January 2002* 

Introduction

Many jewelry manufacturing processes, such as casting, plating, and polishing generate hazardous waste. Business owners and operators are legally and financially responsible for properly handling their hazardous waste. This fact sheet will provide an overview of the hazardous waste generator requirements for jewelry mart operators. This fact sheet does not replace or supersede relevant statutes and regulations.

How do I Know if I Generate a Waste?

When you discard your processing materials from your jewelry manufacturing business, you have generated a waste. For example, when you are finished with your jewelry manufacturing processes and cannot use your process solutions any longer, clean your equipment to make it work better, or when you decide you cannot use something in your jewelry manufacturing business any longer, you have generated a waste (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66261.2).

Am I a Hazardous Waste Generator?

You are a generator of hazardous waste if your business activities produce any amount of any waste that is defined as hazardous waste in the California Code of Regulations (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66260.10).

Is my Waste Hazardous?

Each generator must determine if the waste is hazardous. Waste can be hazardous for the following reasons  (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, ch. 11).

• The waste contains toxic substances such as poisons that can damage human health. Examples are cyanide, and many metals, such as silver, copper, zinc, lead, mercury, and arsenic.
• The waste is prone to spontaneous combustion (ignitable). Examples are acetone, varnish, and paint removers.
• The waste could react violently, such as explode or produce harmful fumes, when exposed to heat, air, water, or shock (reactive). An example is mixing cyanide containing waste with acid or acid containing waste, which can release poisonous hydrogen cyanide gas.
• The waste corrodes or eats away material or skin (corrosive). Examples are battery acid and acids used in etching.

How Can I Determine if my Waste is Hazardous?

You can determine if your waste is hazardous through laboratory testing or by using your knowledge of the process that generated the waste (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66260.11).  Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) may help you determine if your waste is hazardous. Request an MSDS whenever you purchase a product.

What are Some of the Jewelry Manufacturing Processes that Generate Hazardous Waste?

Cyanide, in the form of sodium and potassium cyanide, is used in electroplating, “cyanide bombing” and metal stripping. These processes typically produce spent process baths that are hazardous waste because they contain cyanide, as well as metals. Cyanide is considered highly toxic because it is a strong poison (see the DTSC fact sheet, “Cyanide Waste Produced in Jewelry Manufacturing“).

Spent rinse waters may be hazardous because they can be corrosive. The rinse waters may also contain cyanide and dissolved precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and rhodium. Dissolved metals are also harmful to human health and the environment.

Soldering may also generate hazardous waste. Gold and silver solders are used frequently in jewelry manufacturing, and these metals can be harmful. Cadmium is also common in many solders, although cadmium content will not always be indicated on the solder ingredients. Solders containing cadmium will release cadmium vapors during use. Cadmium may cause cancer and workers should avoid breathing vapors from solders that contain cadmium.

What Precautions should I take to Safely Handle my Hazarous Waste?

The California Department of Industrial Relations requires people to use safety precautions while they are handling hazardous materials and waste. The appropriate safety precautions depend on the type of hazardous waste you generate. For consultation services please contact them at (800) 963-9424 or by email at infocons@dir.ca.gov.

No one should eat, drink, or smoke in areas where hazardous waste is stored or treated.

Cyanide containing and acidic hazardous wastes are incompatible, and must be stored in separate areas or separated by a wall or other suitable barrier capable of preventing mixing in the event of a spill (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.177).

Separation is necessary because mixing cyanide or cyanide containing hazardous waste with acid or acid containing hazardous waste may release hydrogen cyanide gas. A few breaths of hydrogen cyanide gas will kill a person in minutes. A dust mask will not provide protection against hydrogen cyanide gas.

Clean up all spills immediately, whether from your jewelry manufacturing process or from stored hazardous waste  (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.50.  Handle your hazardous waste in a way that prevents leaks, spills, fires, and explosions (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22 § 66265.31).

Do I Need a Generator Identification Number?

Yes, every generator needs to obtain an identification (ID) number (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66262.12).

What is an Identification Number?

The ID number identifies each handler on uniform hazardous waste manifests.   The ID number allows regulators and generators to track the waste from its origin to final disposal (“cradle to grave”). These numbers are business specific and there must be only one number for a specific location. Each jewelry manufacturing business is a separate generator and must have its own ID number.

How do I get an Identification Number?

Generators of more than 220 pounds (100 kg) of waste regulated under the federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) need to obtain a federal EPA ID number using form 8700-12 or filing electronically. Additional information is found on DTSC’s ID number fact sheet.

Generators of hazardous waste that do not need a federal EPA ID number should apply for a California State ID number using form 1358.   For questions about ID numbers please contact DTSC at 1-800-61-TOXIC (800-618-6942) .  There is no cost to obtain an ID number.  Fees associated with the generation of hazardous waste can be found at DTSC’s Annual Fee Summary webpage.

How Long may I Accumulate my Hazardous Waste?

If you generate less than 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds) of hazardous waste per month, then your waste needs to be transported within 180 days of the date the waste was first placed in a container (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66262.34).

If you generate more than 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds) of hazardous waste per month, then your waste needs to be transported within 90 days of the date the waste was first placed in a container (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66262.34).

Regardless of how much hazardous waste a generator produces per month, if the total amount accumulated at any one time exceeds 6,000 kg (13,200 pounds), or more than one kilogram of acutely or extremely hazardous waste, then your waste needs to be transported within 90 days of the date the waste was first placed in a container (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66262.34). By regulation, cyanide is presumed to be an extremely hazardous waste.

A generator may accumulate up to 55 gallons of hazardous waste (or one quart of acutely or extremely hazardous waste) without a permit at the initial point of accumulation, known as a satellite accumulation area, for up to one year. No treatment of hazardous waste is allowed while the waste is being accumulated in the satellite accumulation area. Within three days after the 55-gallon (or one quart) accumulation limit is reached, the generator must move the container to a “90-day” accumulation area and label the container with the date the satellite accumulation limit is reached (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66262.34).

How can I Properly Accumulate my Hazardous Waste?

All hazardous waste must be accumulated in a tank or container. All tanks or containers must be clearly marked with the words “Hazardous Waste.” Each container must be labeled with the following information (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66262.34).

• Description of the hazardous waste (example: cyanide);
• The date the first waste was placed into the container;
• The hazards associated with the waste (ignitable, corrosive, toxic or reactive); and
• Name and address of the generator.

How can I Properly Manage my Containers of Hazardous Wastes?

• Accumulate wastes in compatible, sturdy, leakproof, closed containers (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.171).
• All containers must be visible for inspections and you must inspect them weekly (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.174).
• Do not place incompatible wastes in the same container (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.177).
• Keep containers holding incompatible wastes separated  (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.177).  Cyanide containing and acidic hazardous wastes are incompatible and must be stored in separate areas.

How can I Properly Manage my Tanks of Hazardous Wastes?

• You must inspect all tanks daily (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.195).
• All tanks must be properly labeled (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66262.34).
• All tanks must be designed to hold hazardous waste and not collapse or leak (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.194).
• All tanks must have an integrity assessment certified by a professional engineer registered in California (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.192).
• Most tanks and tank systems must have secondary containment (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.192).  Secondary containment can include a liner, vault or double-walled tank. Secondary containment needs to be certified by a professional engineer registered in California.

How must I Plan for an Emergency?

• Maintain a ready supply of fire control equipment, such as fire extinguishers, foam, inert gas or dry chemical (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.32 and 40 C.F.R., § 265.32).
• Have an emergency coordinator on the premises or available to respond to an emergency by reaching the facility quickly (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.192).
• Post the following information next to the telephone  (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66262.34, 40 C.F.R., § 262.34, subd. (d))
  • The name and telephone number of the emergency coordinator;
  • Location of fire extinguishers and spill control material, and, if present, fire alarm; and
  • The telephone number of the fire department, unless the facility has a direct alarm.
• Notify local authorities (fire, police, hospitals, building inspectors) of the hazardous waste generated at your site, and provide a map showing the facility layout and access routes (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.37, 40 C.F.R., § 265.36).
• Maintain an active communication or alarm system to signal employees in case of an emergency (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, §66265.32, 40 C.F.R., § 265.32).

Business owners that can only accumulate their hazardous waste for 90 days must also prepare and retain a written contingency plan and emergency procedures for dealing with emergencies (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.51).  The contingency plan shall be designed to minimize hazards to human health or the environment from fires, explosions, or any unplanned sudden or non-sudden release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents to air, soil, or surface water. Proper respiratory precautions and use of protective gear should be identified in the contingency plan. All employees must be trained in to implement the contingency plan.

What Should I do in an Event of an Emergency?

• Fire: Call 911, and if it is safe, attempt to extinguish the fire by using a fire extinguisher.
• Spill: Using appropriate safety precautions, contain the flow of hazardous waste to the extent possible. As soon as is practicable, clean up the hazardous waste and any contaminated materials or soil.
• Fire, explosion, or other release which could threaten human health outside the facility or when the generator has knowledge that a spill has reached surface water: Immediately notify the Cal/OES State Warning Center (using its 24-hour toll free number (800) 852-7550).

Do I Need to Train my Employees?

Yes, business owners need to ensure that all employees who handle hazardous wastes are thoroughly familiar with proper waste handling and emergency procedures, relevant to their day to day responsibilities  (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.16, 40 C.F.R., § 262.34, subd. (d)). Generators that accumulate more than 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds) of extremely hazardous waste per month or more than 1 kg of extremely hazardous waste per month must ensure that their employees successfully complete the training program within six months after employment or assignment to the facility. Employees must not work in unsupervised positions until they have completed the training requirements referenced above. They must also take part in an annual review of the initial training (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.16).

What Should I do with my Hazardous Waste?

It is illegal to throw hazardous waste away or pour hazardous waste down the sink, in the storm drain, or down the toilet (Health & Saf. Code § 25189.5). Each jewelry business must use a DTSC registered transporter to transport hazardous waste to a facility that is approved to treat or dispose of it. The building treatment system can not treat jewelry businesses’ hazardous waste unless the building treatment system has been authorized by DTSC. If you treat your hazardous waste at your jewelry manufacturing shop (onsite treatment), you must have approval (permit or grant of authorization) from your local Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) or DTSC. DTSC is responsible for both types of approvals if there is no CUPA in your area. If you are authorized and treat your hazardous waste onsite into a nonhazardous waste, it may be disposed of to the sewer upon approval of your local sewer agency.

How Should I Manage my Waste for Proper Transportation?

Before transporting hazardous waste, always:

1. Package, label, and mark all containers in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations prior to shipment (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66262.32),
2. Use a hazardous waste transporter registered with DTSC (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66263.17),
3. Ensure that your waste is delivered to a permitted facility or legitimate recycler (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66262.20, and
4. Use a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest, EPA form 8700-22A  (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66262.20).

How do I Know if a Transporter is Registered with DTSC?

To verify a transporter’s registration, you can  go to  DTSC’s Registered Hazardous Waste Transporter Database

What is a Manifest?

A Uniform hazardous waste manifest is the paperwork that accompanies hazardous waste from the point of generation to the point of treatment, storage or disposal.

Where can I get a Manifest?

Manifests may be obtained from any source approved by U.S. EPA Registry to print and distribute the form.

How do I Complete a Manifest?

The uniform hazardous waste manifest is a federal document (form 8700-22). U.S. EPA has developed a document containing uniform hazardous waste manifest instructions.

If the manifest begins with a generator signature on a paper manifest at the time of shipment, you and the transporter sign off on the manifest and keep one copy (the “generator copy”). As the generator, within 30 days of shipment, you must make a photocopy of the manifest with the generator and first transporter signatures and mail it to DTSC at:

DTSC Generator Manifests
P.O. Box 400
Sacramento, CA 95812-0400

The remaining manifests go with the transporter, who either delivers the waste to a destination facility or transfers it to another transporter. Each transporter keeps a copy of the manifest. When the used oil is delivered to the final destination facility, the destination facility signs off on the manifest and electronically uploads the manifest to the U.S. EPA e-manifest system.

If the generator is using the e-manifest system and signs the manifest electronically, then the manifest is considered fully electronic and you do not need to submit a photocopy of the manifest to DTSC. In order to sign up for fully electronic manifesting you must first sign up on the “myRCRAid” electronic system. To obtain information on the e-manifest system, you can go to U.S. EPA’s main e-manifest webpage or the e-manifest FAQs.

Additional information about manifests can be found at the DTSC manifest information webpage. Transporter information can be found on the DTSC Transporter webpage. Eventually, the manifest system will become an all-electronic system. DTSC encourages generators, transporters and facilities to visit the manifest webpage for updates.

For additional manifest information about Exception reporting, Manifest correction letters, Significant Discrepany reports, Unmanifested waste reports etc. please go to our DTSC manifest webpage.

Do I Need to Keep any Records?

You must keep copies of manifests and exception reports for at least three years (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66262.40).

You must keep records of any test results, waste analyses or other waste determination records or information used for at least three years (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66262.40).

Generators that accumulate more than 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds) of extremely hazardous waste per month or more than 1 kg of extremely hazardous waste per month must keep records of all personnel training. Training records on current employees must be kept until closure of the site. Training records on former employees must be kept for at least three years from the date the employee last worked at the site (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66265.16).

It is recommended that you keep a log of weekly container inspections. It is recommended that you keep a copy of your Identification (ID) number confirmation letter.

More Information & Contacts

For more information and questions, please direct them to our Regulatory Assistance Officers using the information below. If calling from outside California, please call the "Outside CA" telephone number provided:

Toll-Free in CA: 800-728-6942 or 800 72-TOXIC
Outside CA: 916-324-2439
Email: RAO@dtsc.ca.gov

*Disclaimer

This fact sheet does not replace or supersede relevant statutes and regulations. The information contained in this fact sheet is based upon the statutes and regulations in effect as of the date of the fact sheet. Interested parties should keep apprised of subsequent changes to relevant statutes and regulations.