What is the maximum number of gallons of hazardous waste that generators can accumulate indefinitely at the point of generation?

The maximum number of gallons of hazardous waste that generators can accumulate indefinitely at the point of generation is 55 gallons. This regulatory limit is set under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which governs the management of hazardous waste in the United States.

The 55-gallon limit is specifically designed for generators who produce hazardous waste at their site. This provision allows them to store waste without having to adhere to more complex and costly permitting requirements, as long as they maintain the quantity within this limit. When a generator exceeds 55 gallons, they must manage the waste as a larger generator, which subjects them to stricter regulations and prompt disposal timelines.

The other quantities presented in the options are not established limits within the same regulatory framework for on-site storage of hazardous waste. This is why 55 gallons is the recognized standard for generators to manage their hazardous waste on-site without immediate regulatory overhead, allowing them following the rules while maintaining operational flexibility.