Is it the responsibility of the generator to determine whether a waste is hazardous?

The responsibility of the generator to determine whether a waste is hazardous is indeed true. This principle is fundamental in hazardous waste management. The generator, who produces the waste, is in the best position to evaluate the nature of the waste, including its composition and any potential hazards it may pose.

Generators are required to assess their waste based on its characteristics and apply the criteria established by regulations, such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This assessment involves looking at properties like ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity to ascertain if the waste meets the definition of hazardous waste. This determination is crucial because it dictates how the waste must be managed, stored, and disposed of, ensuring safety for human health and the environment.

By establishing this responsibility on the generator, regulations encourage proactive management of hazardous materials and help mitigate potential risks associated with mishandling or misidentifying waste.