Retailers Ask EPA to Reconsider Proposal on Hazardous Wastes

In comments submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this month, the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) outlined areas of concern with the Agency’s recent proposal to change the rules for identifying ignitable hazardous wastes under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Specifically, leading retailers argue that the EPA’s proposal to change the ignitability characteristic used for identifying hazardous wastes and require more aggressive methods for testing ignitability is ambiguous, inconsistent with longstanding RCRA rules and guidance, and unwarranted from an environmental, health, or safety perspective.

RILA worked with outside environmental counsel Beveridge & Diamond, P.C. and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) in drafting the comments.

“Protecting our customers and the environment is a top priority for retailers, and hazardous waste management is an important part of that mission,” said RILA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Austen Jensen. “However, this proposal would create tens of millions of dollars in new compliance costs, without providing any environmental benefits. We value the opportunity to share our concerns with EPA and work together on a thoughtful solution that accomplishes our shared goal of keeping consumers and the environment safe.”

The complete comments submitted to EPA can be found here.

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RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.