702-4100. The Solid Waste Permitting group (405) 702-5100 issues permits for asbestos disposal sites. Click HERE for a link to the Oklahoma Department of Labor Frequently Asked Questions about asbestos web page.

2.	Are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) regulated as hazardous waste? PCB's are regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This program is not delegated to the State of Oklahoma. Questions regarding PCB’s should be directed to EPA Region 6 in Dallas, Texas, (214) 665-7579. Mixtures of hazardous waste and PCB’s are regulated by both the EPA and DEQ. Both the TSCA and hazardous waste regulations apply to such mixtures.

3.	Are fluorescent light bulbs regulated as hazardous waste? Fluorescent light bulbs are regulated as a Universal Waste. See 252: 205-3-2(l) (adopts 40 CFR 273 by reference) of the regulations for details. A list of recyclers of lamp ballasts and fluorescent bulbs from the Ohio EPA and another list of Lamp Ballasts and Fluorescent Lamp Recyclers. DEQ has produced a Fluorescent Lamp Fact sheet.

4.	What is the telephone number of the RCRA/Superfund Hotline? The hotline number is (800) 424-9346. Other sources of information about hazardous waste management are the EPA’s Hazardous Waste Clean Up Information (Clu-In) web page at http://clu-in.com/ and the EPA's National Center for Environmental Research. You may also find hotline summary reports for the last twelve years at http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hotline/mrqs.htm. The EPA also maintains a database of regulatory interpretations.

5.	What is the telephone number for reporting spills? The DEQ spill reporting hotline is (800)522-0206. The National Response Center hotline is (800)424-8802. Both numbers operate 24 hours a day seven days a week.

6.	How do I obtain copies of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)? The CFR may be ordered from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, D.C. 20402-9328. Credit Card orders may be made at (202) 512-2233. The National Archives and Records Administration has the CFR on-line in PDF format Here .

7.	If I am driving through the state with a shipment of hazardous waste, am I required to register as a hazardous waste transporter? As of July 1, 2000, the Department of Environmental Quality no longer registers Hazardous Waste Transporters. This duty is now performed by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC). The contact person at OCC is Sherri Hensler, 405- 521-2915 . DEQ will continue to enforce 40 CFR Part 263 as well as the remaining parts of the Oklahoma Administrative Code dealing with transportation (252:205-7-2 through 252:205-7-4).

8.	How do I register to be a transporter of hazardous waste? As of July 1, 2000, the Department of Environmental Quality no longer registers Hazardous Waste Transporters. This duty is now performed by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC). The contact person at OCC is Sherri Hensler, 405- 521-2915 . DEQ will continue to enforce 40 CFR Part 263 as well as the remaining parts of the Oklahoma Administrative Code dealing with transportation (252:205-7-2 through 252:205-7-4).

9.	Does Oklahoma have its own version of the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest? Oklahoma does not have its own version of the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest. The procedure for acquisition of hazardous waste manifests may be found in 40 CFR 262.21. See the Manifest FAQ for more information

10.	What is a Disposal Plan and who is required to have one? See Disposal Plan procedures page. The disposal plan FAQ will answer the most common questions. A list of companies that currently have disposal plans may be found on the Hazardous Waste Home Page. This list is updated every Monday morning. One time disposal plans usually do not show up on this printout. To obtain a copy of a current disposal plan, go to this location and enter the EPA ID No. in the appropriate place.

11.	How do I obtain an EPA ID Number? An EPA ID Number is obtained by completing the federal Notification of Hazardous Waste Activities Form (EPA Form 8700-12). It can be obtained online by clicking HERE. The instructions may be obtained online by clicking HERE. These forms are returned to our office where they are reviewed for completeness and accuracy. Following review, an ID number is assigned by our office. Turnaround time for these is about two weeks excluding mailing time. New notifiers will receive a letter with the EPA ID Number assigned. For subsequent notifications, submitter should check the DEQ web page to verify the change has been made. Provisional numbers (for emergency situations and one time events) that are good for one year can be obtained by contacting our office at (405) 702-5100. These numbers can be assigned at the time of the telephone call. Information needed to assign the provisional number is the name of the generator and location where the waste is generated. The location must have a street address or distance from a highway intersection in addition to the city and county. If the location is in a rural area, use the name of the nearest town. You may find the assigned Provisional EPA ID Numbers on the Hazardous Waste Home page.

12.	How can I get a list of EPA ID Numbers? An on-line searchable form of the notifier's database may be found at: http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/rcris/rcris_query_java.html. A searchable map based version may be found HERE. The notifier's list in electronic format (ASCII text and comma delimited DBF) may be found at EPA's FTP server (ftp://ftp.epa.gov/rcrainfodata/rcra_flatfiles/). You may download copies of the notifiers printout sorted alphabetically, sorted by county and city or by EPA I.D. No. Paper copies are available from the Land Protection Division office at (405) 702-5100. There is a twenty-five cent per page copying fee for this document (payable in advance), and it is almost 1300 pages long. Call for the current cost.

13.	How can I get a copy of the Biennial Report Hazardous Waste Report? The State of Oklahoma is consistent with the Federal Regulations and only requires Biennial Reports (also known as the Hazardous Waste Report) every other year [40 CFR 262..41 and 264.75] for Large Quantity Generators. The Biennial Report covers odd numbered calendar years, and is due by March 1st of even numbered years (e.g., the 2013 Report will be due March 1, 2014). In the past, DEQ has mailed a notification to the LQG facilities by late December of the odd numbered year. The biennial reports for 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005 2007, 2009 and 2011 in electronic format may be found at EPA's web page (http://www.epa.gov/wastes/inforesources/data/biennialreport/). Printed copies may be obtained from the National Technical Information Service at (703) 487-4630. Blank biennial report forms for the 2013 report cycle are available on the Land Protection Division's web page in the Hazardous Waste Forms page.

14.	How can I get a copy of the Capacity Assurance Plan? The Capacity Assurance Plan is available from the National Technical Information Service at (703)-487-4630. It is also available in either ASCII text or Adobe Acrobat format at EPA's Web page at http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/tsds/capacity/index.htm .

15.	Where can I get a copy of the Small Quantity Generator’s Handbook? Photocopied versions of the form may be ordered from the Land Protection Division. It is available electronically by clicking HERE (Adobe Acrobat) or HERE (Text version, 70 kb). Also available Hazardous Waste A Guide for Small Businesses. Click here for Acrobat version. Click here for Text version.

16.	Where can I get more information on Toxics Release Inventories (TRI)? The EPA maintains a Toxics Release Inventory Web Page at http://www.epa.gov/tri/. DEQ's TRI page may be found by clicking HERE.

17.	Where are hazardous waste manifests returned to in the state of Oklahoma? Only uniform hazardous waste manifests documenting international shipments of hazardous waste or wastes generated by the DEQ need to be returned to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. All others sent to the DEQ will be recycled. Historical copies of manifests are stored in two locations. Manifests covering the period from 1977 to 1985 are stored in the Oklahoma State Archives located at the State Department of Libraries. Between 1985 and 1995 manifests are stored off site and may be reviewed at the convenience of the Land Protection Division. It will be necessary to make an appointment to review them. After 1995, DEQ was no longer required to collect manifests and they are not available at DEQ.

18.	What are the procedures for remediating soil contaminated with petroleum? The DEQ procedures for remediating soil contaminated with petroleum may be found HERE. Also checkout the Diesel and Gasoline Spills Fact sheet.

19.	My property was used for a methamphetamine (meth) lab and I have been instructed by local authorities to clean it up. What do I do? The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Oklahoma State Department of Health and Department of Environmental Quality have produced a Fact Sheet on Cleaning Up Meth Labs. KCI (formerly Koch Crime Institute) also has a web site describing how to clean up properties formerly used as meth labs at http://www.kci.org/meth_info/meth_cleanup.htm

20.	Does the Land Protection Division regulate Underground Storage Tanks? Underground storage tanks are regulated by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. They also regulate above ground storage tanks containing petroleum products. The Land Protection Division only regulates tanks containing hazardous waste.

21.	How do I change my notification status? The only way to change your notification information to complete the Notification of Regulated Waste Activities form and submit it to our office. Form only. Instructions only. NAICS Codes. We cannot change EPA's database based on phone calls or letters or change of address forms from the Post Office. If your facility has closed or gone out of business, you may complete this form from the DEQ Web Page to close out the active status..

22.	Does Oklahoma have state specific waste codes? Oklahoma does not have state specific waste codes.

23.	Does Oklahoma manage discarded Cathode Ray Tubes as UW (Universal Waste)? No, Oklahoma does not manage discarded CRTs as UW provided the generator complies with Federal Rules. However, we recognize the potential to recycle these materials for which the generator is obligated to demonstrate them to be recycled material to be qualified for exclusion [40 CFR 261.2(e)] from classification as solid waste (therefore hazardous waste).

24.	If I made an error completing my monthly or quarterly report, how do I correct it? To correct an error on a report already submitted to DEQ, you should make a copy of the report you submitted, mark it revised, add the corrections and mark the corrections as revised.

25..	How much does it cost to dispose of my hazardous waste? Disposal of hazardous waste is performed by private enterprise. The Department of Environmental Quality does not regulate what disposal companies charge to dispose of your hazardous waste. The cost will vary vary depending on what kind of waste is generated, how difficult it is to dispose of, how much and how often waste will be generated and how good a negotiator you are at fixing your disposal cost. The amount varies so much that DEQ does not even attempt to quantify disposal fees charged by disposal companies.

26.	What are Oklahoma's hazardous waste reporting requirements? In addition to the federal biennial reporting requirements for large quantity generators and TSDF's, there are Oklahoma specific requirements. Oklahoma large quantity generators are required to submit a quarterly report summarizing wastes generated in a given calendar quarter. See OAC 252:205-5-3. Click here for the quarterly report form.TSD facilities are required to submit a monthly report summarizing wastes treated, stored or disposed of each month. See OAC 252:205-9-2. Click here for the Monthly report form.

27.	Are Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators required to have an EPA ID Number? Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG) are NOT required to have an EPA ID Number by the Oklahoma DEQ. CESQG's that voluntarily obtain an EPA ID Number will enter the DEQ's inspectable universe.

28.	What method should I use to analyze hazardous waste for characterization by DEQ? Waste should be analyzed using EPA publication Test Methods for Evaluation of Solid Wastes SW-846

29.	Does the Land Protection Division regulate product storage tanks? The Land Protection Division only regulates tanks that contain hazardous wastes as defined by EPA. Product storage tanks are NOT regulated by the Land Protection Division.

30.	How can my school dispose of its hazardous waste? Oklahoma schools must use the state contract to dispose of their hazardous wastes if state funds are used to pay for disposal. The state contactors are Basin Environmental and Boomer Environmental

31.	What regulations apply when a handler changes generator status for a time period within a given year?For the quarter in which the waste is generated, he must comply with the standards applicable to his changed generator status. If he becomes an large quantity generator (LQG), he must comply with Oklahoma Administrative code 205 Chapter 5 which includes having a disposal plan, making quarterly reports for the quarters the disposal plan is active and manifesting waste and payment of applicable fees (Chapter 21 paragraph 2) and if in an odd numbered year submit the federally required biennial report for the entire year. He should also comply with the appropriate 40 CFR 265 regulations applicable to the way waste is handled (see 40 CFR 262.34 subpart C). This includes having a personnel training program (40 CFR 265.16), all the requirements for preparedness and prevention (40 CFR 265 Subpart C) and all of the Contingency Plan and Emergency Procedures (40 CFR 265. Subpart D) plus specific means in which the waste is handled at the facility (I.e., 40 CFR 265 subpart I if waste is managed in containers or; 40 CFR 265 Subpart J if the waste is managed in tanks). He is also responsible for complying with the remainder of 40 CFR 262 applicable to LQG’s. Briefly in the quarter in which large quantity hazardous waste is generated, he must comply with all regulations applicable to large quantity generators. A conditionally exempt generator who generates more than 220 pounds of non-acutely hazardous waste must comply the regulations applicable to a small quantity generator which includes having an EPA ID number and complying with the provisions of 40 CFR 262.34 applicable to small quantity generators for the months in which generation rates exceed 220 pounds of hazardous waste. Here is a chart comparing the regulatory requirements for LQG’s, Small quanity generators and conditionally exempt small quantity generators.

32.	What Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests are handled by the Land Protection Division? The Freedom of Information Act applies only to the federal government. The Oklahoma equivalent is the Oklahoma Open Records Act. The Land Protection Division has records relating only to entities it regulates. Requests regarding underground storage tanks should be addressed to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC). Those concerning above ground storage tanks containing petroleum products should also be addressed to OCC. The Air Quality Division regulates emissions from certain storage tanks. Other above ground product storage tanks are not regulated by the Land Proection Division except those storage tanks that stored Hazardous Waste. Spills, accidental releases and complaints are managed by the DEQ's Environmental Complaints and Local Services Division. The agency's Freedom of Information Act official is Jennifer Wright or Jeanette Nance. Those facilities regulated by the Land Protection Division may be found here.

How can my school dispose of its hazardous waste?