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Hazardous Waste Program

Household Hazardsous Waste Collection Site

Governor Dunleavy and the Alaska Legislature budgeted funding for the creation of a Hazardous Waste Program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle C for the State of Alaska beginning in fiscal year 2023. The program has been established within the DEC Environmental Health Division.

Goal

The Hazardous Waste Program’s goal is to obtain authorization from EPA to regulate hazardous waste in Alaska in lieu of EPA. Alaska is one of only two states that is not currently authorized by EPA. Once the program is authorized, hazardous waste in Alaska will be regulated by Alaskans who are aware of the unique conditions and challenges in the state.

Process

The application process has proceeded as expected, although with a few unexpected delays, and we continue to collaborate with EPA to ensure that the state processes and personnel meet the expected standards. Actions we've completed:

  1. We have hired and trained a highly capable team.
  2. We are in the final stages of EPA review of our draft application.
  3. We have provided public outreach on our program and answered questions as they arose.
  4. We have adopted State Hazardous Waste Regulations in Title 18, Chapter 62 of the Alaska Administrative Code (18 AAC 62) that are effective June 1, 2025.

While the state regulations have been adopted, hazardous waste handlers should continue to comply with the federal regulations until DEC has received authorization from EPA.

Prior to submission of the application, DEC will provide an opportunity for the public to review and comment on our proposed final application to EPA. Watch the DEC Public Notice page or sign up for our hazardous waste listserv.

We expect to submit the final authorization application to EPA later in 2025 and hope to receive authorization in early 2026.

Questions

Until DEC receives authorization, EPA remains the regulating authority for hazardous waste. Please consult their website for information on hazardous waste management requirements.

For questions about Alaska’s Hazardous Waste Program development, contact:

Lori Aldrich
Hazardous Waste Section Manager
907-269-0116

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