Free Tool

Generator Status Classifier

Enter your monthly hazardous waste volumes to determine whether your facility is VSQG, SQG, or LQG, along with the storage, manifest, and training rules that follow.

kg

Standard hazardous waste (e.g. solvents, oils, heavy metals).

kg

LQG threshold: >1 kg (2.2 lbs). Exactly 1 kg = VSQG. Includes specific high-toxicity P-listed chemicals.

kg

Contaminated soil or debris from cleanup of an acute waste spill.

Enter waste volumes to see your classification.

Share tool:

2026 Regulatory Alert: PFAS Hazardous Waste Listing

The EPA is finalizing rules in April 2026 to list 9 PFAS compounds as hazardous constituents under RCRA. Facilities that generate PFAS-containing waste may see their classification change. Ensure your waste determinations are reviewed against these new standards before they take effect.

What changes with your status?

Moving from SQG to LQG isn't just about volume—it's a massive jump in regulatory overhead.

Accumulation Limits

VSQGs must never exceed 1,000 kg total on-site. SQGs are capped at 6,000 kg. LQGs have no weight limit.

Storage Time Limits

VSQGs have no time limit. SQGs have 180 days (or 270 if the TSDF is over 200 miles away). LQGs have only 90 days before waste must be shipped.

Documented Training

LQGs require annual, formal hazardous waste training for all relevant personnel. SQGs require "basic familiarity" for staff who handle waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about EPA Generator Status rules.

Does my generator status reset each month?

Yes. Generator status is determined on a calendar-month basis under 40 CFR 262.13. You could be a VSQG in January, an LQG in February due to a cleanout, and an SQG in March. Each month is evaluated independently based on that month's generation volume.

What if my volume varies — do I use the worst month?

No — you use each month's actual volume to determine status for that month. However, your compliance obligations (e.g., storage time limits, training, contingency plans) are tied to your highest status during any given month. If you're an LQG in February, you must comply with LQG rules for all waste generated that month, even if you drop back to SQG in March.

What is episodic generation?

Episodic generation occurs when a facility temporarily generates a higher volume of waste than usual (e.g., during a lab cleanout or spill). You can apply for a formal episodic event waiver to avoid being permanently reclassified. Without the waiver, the spike upgrades your status for that month and subjects you to stricter regulations.

What is acutely hazardous waste?

Acutely hazardous wastes (P-listed wastes) are chemicals deemed fatal to humans in low doses. Generating more than 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs) of this waste in a single calendar month makes your facility a Large Quantity Generator (LQG), regardless of your non-acute waste volume. Generating exactly 1 kg keeps you at VSQG status for acute waste — the threshold is strictly greater than 1 kg per the EPA (40 CFR 262.13).

What happens if I exceed my on-site accumulation limit?

Exceeding your on-site limit (e.g., an SQG accumulating more than 6,000 kg, or a VSQG exceeding 1,000 kg) is a serious violation. The facility may be treated as an unpermitted Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) — which carries penalties up to $93,058 per day under RCRA.

Do SQGs and LQGs need to register for e-Manifest?

Yes. As of January 22, 2025, all SQGs and LQGs must be registered in the EPA's e-Manifest system. Paper manifests are no longer returned by mail — signed copies must be retrieved electronically. VSQGs are currently exempt from this requirement.

Track your deadlines automatically

Once you know your status, the hard part is tracking every drum's accumulation clock before it expires. RCRAReady does that automatically — with SMS and email alerts before any deadline.

Join Waitlist

Related Compliance Guides

View all posts »

Dive deeper into RCRA regulations and learn how to bulletproof your facility against EPA audits.