TSCA and RCRA Proposed Rulemakings for Lead-Based Paint Debris Disposal
In an effort to further reduce childhood lead poisoning, the EPA had propsed new standards under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for the disposal of lead-based paint (LBP) debris to replace existing Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations.
The new standards were designed to make abatements (measures taken to permanently eliminate of LBP hazards) more affordable, helping families reduce lead exposures in their home.
The new standards would allow disposal of LBP debris in specified alternative, non hazardous landfills (i.e., construction and demolition (C&D) landfills) without requiring a hazardous waste determination. LBP debris disposal in a C&D landfill is less costly than disposal as hazardous waste. Agency groundwater risk modeling found that the leaching of lead from LBP debris disposed of in C&D landfills (which generally accept only inert wastes) poses no significant threat to human health and the environment over a 10,000 year time horizon.
However, subsequent to this proposal, the Agency clarified that abatement wastes from homes are household wastes and, as such, excluded from the RCRA Subtitle C hazardous waste regulations. Consequently, the proposed action was no longer considered a necessary measure to promote LBP abatement activities.
Contact the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) to speak with an information specialist.
Final Rules and Policy in Effect
Proposed Rules and Other Notices