The  Hazardous Waste Section ensures the safe management of hazardous waste in North Carolina. They apply the adopted federal rules that incorporate the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act requirements and additional state rules. The section also oversees the RCRA Used Oil regulations

The Hazardous Waste Section has three different branches.

The Programs Branch assists other branches with overall program performance and provides customers with informational, regulatory and technical assistance. The Technical Resource Unit reviews and implements financial assurance, prepares and delivers enforcement orders, coordinates appeals, assists in waste determinations and handles special projects. The Data Management and Program Support Unit prepares rules and handles authorization issues. We also manage the central file system, administer the section’s budgets and grants and manage data. In addition to billing and collecting hazardous waste fees, we also implement and maintain the RCRA data system and the Biennial Reporting System.

The Facility Management Branch issues operating and post-closure permits and provides oversight for facilities that must investigate and clean up hazardous waste releases to the environment. We review facility applications, plans and reports to ensure the facility meets regulatory and technical standards. Continual facility compliance is ensured through technical assistance and permit maintenance. We also recommend to the section chief whether to issue or deny operating and post-closure permits. Research, Development & Demonstration permits, in addition to emergency permits, are issued as needed.

The Compliance Branch has one primary purpose: to protect and safeguard public health and the environment by ensuring industry compliance with North Carolina’s Hazardous Waste Management Rules. Services offered include comprehensive evaluation of on-site waste streams, hazardous waste management practices including waste minimization and recordkeeping for all generators, transporters and treatment, storage and disposal facilities. We also perform case development audits at non-notifier sites which have the potential to lead to criminal investigations and make technical assistance visits to provide regulatory support for a particular initiative, regulation or waste stream. Our education program provides the knowledge and ability to appropriately manage their hazardous waste. Generator education courses and associated seminars are conducted annually. Our enforcement program ranges from Ticket Notice of Violations to Administrative Orders with penalties. We also provide direction and technical support during emergency response situations and respond to hazardous waste complaints arising from manufacturing practices, criminal activity and/or accidental releases by businesses and homeowners.