Indiana Characteristic Waste: What you need to know

Characteristic waste: 329 Indiana Administrative Code (IAC) 3.1-6-1(b)

Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Office of Land Quality

Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Office of Land Quality

Indiana State Health Department (ISHD)

See ADDRESSES & CONTACTS for addresses and telephone numbers.

See national section for basic information and federal regulations.

• Rules. Indiana regulations for identifying hazardous waste characteristics are the same as the federal Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations with some minor differences under 329 IAC 3.1.6-1(b). See the national section CHARACTERISTIC WASTE for the federal requirements. Exceptions and additions to the federal rules are specifically noted in the state's hazardous waste management rules. See 49 CFR 173.53 for provisions using old classifications of explosives. All of the definitions and test methods for characteristic waste in the federal regulations are incorporated by reference.

• Administration and enforcement. IDEM's Office of Land Quality is responsible for enforcing the rules for identifying hazardous waste in Indiana. DNR and ISHD also have rules that cover certain types of waste that are hazardous if improperly managed. For example, the management of infectious waste from medical institutions is under the jurisdiction of ISHD. Certain mining and oil exploration waste is under the jurisdiction of DNR. IDEM works closely with these other state agencies to coordinate activities.