Inspection Requirements of Hazardous Waste Containers

All containers used to hold hazardous waste are required to be in "good" condition. This means that the container cannot be rusty, have structural defects, or leak. If any of these conditions exist, the waste has to be transferred to a container in good condition, and any contamination must be cleaned up.

Containers holding hazardous waste must be closed at all times, except when adding or removing waste. The container may not be stored, handled, or opened in any way that would cause it to leak or rupture (e.g., the containers should not be stacked vertically).

Weekly Inspections

All containers and container areas must be inspected at least weekly to determine if there are any leaking containers or deterioration of containers and the containment system caused by corrosion or other conditions. If a leak or container deterioration is found, immediate action is required. TSDFs must keep records of inspections in a log or summary for 3 years following the date of inspection. Many experts, however, believe it is a good practice to keep all facility records for at least 5 years.
Note: Although generators must comply with the weekly inspection requirement, they are not required to record the inspections in a log or summary. It would be prudent, however, for generators to maintain such a log or summary. Some states explicitly require a log or summary in their regulations for generators.

Containers Sent to TSDFs

The air emissions standards for containers require the TSDF owner or operator receiving a container to visually inspect the container, its cover, and closure device in the closed position in order to determine that there are no visible openings or gaps through which organics could be emitted. This inspection must occur on or before the date that the container is accepted at the facility. In this context, "accepted" means the date of the facility owner's, or operator's signature on Item 20 of the manifest. If, however, the container is to be emptied within 24 hours after being accepted at the TSDF, the visual inspection is not required. If a defect is detected, repairs must commence within 24 hours of detection and be completed no later than 5 days after detection.

---