Hazardous Waste Permitting

The Waste Permits Division created an interactive application to help people apply for hazardous waste permits. The workbook guides applicants by using a Screening tab that shows which rules apply to their facility. After that, the Get Checklist tab creates a custom checklist with spaces to fill in answers and list any needed attachments in the Attachment Schedule. This system makes the process easier because applicants no longer have to go through every single regulation one by one, even if some of them don’t apply to their facility.

• LDEQ Hazardous Waste (RCRA) Permit Application Workbook
  • Hazardous Waste Permit Application Workbook Guidance Document
  • Guidelines Addressing the Content and Formatting for a Hazardous Waste Permit Application
• EPA Hazardous Waste Permit Application Part A
• Certification of Acknowledgement, Compliance and Applicability
• 1701 Permit Application Addendum
• Hazardous Waste Permit Checklist (Inital or Renewal)
• Hazardous Waste Renewal with Class 3 Permit Modification Checklist

A Hazardous Waste Permit Modification is the process a facility uses when it needs to add, remove, or update something in its current permit. These changes can be small, like simple information updates (Class 1), or large, like adding new equipment or processing units (Class 3). The steps for making these changes are explained in LAC 33:V.321, and the most common types of modifications are listed in LAC 33:V.322. If a facility wants to make a change that is not listed, it can either submit it as a Class 3 modification or ask LDEQ to decide which class it should be.

• Hazardous Waste Class 1 Permit Modification Checklist
• Hazardous Waste Class 2 Permit Modification Checklist
• Hazardous Waste Class 3 Permit Modification Checklist 

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) regulates how hazardous waste is burned to make sure it is done safely and cleanly. Facilities that burn hazardous waste—such as incinerators, boilers, and industrial furnaces—must first complete a “test burn.” This test proves they can meet strict air‑pollution limits set by LDEQ and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During the test, the facility sets operating limits that it must follow in the future to stay in compliance.

Hazardous waste burning was originally regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Today, most of these facilities must also meet air‑quality rules under the Clean Air Act. These rules are called the Hazardous Waste Combustor Maximum Achievable Control Technology (HWC MACT) standards.

To ensure safe burning, facilities must use continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS). These systems constantly measure oxygen and either carbon monoxide or total hydrocarbons to show that the waste is being burned properly.

Specific information and forms for both CPTS and CEMS requirements are located on the hazardous waste engineering webpage.

The 2025 reporting year is a Federal reporting year.  Electronic reports should be submitted using the EPA RCRAInfo Reporting software.  Paper reports should be submitted to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality using the EPA Hazardous Waste Report Instructions and Forms Booklet and the data will be entered into the EPA RCRAInfo Reporting Software.  

The EPA Hazardous Waste Report Instructions and Forms Booklet provides information on completing your 2025 Hazardous Waste Report Paper reporting forms may be found at the end of the instruction booklet.  LDEQ does encourage the use of the EPA RCRAInfo Reporting software to complete and submit your 2025 Annual Hazardous Waste Report. 

The EPA RCRAInfo Reporting software supports most web browsers including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari.  RCRAInfo no longer supports Internet Explorer.

Permitted hazardous waste facilities must set aside money to cover the cost of closing the facility and taking care of it after it closes. This money is called financial assurance. The amount is based on how much it would cost a third‑party company to do the work if the facility could not do it itself. Each year, the facility has to review and update its financial assurance. They must adjust the amount for inflation and increase it if the expected costs become higher than what they have set aside. This helps ensure the site can be safely closed and maintained.

For more information, is located on the Solid and Hazardous waste financial assurance page.

A Large Quantity Generator (LQG) is a facility that produces large amounts of hazardous waste. An LQG makes more than 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste or more than 2.2 pounds of acute hazardous waste in one month. Because they create so much waste, LQGs must follow strict safety rules. They have to label and store waste correctly, train workers, keep good records, and ship waste to approved treatment or disposal sites. LQGs must also send an annual report to the state by March 1 and properly close any waste storage or treatment areas.

Notification of Hazardous Waste Activity Form (HW-1): The HW-1 form is used by LQGs for initial notification, subsequent updates and closure. Please include a cover letter with the HW-1 form with the reason for submittal and any other necessary additional information.

LQG Closure Guidance: In accordance with LAC 33:V.1015.B.8.j, the Waste Permits Division published closure guidance for LQG facilities that are closing a centralized accumulation area or an entire facility.

A Small Quantity Generator (SQG) is a facility that produces a moderate amount of hazardous waste. An SQG creates between 220 and 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste in one month and less than 2.2 pounds of acute hazardous waste. Because they make less waste than large generators, their rules are not as strict, but they still must manage waste safely. SQGs must label and store waste correctly, train workers, and send waste to approved treatment or disposal sites. They also have limits on how long they can store waste.

Notification of Hazardous Waste Activity Form (HW-1): The HW-1 form is used by SQGs for initial notification, subsequent updates and episodic events. Please include a cover letter with the HW-1 form with the reason for submittal and any other necessary additional information.

Certification of No Hazardous Waste Activity Form: The Certification of No Hazardous Waste Activity Form is used by SQGs to notify LDEQ of the closure, relocation or ceasing of hazardous waste generator activities.

A Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) is a facility that produces only a small amount of hazardous waste. A VSQG makes 220 pounds or less of hazardous waste in one month and less than 2.2 pounds of acute hazardous waste. Because they create so little waste, they follow simpler rules than larger generators, but they still must manage waste safely. VSQGs must identify their hazardous waste, store it properly, and make sure it is sent to an approved facility for treatment or disposal.

Notification of Hazardous Waste Activity Form (HW-1)
The HW-1 form is used by VSQGs for initial notification, subsequent updates and episodic events. Please include a cover letter with the HW-1 form with the reason for submittal and any other necessary additional information.

Certification of No Hazardous Waste Activity Form: The Certification of No Hazardous Waste Activity Form is used by SQGs to notify LDEQ of the closure, relocation or ceasing of hazardous waste generator activities.

 

Notification of Hazardous Waste Activity Form (HW-1): The HW-1 form is used by transporters for initial notification and subsequent updates. Please include a cover letter with the HW-1 form with the reason for submittal and any other necessary additional information.

Certification of No Hazardous Waste Activity Form: The Certification of No Hazardous Waste Activity Form is used by transporters to notify LDEQ of the closure, relocation or ceasing of hazardous waste generator activities.

Notification of Hazardous Waste Activity Form (HW-1): The HW-1 form is used by transfer facilities for initial notification and subsequent updates. Please include a cover letter with the HW-1 form with the reason for submittal and any other necessary additional information. Transfer facilities must receive approval from LDEQ prior to operation. Facilities that store hazardous waste for greater than 10 days shall apply for a hazardous waste storage permit.

Certification of No Hazardous Waste Activity Form: The Certification of No Hazardous Waste Activity Form is used by transfer facilities to notify LDEQ of the closure, relocation or ceasing of hazardous waste activities.

Small Quantity Handlers of Universal Waste are facilities that manage small amounts of universal waste, less than 11,000 pounds of universal waste at one time. The rules are simpler than those for large handlers, SQHs must still store waste safely, label containers clearly, and prevent spills or breakage. They must also send the waste to approved recycling or disposal facilities. These requirements help make sure universal waste is managed responsibly and does not harm workers, communities, or the environment

SQH are regulated under LAC 33:V.Chapter 38, Subchapter B and not require to submit an HW-1 to notify of their universal waste activities. 

Large Quantity Handlers of Universal Waste (LQH) are facilities that manage 11,000 pounds or more of universal waste at one time. Because they handle large amounts, LQHs follow stricter rules. They must label and store waste safely, train workers, keep detailed records, and send waste to approved recycling or disposal facilities. 

LQHs are regulated under LAC 33:V.Chapter 38, Subchapter C and require to submit an HW-1 to notify of their universal waste activities.

Universal waste transporters are companies or people who move universal waste—such as batteries, fluorescent bulbs, pesticides, and mercury‑containing equipment—from one place to another. They must follow safety rules to prevent spills, breakage, or leaks while the waste is being moved. Transporters also have to make sure the waste reaches an approved facility.

Universal waste transfer facilities are places where this waste is held for a short time during transportation. Universal waste can stay there for up to 10 days without becoming either small or large quantity handler.

Universal Waste Transporters and Transfer facilities are regulated under LAC 33:V.Chapter 38, Subchapter D.

Universal waste destination facilities are places that receive universal waste for treatment, recycling, or disposal. Unlike handlers or transporters, these facilities actually process the waste. Because they do more complex work, they must follow strict hazardous waste rules. This includes training workers, preventing spills, and keeping detailed records. Destination facilities must also make sure the waste is managed in ways that protect air, water, soil, and nearby communities.

Destination facilities are regulated under LAC 33:V.Chapter 38, Subchapter E.  Under this subpachter, these facilities either are required to obtain a hazardous waste permit, or operate in accordance with LAC 33:V.Chapter 41 if the facility recycles the universal waste without storing the waste before it is recycled.  Please reference the permitting section or recycable materials sections of this page for further information. 

Used oil generators are places like auto shops, farms, and businesses that produce used oil from vehicles or equipment. They must store used oil in good containers, keep it labeled as “Used Oil,” and prevent spills or leaks. Used oil collection centers are locations that accept small amounts of used oil from the public or businesses. These centers gather the oil so it can be recycled or properly disposed of. Both generators and collection centers must follow safety rules to protect soil, water, and air from pollution. Recycling used oil helps save resources and reduces environmental harm.

Used oil generators and collection facilities are generally not required to notify of their activities. These facilities are regulated under LAC 33:V. Chapter 40, Subchapters B and C.  Transporting more than 55-gallons of used oil or recieving more than 55-gallons of used oil from another generator may required notification as a used oil transporter or transfer facility.

Used oil transporters are companies or people who move used oil from one place to another for recycling or proper disposal. They must follow safety rules to prevent spills, leaks, and accidents while the oil is being transported. They also need to keep records and make sure the oil goes to an approved facility.

Used oil transfer facilities are places where used oil is stored for a short time—usually while it is being moved between trucks or routes. The oil can stay there for up to 35 days and must be kept in safe, labeled containers; storage for greater than 35 days requires the transfer facility to register and operate as a Used Oil Process or Re-refiner. Used oil transfer facilities must receive approval from LDEQ prior to operating. 

These facilities are regulated under LAC 33:V. Chapter 40, Subchapter D.

Notification of Hazardous Waste Activity Form (HW-1)

Used oil processors and re‑refiners are facilities that take used oil and prepare it for reuse. Processors clean and treat the oil so it can be safely burned as fuel or sent for further recycling. Re‑refiners take used oil and remove impurities so it can become clean, high‑quality motor oil again. Both types of facilities must follow strict rules to prevent spills, leaks, and pollution. They must store oil in proper containers, keep clear labels, and maintain records of their activities. By processing and re‑refining used oil, these facilities help reduce waste and protect the environment.

These facilities are regulated under LAC 33:V. Chapter 40, Subchapter E and are required to notify on a Notification of Hazardous Waste Activity Form (HW-1).

Processors and re-refiners are required to submit biennial reports to EPA by March 1st of even numbered years electronically through EPA RCRAInfo or by mail.

Used oil burners are facilities that burn used oil as fuel in special heaters or boilers. They must follow safety rules to make sure the oil is burned cleanly and does not pollute the air. The used oil they burn must meet certain quality standards.

Used oil marketers are businesses that test used oil and make sure it meets those standards before it is sent to a burner. They also keep records and label the oil correctly. Both burners and marketers help recycle used oil in a safe way, reducing waste and protecting the environment.

Used oil burners that burn off-specification used oil are regulated under LAC 33:V. Chapter 40, Subchapter F and Used oil fuel marketers are regulated under LAC 33:V. Chapter 40, Subchapter G.

Both of these facilities are required to notify LDEQ on the Notification of Hazardous Waste Activity Form (HW-1).

Household Hazardous Waste Day is a community event where people can safely drop off dangerous items they shouldn’t throw in the trash.

Things like old paint, batteries, chemicals, and cleaners can harm the environment if they end up in landfills or drains. On this day, trained workers collect these materials and make sure they’re handled and disposed of properly. It helps keep neighborhoods cleaner, protects wildlife, and reduces pollution. It’s an easy way for families to get rid of harmful products responsibly while helping the environment.

Entities that wish to host a household hazardous waste day submit a request and additional information to the department.

EPA has put together a Household Hazardous Waste Management manual to help plan organize these events.

Household Hazardous Waste Management: A Manual for One-Day Collection Programs

The hazardous program includes rules for recyclable materials (LAC 33:V.Chapter 41) and hazardous secondary materials (LAC 33:V.105.D.1.x,y,&z) to make sure they are managed safely. Recyclable materials are items that can be reused or processed to make new products. Hazardous secondary materials are leftover materials from industrial processes that can still be recycled but may be dangerous if handled the wrong way. Some recyclable materials, like lead acid batteries, scrap metal or precious metals, have special rules that make recycling easier while still protecting the environment. Other materials must follow stricter rules because they can harm people, soil, or water if they are not managed correctly. Facilities that generate or recycle hazardous secondary materials must store them safely, label them clearly, and make sure they are actually being recycled—not dumped or abandoned. They also have to keep records and follow rules that prevent spills and pollution.

Hazardous secondary materials are leftover materials from industrial or manufacturing processes that can still be reused or recycled, but they also have dangerous properties. These materials might be flammable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive, which means they can harm people or the environment. When managed responsibly, they can reduce waste and protect the environment while still supporting industry.

Because these materials can be risky, the appointing authority has rules to make sure they are managed safely. Facilities must store them in proper containers, prevent leaks, and keep them from being released into the environment. They also must show that the recycling is real and beneficial, not just a way to avoid disposal rules.

Many companies recycle hazardous secondary materials to recover useful ingredients, save money, or reduce waste.; however, determining if their recycling is legitimate is necessary first. Legitimate recycling means the material being recycled must actually help the process and the recycling must create a useful product that is handled safely. The final product should not have new dangerous chemicals, higher levels of hazardous chemicals, or dangerous traits that similar products don’t have. All the rules (LAC 33:V.105.D.1.x,y,&z) must be looked at together.

Injection wells have a range of uses including storing CO2, disposing of waste, enhancing oil production, mining, and preventing salt water intrusion. Applications for a permit to inject fluids underground must demonstrate to the EPA and corresponding state agencies that the operation will not endanger any underground sources of drinking water. This regulatory scheme allows for six classes of injection wells, which are classified by the type of fluid injected and the specific injection depth (e.g., above or below sources of drinking water).

To obtain No Alternatives determination to inject hazardous waste underground, a company must have:

• an active Class 1 hazardous waste well order issued by Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy
• an effective Land Disposal Restriction Exemption (No Migration Petition) from EPA Region 6, and 

• the petition must demonstrate that there are no affordable and environmentally safe options for handling the hazardous waste other than putting it into an injection well. The petition must include:

  • an explanation of the different options that were considered and whether they are technically possible

  • an analysis of any options that are technically possible to see if they are also affordable

  • a review of how any affordable options would affect the facility’s other environmental permits or programs, including air and water impacts

  • when appropriate, information about how much capacity exists for any affordable and environmentally safe alternative technologies

Based on the above, LDEQ will issue a determination on the petition in accordance with LAC 33:V.2273. 

A facility can ask the regulating authorities (EPA and LDEQ) to remove a specific waste from hazardous waste rules, but it must prove through testing and documentation that the waste—whether pure or mixed—no longer meets the reasons it was originally listed as hazardous. The regulating authorities review the petition, check whether any other chemicals or characteristics could still make the waste dangerous, and may require detailed sampling, lab reports, and extra information before deciding. Any exclusion applies only to that one facility, and the approval can be granted for all or only part of the waste if the evidence supports it.