RCRA Contingency Plan Requirements

Large quantity generators of hazardous waste must keep a written contingency plan under 40 CFR 262 Subpart M. It names an emergency coordinator, lists emergency equipment, sets evacuation routes and describes how you respond to fires, explosions and releases. New or revised plans also need a quick reference guide for local responders. Small quantity generators follow simpler emergency rules.

This page is one of ETC’s written programs resources.

Who needs a contingency plan

Your generator status drives the requirement. Large quantity generators (LQG) need a full written contingency plan. Small quantity generators (SQG) follow simpler emergency preparedness and prevention rules. Very small quantity generators (VSQG) have the fewest requirements.

Required contents (40 CFR 262.261)

A contingency plan describes the actions facility personnel take in response to fires, explosions or any unplanned release of hazardous waste. It names the emergency coordinator, lists emergency equipment and its location and capabilities, sets evacuation routes, and describes arrangements with local police, fire and hospitals.

The quick reference guide (40 CFR 262.262(b))

New and revised plans must include a quick reference guide: a short summary that local responders can use fast, covering the types and names of hazardous waste, the hazards, the facility map and the coordinator’s contact.

Emergency coordinator duties

The emergency coordinator, or an alternate, must be available at all times, with the authority to commit the resources needed to carry out the plan.

Sharing the plan with local responders and when to amend it

Submit the plan and the quick reference guide to local emergency responders, and amend them when the facility, the waste, the coordinator or the response changes.

Small quantity generators: emergency preparedness basics (40 CFR 262.16(b)(9))

SQGs do not need the full plan, but they must post emergency information, keep emergency equipment and arrange for emergency response.

Arizona: ADEQ runs the RCRA program

Arizona is authorized to run the RCRA hazardous waste program through ADEQ, so your program is administered at the state level.

Template download

Want a starting point? Download the RCRA contingency plan template and tailor it to your facility. The form routes to our team and we reply within one business day.

FAQs

Does a small quantity generator need a contingency plan?
No full plan, but SQGs must meet the emergency preparedness and prevention rules: posted information, emergency equipment and arrangements with responders.

What goes in the quick reference guide?
A short summary for responders: waste types and hazards, where they are, the facility map and the emergency coordinator’s contact.

Who can be the emergency coordinator?
Someone available at all times (on site or on call) with the authority to commit the resources the plan requires.

How often must the plan be updated?
Amend it when the facility, the waste, the coordinator or the emergency response arrangements change. LQGs also need annual personnel training (40 CFR 262.17(a)(7)).

ETC teaches RCRA hazardous waste initial and annual refresher classes in Phoenix and Tucson.