ARTICLE 2. Definitions [25110. - 25124.]

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC 2.
in effect

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25110. Section 25110.

Unless expressly incorporated by reference by another statute, the definitions in this article govern only the construction of this chapter. Until terms used in this chapter are defined in either this chapter or in regulations adopted to implement this chapter, the corresponding definitions found in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended (42 U.S.C. Sec. 6901 et seq.) and the regulations adopted pursuant to that act, shall apply to the terms used in this chapter.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25110.1. Section 25110.1.

“Applicant” means any person seeking an original hazardous waste facilities permit, or an original hazardous waste hauler’s registration from the department to generate, transport, treat, store, recycle, dispose of or handle hazardous waste.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25110.4. Section 25110.4.

“Buffer zone” means an area of land that surrounds a hazardous waste facility and on which certain land uses and activities are restricted to protect the public health and safety and the environment from existing or potential hazards caused by the migration of hazardous waste.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25110.8.5. Section 25110.8.5.

“Class I violation” means any of the following: (a) A deviation from the requirements of this chapter, or any regulation, standard, requirement, or permit or interim status document condition adopted pursuant to this chapter, that is any of the following: (1) The deviation represents a significant threat to human health or safety or the environment because of one or more of the following: (A) The volume of the waste. (B) The relative hazardousness of the waste. (C) The proximity of the population at risk. (2) The deviation is significant enough that it could result in a failure to accomplish any of the following: (A) Ensure that hazardous waste is destined for, and delivered to, an authorized hazardous waste facility. (B) Prevent releases of hazardous waste or constituents to the environment during the active or postclosure period of facility operation. (C) Ensure early detection of releases of hazardous waste or constituents. (D) Ensure adequate financial resources in the case of releases of hazardous waste or constituents. (E) Ensure adequate financial resources to pay for facility closure. (F) Perform emergency cleanup operations of, or other corrective actions for, releases. (b) The deviation is a Class II violation which is a chronic violation or committed by a recalcitrant violator. “Class II Violation” has the same meaning as defined in Section 66260.10 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25110.9. Section 25110.9.

(a) “Conditionally exempt small quantity treatment” means the operations of a generator conditionally exempted pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 25201.5. (b) “Conditionally exempt specified waste stream” means a waste stream treated by a generator conditionally exempted pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 25201.5.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25110.9.1. Section 25110.9.1.

(a) “Conditional authorization” means a provision of this chapter, including, but not limited to, Section 25200.3, which provides that a person or activity is deemed to be operating pursuant to a grant of authorization, as required pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 25201, if the person or activity meets the requirements of that provision. (b) “Conditional exemption” means a provision of this chapter, including, but not limited to, Sections 25144.6, 25201.5, 25201.5.1, 25201.8, and 25201.13, which provides that a person or activity is exempted from, or is otherwise not subject to, the requirement to obtain a hazardous waste facilities permit or other grant of authorization if the person or activity meets the requirements of that provision.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25110.9.3. Section 25110.9.3.

For purposes of this chapter, “consolidated manifest” means a hazardous waste manifest used by a milk run transporter to combine hazardous waste shipments from multiple generators on one consolidated manifest pursuant to the procedures in Section 25160.2.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25110.10. Section 25110.10.

(a) “Consolidation site” means a site to which hazardous waste initially collected at a remote site, as defined in Section 25121.3, is transported. (b) Hazardous waste initially collected at a remote site and subsequently transported to a consolidation site, which is operated by the generator of the hazardous waste, shall be deemed to be generated at the consolidation site for purposes of this chapter if the generator complies with the notification requirements of subdivision (d) and all of the following conditions are met: (1) The hazardous waste is non-RCRA hazardous waste, or the hazardous waste or its management at the consolidation site is otherwise exempt from, or is not otherwise regulated pursuant to, the federal act. (2) (A) The hazardous waste is not generated through large spill cleanup activities. (B) As used in this paragraph, “large spill cleanup” means a spill cleanup operation that generates more than a total of 275 gallons or 2,500 pounds, whichever is greater, of hazardous waste. (3) The hazardous waste is transported to the consolidation site within 10 days from the date that the generator first begins to actively manage the hazardous waste at the remote site, unless the generator has been granted an extension to the 10-day period. An extension of up to 20 days may be granted by the department, if the generator demonstrates to the department’s satisfaction that more than 10 days is required to collect and transport the hazardous waste to the consolidation site solely for the purpose of facilitating effective and efficient removal, collection, or transportation of the hazardous waste. (4) The hazardous waste is not handled at any interim site en route from the remote site to the consolidation site, except that the hazardous waste may be temporarily held at an interim site pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 25121.3 and subdivision (e) of Section 25163.3. (5) At the consolidation site, the hazardous waste is managed at all times in accordance with all applicable requirements of this chapter and the regulations adopted by the department pursuant to this chapter. For purposes of Section 25123.3, the accumulation period shall begin on the day that the hazardous waste arrives at the consolidation site. (6) Each container of hazardous waste is labeled at the remote site, in accordance with the regulations adopted by the department pertaining to labeling requirements for generators, and the label remains on the container at all times while the hazardous waste is in the container and in the possession of the generator. Each container shall be labeled with the date that the container reaches the consolidation site. If individual containers are placed into a larger container, the labeling information required pursuant to this paragraph and paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 25121.3 shall also be placed on the outside of the larger container. If the hazardous waste is transferred to another container, the labeling information required pursuant to this paragraph and paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 25121.3 shall also be placed on the outside of the new container. (7) The generator maintains at the consolidation site the information specified in paragraphs (1) to (10), inclusive, of subdivision (g) of Section 25163.3 for each shipment of hazardous waste initially collected at a remote site that is received at the consolidation site. This information shall be maintained for at least three years from the date that hazardous waste is received at the consolidation site. For shipments subject to the requirement to be accompanied by a shipment paper pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 25163.3, the requirements of this paragraph may be fulfilled by maintaining a copy of the shipping paper at the consolidation site. (c) For purposes of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 25123.3, the “initial accumulation point” for hazardous waste initially collected at a remote site and subsequently transported to a consolidation site, in accordance with subdivision (b), shall be deemed to be the location where the hazardous waste is first accumulated at the consolidation site. (d) (1) Subdivision (b) of this section and subdivision (b) of Section 25121.3 apply only to a generator who annually submits a notification of the generator’s intent to operate under this exemption, in person or by certified mail, with return receipt requested, to the department and one of the following: (A) The CUPA, if the generator is under the jurisdiction of a CUPA. (B) If the generator is not under the jurisdiction of a CUPA, to the officer or agency authorized pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 25404.3 to implement and enforce the requirements of this chapter listed in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 25404. (2) Any person who submits a notification of their intent to operate under this exemption shall comply with the requirements of this section and Sections 25121.3 and 25163.3. (3) The notification required pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include all of the following information: (A) A general description of the remote location from which the non-RCRA hazardous waste will be initially collected. (B) A description of the type of hazardous waste that may be collected. (C) The location of the consolidation site and the generator ID number for that generator. (D) Significant differences in the generator’s operations from the prior year’s notification. (e) Following the procedures specified in Section 25187, the department may revoke a generator’s authority to operate pursuant to the exemption specified in this section and Sections 25121.3 and 25163.3, if the generator has demonstrated a pattern of failure to meet the requirements of this section and Sections 25121.3 and 25163.3 and the department, or the local officer or agency authorized to enforce this section pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 25180, has notified the generator of these violations prior to issuing an order pursuant to Section 25187.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25110.10.1. Section 25110.10.1.

For purposes of this chapter, “consolidated transporter” means a hazardous waste transporter registered pursuant to Section 25165 and the regulations adopted by the department who has notified the department pursuant to Section 25165 of its intent to use the consolidated manifesting procedures set forth in Section 25160.2.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25110.11. Section 25110.11.

(a) “Contained gaseous material,” for purposes of subdivision (a) of Section 25124 or any other provision of this chapter, means any gas that is contained in an enclosed cylinder or other enclosed container. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), “contained gaseous material” does not include any exhaust or flue gas, or other vapor stream, or any air or exhaust gas stream that is filtered or otherwise processed to remove particulates, dusts, or other air pollutants, regardless of the source.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25112.5. Section 25112.5.

(a) “Disclosure statement” means a statement submitted to the department by an applicant, signed by the applicant under penalty of perjury, which includes all of the following information: (1) The full name, any previous name or names, business address, social security number, and driver’s license number of all of the following: (A) The applicant. (B) Any officers, directors, or partners, if the applicant is a business concern. (C) All persons or any officers, partners, or any directors if there are no officers, of business concerns holding more than 5 percent of the equity in, or debt liability of the applicant, except that if the debt liability is held by a lending institution, the applicant shall only supply the name and address of the lending institution. (2) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the following persons listed on the disclosure statement shall properly submit fingerprint images and related identification information: (A) The sole proprietor. (B) The partners. (C) Other persons listed in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) and any officers or directors of the applicant company as required by the department. (3) If fingerprint images and related identification information are submitted for purposes of paragraph (2), the fingerprint images and related identification information shall be submitted for any person required by paragraph (2) only once. If there is a change in the person serving in a position for which fingerprint images and related identification information are required to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (2), fingerprint images and related identification information shall be captured and submitted for that person. Fingerprint images and the related identification information may be obtained using the Department of Justice’s electronic fingerprint network. (4) The full name and business address of any business concern that generates, transports, treats, stores, recycles, disposes of, or handles hazardous waste and hazardous materials in which the applicant holds at least a 5 percent debt liability or equity interest. (5) A description of any local, state, or federal licenses, permits, or registrations for the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, recycling, disposal, or handling of hazardous waste or hazardous materials applied for, or possessed by the applicant, or by the applicant under any previous name or names, in the five years preceding the filing of the statement, or, if the applicant is a business concern, by the officers, directors, or partners of the business concern, including the name and address of the issuing agency. (6) A listing and explanation of any final orders or license revocations or suspensions issued or initiated by any local, state, or federal authority, in the five years immediately preceding the filing of the statement, or any civil or criminal prosecutions filed in the five years immediately preceding, or pending at the time of, the filing of the statement, with any remedial actions or resolutions if applicable, relating to the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, recycling, disposal, or handling of hazardous waste or hazardous materials by the applicant, or by the applicant under any previous name or names, or, if the applicant is a business concern, by any officer, director, or partner of the business concern. (7) A listing of any agencies outside of the state that regulate, or had regulated, the applicant’s, or the applicant’s under any previous name or names, generation, transportation, treatment, storage, recycling, disposal, or handling of hazardous waste or hazardous materials in the five years preceding the filing of the disclosure statement. (8) A listing and explanation of any federal or state conviction, judgment, or settlement, in the five years immediately preceding the filing of the statement, with any remedial actions or resolutions if applicable, relating to the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, recycling, disposal, or handling of hazardous waste or hazardous materials by the applicant, or by the applicant under any previous name or names, or if the applicant is a business concern, by any officer, director, or partner of the business concern. (9) A listing of all owners, officers, directors, trustees, and partners of the applicant who have owned, or been an officer, director, trustee, or partner of, any company that generated, transported, treated, stored, recycled, disposed of, or handled hazardous wastes or hazardous materials and which was the subject of any of the actions described in paragraphs (6) and (8) for the five years preceding the filing of the statement. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), a corporation, the stock of which is listed on a national securities exchange and registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. Sec. 78a et seq.), or a subsidiary of such a corporation, is not subject to the fingerprint requirements of subdivision (a). (c) In lieu of the statement specified in subdivision (a), a corporation, the stock of which is listed on a national securities exchange or on the National Market System of the NASDAQ Stock Market and registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. Sec. 78a et seq.), or a subsidiary of that corporation, may submit to the department copies of all periodic reports, including, but not limited to, those reports required by Section 78m of Title 15 of the United States Code and Part 229 (commencing with Section 229.10) of Chapter II of Title 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations that the corporation or subsidiary has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the three years immediately preceding the submittal, if the corporation or subsidiary thereof has held a hazardous waste facility permit or operated a hazardous waste facility under interim status pursuant to Section 25200 or 25200.5 since January 1, 1984. (d) (1) Before issuing an authorization for which a disclosure statement is required pursuant to this chapter, the department shall submit the fingerprint cards or electronic fingerprint images and related identification information submitted pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) to the Department of Justice for the purpose of obtaining information as to the existence and nature of a record of state and federal level convictions and state and federal level arrests for which the Department of Justice establishes that the applicant is incarcerated or was released on bail or on his or her own recognizance pending trial. The Department of Justice shall forward any request for federal level criminal offender record information, received by the Department of Justice, pursuant to this subdivision, to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2) For each applicant or licensee whose fingerprint images and related identification information are submitted to the Department of Justice pursuant to this subdivision, the Department of Justice shall provide the following information to the department pursuant to this section: (A) Every conviction rendered against that applicant or licensee. (B) Every arrest for an offense for which that applicant or licensee is presently awaiting trial, whether the applicant or licensee is incarcerated or has been released on bail or on his or her own recognizance pending trial. (3) The department, pursuant to this subdivision, shall request subsequent arrest notification service from the Department of Justice as provided under Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code. (4) The department shall reimburse the Department of Justice for the actual costs incurred by the Department of Justice for searching and furnishing state and federal level criminal offender record information pursuant to this subdivision.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25113. Section 25113.

(a) “Disposal” means either of the following: (1) The discharge, deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking, or placing of any waste so that the waste or any constituent of the waste is or may be emitted into the air or discharged into or on any land or waters, including groundwaters, or may otherwise enter the environment. (2) The abandonment of any waste. (b) The amendment of the section made at the 1989–90 Regular Session of the Legislature does not constitute a change in, but is declaratory of, the existing law.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25114.5. Section 25114.5.

“Environmental assessor” means an environmental professional as defined in Section 312.10 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Notwithstanding Section 25110, this definition shall apply for all California statutes, unless the context requires otherwise.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25115. Section 25115.

“Extremely hazardous waste” means any hazardous waste or mixture of hazardous wastes which, if human exposure should occur, may likely result in death, disabling personal injury or serious illness caused by the hazardous waste or mixture of hazardous wastes because of its quantity, concentration, or chemical characteristics.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25116. Section 25116.

“Handling” means the transporting or transferring from one place to another, or pumping, processing, storing, or packaging of hazardous waste, but does not include the handling of any substance before it becomes a waste.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25116.5. Section 25116.5.

(a) “Intermediate manufacturing process stream” means a material, or combination of materials, that meets all of the following conditions: (1) It is produced as part of the manufacturing process. (2) It is used onsite on a batch or continuous basis, in either the same or in a different manufacturing process to produce a commercial product. (3) It is not a recyclable material. (4) The person who produced the material or combination of materials is able to demonstrate all of the following: (A) The material, or combination of materials, is used, alone or in combination with other materials, in a manufacturing process that is designed for its use. (B) The material, or combination of materials, is not accumulated or stored in amounts greater than can be used in the manufacturing process. (C) The material, or combination of materials, is not handled, stored, or processed in a manner that is inconsistent with its intended use or the operating requirements of the manufacturing process. (D) The material, or combination of materials, is not burned or incinerated for the purpose of abandoning or relinquishing the material or combination of materials, except as may otherwise be allowed under both this chapter and the federal act. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a material is not an intermediate manufacturing process stream if it has been released in violation of this chapter, or any other applicable law, or an order issued pursuant to this chapter or other applicable law, unless it has been released into an appropriate containment area or structure and has been promptly recovered and returned to the manufacturing process, without prior treatment, for use in the originally intended manufacturing process.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25117. Section 25117.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (d), “hazardous waste” means a waste that meets any of the criteria for the identification of a hazardous waste adopted by the department pursuant to Section 25141. (b) “Hazardous waste” includes, but is not limited to, RCRA hazardous waste. (c) Unless expressly provided otherwise, “hazardous waste” also includes extremely hazardous waste and acutely hazardous waste. (d) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), in any criminal or civil prosecution brought by a city attorney, county counsel, district attorney, or the Attorney General for violation of this chapter, when it is an element of proof that the person knew or reasonably should have known of the violation, or violated the chapter willfully or with reckless disregard for the risk, or acted intentionally or negligently, the element of proof that the waste is hazardous waste may be satisfied by demonstrating that the waste exhibited the characteristics set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 25141.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25117.1. Section 25117.1.

“Hazardous waste facility” means all contiguous land and structures, other appurtenances, and improvements on the land used for the treatment, transfer, storage, resource recovery, disposal, or recycling of hazardous waste. A hazardous waste facility may consist of one or more treatment, transfer, storage, resource recovery, disposal, or recycling hazardous waste management units, or combinations of these units.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25117.2. Section 25117.2.

“Hazardous waste management” or “management” means the transportation, transfer, recycling, recovery, disposal, handling, processing, storage, and treatment of hazardous waste.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25117.4.1. Section 25117.4.1.

(a) “Local health officer” means county health officers, city health officers, and district health officers, as defined in this code. (b) “Local officer” means a local public officer authorized to implement this chapter pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 25180.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25117.5. Section 25117.5.

(a) Waste that is hazardous only because it is medical waste, as defined in the Medical Waste Management Act (Part 14 (commencing with Section 117600) of Division 104) shall not be governed by, subject to fees assessed by, or otherwise subject to, the requirements of this chapter or regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter. (b) Biohazardous waste that meets the conditions specified in subdivision (f) or (g) of Section 117635 is not subject to this chapter.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25117.6. Section 25117.6.

(a) “Minor violation” means a deviation from the requirements of this chapter, or any regulation, standard, requirement, or permit or interim status document condition adopted pursuant to this chapter, that is not a class I violation. (b) (1) A minor violation does not include any of the following: (A) Any knowing, willful, or intentional violation of this chapter. (B) Any violation of this chapter that enables the violator to benefit economically from noncompliance, either by reduced costs or competitive advantage. (C) Any class II violation that is a chronic violation or that is committed by a recalcitrant violator. (2) In determining whether a violation is chronic or a violator is recalcitrant, for purposes of subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1), the department, or the local officer or agency authorized to enforce this chapter pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 25180, shall consider whether there is evidence indicating that the violator has engaged in a pattern of neglect or disregard with respect to the requirements of this chapter.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25117.8. Section 25117.8.

“Natural resources” includes, but is not limited to, disposal site capacity and substances which are hazardous waste, or which are in hazardous waste, the reuse of which is technologically and economically feasible.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25117.9. Section 25117.9.

“Non-RCRA hazardous waste” means all hazardous waste regulated in the state, other than RCRA hazardous waste, as defined in Section 25120.2. A hazardous waste regulated in the state is presumed to be RCRA hazardous waste, unless it is determined, pursuant to regulations adopted by the department, that the hazardous waste is a non-RCRA hazardous waste.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25117.9.1. Section 25117.9.1.

“Notice to comply” means a written method of alleging a minor violation which is in compliance with all of the following requirements: (a) The notice to comply is written in the course of conducting an inspection of a facility by an authorized representative of the department or by a local officer or agency authorized to enforce this chapter pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 25180. (b) A copy of the notice to comply is presented to a person who is an owner or employee of the facility being inspected at the time that the notice to comply is written. (c) The notice to comply clearly states the nature of the alleged minor violation, a means by which compliance with the permit conditions, rule, regulation, standard, or other requirement cited by the inspector may be achieved, and a time limit in which to comply, which shall not exceed 30 days. (d) The notice to comply shall contain the information specified in subdivision (h) of Section 25187.8 with regard to inspection of the facility.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25117.10. Section 25117.10.

“License” includes, but is not limited to any, permit, registration, or certification issued by any local, state, or federal agency for the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, recycling, disposal, or handling of hazardous waste.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25117.12. Section 25117.12.

“Onsite facility” means a hazardous waste facility at which a hazardous waste is produced and which is owned by, leased to, or under the control of, the producer of the waste.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25117.13. Section 25117.13.

“Land use restriction” means any limitation regarding the uses of property which may be provided by, but is not limited to, a written instrument which imposes an easement, covenant, restriction, or servitude, or a combination thereof, as appropriate, upon the present and future uses of all, or part of, the land, pursuant to Section 25202.5, 25222.1, 25230, or 79055.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25117.14. Section 25117.14.

“Permit-by-rule” means a provision of the regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter stating that a facility or activity is deemed to have a hazardous waste facilities permit if it meets the requirements of that provision.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25118. Section 25118.

“Person” means an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, business concern, partnership, limited liability company, association, and corporation, including, but not limited to, a government corporation. “Person” also includes any city, county, district, commission, the state or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof, any interstate body, and the federal government or any department or agency thereof to the extent permitted by law.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25120.2. Section 25120.2.

“RCRA hazardous waste” means all waste identified as a hazardous waste in Part 261 (commencing with Section 261.1) of Subchapter I of Chapter 1 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations and appendixes thereto.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25120.5. Section 25120.5.

“Recyclable material” means a hazardous waste that is capable of being recycled, including, but not limited to, any of the following: (a) A residue. (b) A spent material, including, but not limited to, a used or spent stripping or plating solution or etchant. (c) A material that is contaminated to such an extent that it can no longer be used for the purpose for which it was originally purchased or manufactured. (d) A byproduct listed in the regulations adopted by the department as “hazardous waste from specific sources” or “hazardous waste from nonspecific sources. ” (e) Any retrograde material that has not been used, distributed, or reclaimed through treatment by the original manufacturer or owner by the later of the following dates: (1) One year after the date when the material became a retrograde material. (2) If the material has been returned to the original manufacturer, one year after the material is returned to the original manufacturer.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25120.55. Section 25120.55.

(a) Used or spent etchants, stripping solutions, and plating solutions are spent, contaminated, or used material for purposes of this chapter. (b) Used or spent etchants, stripping solutions, and plating solutions which meet a characteristic established by or are listed by the Environmental Protection Agency or the department as a hazardous waste and are transported from the site where they are produced, and transferred to an unrelated or unaffiliated person for any purpose, are subject to the requirements of this chapter which apply to hazardous waste unless the department waives any specific provision of this chapter pursuant to Section 25143. Nothing in this section exempts any used or spent etchant, stripping solution, or plating solution from any other requirement of this chapter.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25121. Section 25121.

(a) “Recycled material” means a recyclable material which has been used or reused, or reclaimed. (b) “Recycled material” does not include an intermediate manufacturing process stream.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25121.1. Section 25121.1.

(a) “Recycling” means using, reusing, or reclaiming a recyclable material. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), for purposes of the fees, taxes, and charges imposed pursuant to Article 7 (commencing with Section 25170), “recycling” means the collecting, transporting, storing, transferring, handling, segregating, processing, using or reusing, or reclaiming of recyclable material to produce recycled material.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25121.3. Section 25121.3.

(a) “Remote site” means a site operated by the generator where hazardous waste is initially collected, at which generator staff, other than security staff, is not routinely located, and that is not contiguous to a staffed site operated by the generator of the hazardous waste or that does not have access to a staffed site without the use of public roads. Generator staff who visit a remote location to perform inspection, monitoring, or maintenance activities on a periodic scheduled or random basis, less frequently than daily, are not considered to be routinely located at the remote location. (b) Notwithstanding this chapter or the regulations adopted by the department pursuant to this chapter, a generator who complies with the notification requirements of subdivision (d) of Section 25110.10 may hold hazardous waste at the remote site where the hazardous waste is initially collected, or at another remote site operated by the generator, while en route to the consolidation site, if all of the following requirements are met with respect to the hazardous waste: (1) The hazardous waste is a non-RCRA hazardous waste, or the hazardous waste or its management at the remote site is otherwise exempt from, or is not otherwise regulated pursuant to, the federal act. (2) The requirements of subdivision (b) of Section 25110.10 are met. (3) All personnel handling hazardous waste at any remote site complete health and safety training equivalent to the training required under Section 5194 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations, prior to being assigned to handle hazardous waste. (4) A description of the actions that the generator’s personnel will take to minimize hazards to human health and safety or to the environment from fires, explosions, or any unplanned release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents to air, soil, or surface water at the remote site where the hazardous waste is being managed shall be included in the contingency plan for the consolidation site. A single generic description of response actions may be used for all similar remote sites associated with a single consolidation site. (5) As soon as the generator begins to actively manage the hazardous waste at the remote site, the generator places the hazardous waste in a container meeting the requirements of the United States Department of Transportation applicable to containers used to transport hazardous waste, and the containers are managed in accordance with the regulations adopted by the department regarding the management by generators of containers used to hold hazardous waste. (6) The containers used to hold the hazardous waste at the remote site are labeled, in accordance with the regulations adopted by the department pertaining to labeling requirements for generators, as soon as the hazardous waste is placed in the container. (7) The generator makes a reasonable effort to minimize the possibility of unknowing or unauthorized entry into the area where the hazardous waste is held at the remote site. If the remote site is located within one mile of a residential or commercial area, or is otherwise readily accessible to the public, the area where hazardous waste is held at the remote site shall at all times be supervised by employees or agents of the generator or otherwise secured so as to prevent unknowing entry and to minimize the possibility for unauthorized entry. (c) If the management of hazardous wastes at a remote site does not meet all of the conditions specified in subdivision (b), the hazardous waste shall be subject to all other applicable generator and facility requirements of this chapter and the regulations adopted by the department to implement this chapter.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25121.5. Section 25121.5.

(a) “Retrograde material” means any hazardous material which is not to be used, sold, or distributed for use in an originally intended or prescribed manner or for an originally intended or prescribed purpose and which meets any one or more of the following criteria: (1) Has undergone chemical, biochemical, physical, or other changes due to the passage of time or the environmental conditions under which it was stored. (2) Has exceeded a specified or recommended shelf life. (3) Is banned by law, regulation, ordinance, or decree. (4) Cannot be used for reasons of economics, health or safety, or environmental hazard. (b) “Retrograde material” does not include material designated in regulations adopted by the department as included in a category which the department shall title “Discarded commercial chemical products, off-specification species, container residues, and spill residues thereof”, if either of the following conditions is met: (1) The material is used in a manner constituting disposal and the material is not normally used in a manner constituting disposal. (2) The material is burned for energy recovery and the material is not normally burned for energy recovery.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25122.7. Section 25122.7.

“Restricted hazardous waste” includes both of the following: (a) Any hazardous waste subject to land disposal restrictions pursuant to Section 25179.6 and the regulations adopted by the department pursuant to that section. (b) Any hazardous waste which contains any of the following substances, in the following concentrations, as determined without considering any dilution which may occur, unless the dilution is a normal part of a manufacturing process: (1) Liquid hazardous wastes containing free cyanides at concentrations greater than, or equal to, 1,000 milligrams per liter. (2) Liquid hazardous wastes containing any of the following metals or elements, or compounds of these metals or elements, at concentrations greater than, or equal to, any of the following: Arsenic 500 milligrams per liter Cadmium 100 milligrams per liter Chromium (VI) 500 milligrams per liter Lead 500 milligrams per liter Mercury 20 milligrams per liter Nickel 134 milligrams per liter Selenium 100 milligrams per liter Thallium 130 milligrams per liter (3) Liquid hazardous wastes having a pH less than or equal to two. (4) Liquid hazardous wastes containing polychlorinated biphenyls at concentrations greater than, or equal to, 50 milligrams per liter. (5) Hazardous wastes containing halogenated organic compounds in total concentration greater than, or equal to, 1,000 milligrams per kilogram.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25122.8. Section 25122.8.

“State operational costs” means the costs to the state of overseeing removal and remedial action, as defined in Sections 78125 and 78135, to releases of hazardous substances, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 78075 and subdivision (a) of Section 78105, if the responsible party is in compliance with an order issued, or with an enforceable agreement entered into, pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 79055. “State operational costs” include, but are not limited to, the expenditure of funds pursuant to Section 79065.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25123.3. Section 25123.3.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings: (1) “Liquid hazardous waste” means a hazardous waste that meets the definition of free liquids, as specified in Section 66260.10 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, as that section read on January 1, 1994. (2) “Remediation waste staging” means the temporary accumulation of non-RCRA contaminated soil that is generated and held onsite, and that is accumulated for the purpose of onsite treatment pursuant to a certified, authorized, or permitted treatment method, such as a transportable treatment unit, if all of the following requirements are met: (A) The hazardous waste being accumulated does not contain free liquids. (B) The hazardous waste is accumulated on an impermeable surface, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) of at least 20 mils that is supported by a foundation, or high density polyethylene of at least 60 mils that is not supported by a foundation. (C) The generator provides controls for windblown dispersion and precipitation runoff and run-on and complies with any stormwater permit requirements issued by a regional water quality control board. (D) The generator has the accumulation site inspected weekly and after storms to ensure that the controls for windblown dispersion and precipitation runoff and run-on are functioning properly. (E) The staging area is certified by a registered engineer for compliance with the standards specified in subparagraphs (A) to (D), inclusive. (3) “Transfer facility” means any offsite facility that is related to the transportation of hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, loading docks, parking areas, storage areas, and other similar areas where shipments of hazardous waste are held during the normal course of transportation. (b) “Storage facility” means a hazardous waste facility at which the hazardous waste meets any of the following requirements: (1) The hazardous waste is held for greater than 90 days at an onsite facility. The department may establish criteria and procedures to extend that 90-day period, consistent with the federal act, and to prescribe the manner in which the hazardous waste may be held if not otherwise prescribed by statute. (2) The hazardous waste is held for any period of time at an offsite facility that is not a transfer facility. (3) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the waste is held at a transfer facility and any one of the following apply: (i) The transfer facility is located in an area zoned residential by the local planning authority. (ii) The transfer facility commences initial operations on or after January 1, 2005, at a site located within 500 feet of a structure identified in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (c) of Section 25227. (iii) The hazardous waste is held for a period greater than six days at a transfer facility that is located in an area that is not zoned industrial or agricultural by the local planning authority. (iv) The hazardous waste is held for a period greater than 10 days at a transfer facility that is located in an area that is zoned industrial or agricultural by the local planning authority. (v) The hazardous waste is held for a period greater than six days at a transfer facility that commenced initial operations before January 1, 2005, is located in an area zoned agricultural by the local planning authority, and is located within 500 feet of a structure identified in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (c) of Section 25227. (B) (i) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a transfer facility located in an area that is not zoned residential by the local planning authority is not a storage facility, if the only hazardous waste held at the transfer facility is hazardous waste that is generated as a result of an emergency release and that hazardous waste is collected and temporarily stored by emergency rescue personnel, as defined in Section 25501, or by a response action contractor upon the request of emergency rescue personnel or the response action contractor, and the holding of that hazardous waste is approved by the department. (ii) For purposes of this subparagraph, “response action contractor” means any person who enters into a contract with the department to take removal or remedial action pursuant to Part 2 (commencing with Section 78000) of Division 45 in response to a release or threatened release, including any subcontractors of the response action contractor. (4) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the hazardous waste is held onsite for any period of time, unless the hazardous waste is held in a container, tank, drip pad, or containment building pursuant to regulations adopted by the department. (B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a generator that accumulates hazardous waste generated and held onsite for 90 days or less for offsite transportation is not a storage facility if all of the following requirements are met: (i) The waste is non-RCRA contaminated soil. (ii) The hazardous waste being accumulated does not contain free liquids. (iii) The hazardous waste is accumulated on an impermeable surface, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) of at least 20 mils that is supported by a foundation, or high density polyethylene of at least 60 mils that is not supported by a foundation. (iv) The generator provides controls for windblown dispersion and precipitation runoff and run-on and complies with any stormwater permit requirements issued by a regional water quality control board. (v) The generator has the accumulation site inspected weekly and after storms to ensure that the controls for windblown dispersion and precipitation runoff and run-on are functioning properly. (vi) The generator, after final offsite transportation, inspects the accumulation site for contamination and remediates as necessary. (vii) The site is certified by a registered engineer for compliance with the standards specified in clauses (i) to (vi), inclusive. (5) The hazardous waste is held at a transfer facility at any location for any period of time in a manner other than in a container. (6) The hazardous waste is held at a transfer facility at any location for any period of time and handling occurs. For purposes of this paragraph, “handling” does not include the transfer of packaged or containerized hazardous waste from one vehicle to another. (c) The time period for calculating the 90-day period for purposes of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b), or the 180-day or 270-day period for purposes of subdivision (h), begins when the facility has accumulated 100 kilograms of hazardous waste or one kilogram of extremely hazardous waste or acutely hazardous waste. However, if the facility generates more than 100 kilograms of hazardous waste or one kilogram of extremely hazardous waste or acutely hazardous waste during any calendar month, the time period begins when any amount of hazardous waste first begins to accumulate in that month. (d) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (b), a generator of hazardous waste that accumulates waste onsite is not a storage facility if all of the following requirements are met: (1) The generator accumulates a maximum of 55 gallons of hazardous waste, one quart of acutely hazardous waste, or one quart of extremely hazardous waste at an initial accumulation point that is at or near the area where the waste is generated and that is under the control of the operator of the process generating the waste. (2) The generator accumulates the waste in containers other than tanks. (3) The generator does not hold the hazardous waste onsite without a hazardous waste facilities permit or other grant of authorization for a period of time longer than the shorter of the following time periods: (A) One year from the initial date of accumulation. (B) Ninety days, or if subdivision (h) is applicable, 180 or 270 days, from the date that the quantity limitation specified in paragraph (1) is reached. (4) The generator labels any container used for the accumulation of hazardous waste with the initial date of accumulation and with the words “hazardous waste” or other words that identify the contents of the container. (5) Within three days of reaching any applicable quantity limitation specified in paragraph (1), the generator labels the container holding the accumulated hazardous waste with the date the quantity limitation was reached and either transports the waste offsite or holds the waste onsite and complies with either the regulations adopted by the department establishing requirements for generators subject to the time limit specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) or the requirements specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (h), whichever requirements are applicable. (6) The generator complies with regulations adopted by the department pertaining to the use and management of containers and any other regulations adopted by the department to implement this subdivision. (e) (1) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (4) of subdivision (b), hazardous waste held for remediation waste staging shall not be considered to be held at a hazardous waste storage facility if the total accumulation period is one year or less from the date of the initial placing of hazardous waste by the generator at the staging site for onsite remediation, except that the department may grant one six-month extension, upon a showing of reasonable cause by the generator. (2) (A) The generator shall submit a notification of plans to store and treat hazardous waste onsite pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), in person or by certified mail, with return receipt requested, to the department and to one of the following: (i) The CUPA, if the generator is under the jurisdiction of a CUPA. (ii) If the generator is not under the jurisdiction of a CUPA, the notification shall be submitted to the agency authorized, pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 25404.3, to implement and enforce the requirements of this chapter listed in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 25404. (B) If, after the notification pursuant to subparagraph (A), or during the initial year or the six-month extension granted by the department, the generator determines that treatment cannot be accomplished for all, or part of, the hazardous waste accumulated in a remediation waste staging area, the generator shall immediately notify the department and the appropriate local agency, pursuant to subparagraph (A), that the treatment has been discontinued. The generator shall then handle and dispose of the hazardous waste in accordance with paragraph (4) of subdivision (b). (C) A generator shall not hold hazardous waste for remediation waste staging unless the generator can show, through laboratory testing, bench scale testing, or other documentation, that soil held for remediation waste staging is potentially treatable. Any fines and penalties imposed for a violation of this subparagraph may be imposed beginning with the 91st day that the hazardous waste was initially accumulated. (3) Once an onsite treatment operation is completed on hazardous waste held pursuant to paragraph (1), the generator shall inspect the staging area for contamination and remediate as necessary. (f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, remediation waste staging and the holding of non-RCRA contaminated soil for offsite transportation in accordance with paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) shall not be considered to be disposal or land disposal of hazardous waste. (g) A generator who holds hazardous waste for remediation waste staging pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) or who holds hazardous waste onsite for offsite transportation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) shall maintain records onsite that demonstrate compliance with this section related to storing hazardous waste for remediation waste staging or related to holding hazardous waste onsite for offsite transportation, as applicable. The records maintained pursuant to this subdivision shall be available for review by a public agency authorized pursuant to Section 25180 or 25185. (h) (1) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (b), a generator of less than 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste in any calendar month who accumulates hazardous waste onsite for 180 days or less, or 270 days or less if the generator transports the generator’s own waste, or offers the generator’s waste for transportation, over a distance of 200 miles or more, for offsite treatment, storage, or disposal, is not a storage facility if all of the following apply: (A) The quantity of hazardous waste accumulated onsite never exceeds 6,000 kilograms. (B) The generator complies with the requirements of Section 262.16 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (C) The generator does not hold acutely hazardous waste or extremely hazardous waste in an amount greater than one kilogram for a time period longer than that specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b). (2) A generator meeting the requirements of paragraph (1) who does not receive a copy of the manifest with the signature of the owner or operator of the facility to which the generator’s waste is submitted or is unable to verify through the e-Manifest system that the facility has received the waste and signed the manifest, within 60 days from the date that the hazardous waste was accepted by the initial transporter, shall submit a report to the department along with a legible copy of the manifest indicating that the generator cannot confirm the delivery or receipt of the generator’s waste with the owner or operator of the facility. (i) The department may adopt regulations that set forth additional restrictions and enforceable management standards that protect human health and the environment and that apply to persons holding hazardous waste at a transfer facility. A regulation adopted pursuant to this subdivision shall be considered by the Office of Administrative Law to be necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, and general welfare, and may be adopted as an emergency regulation in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25123.4. Section 25123.4.

“Transportable hazardous waste treatment unit” or “transportable treatment unit” means mobile equipment which performs treatment, is transported onto a facility to perform treatment, and is not permanently stationed at a single facility.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25123.5. Section 25123.5.

(a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (c), “treatment” means any method, technique, or process which is not otherwise excluded from the definition of treatment by this chapter and which is designed to change the physical, chemical, or biological character or composition of any hazardous waste or any material contained therein, or which removes or reduces its harmful properties or characteristics for any purpose. (b) (1) “Treatment” does not include any of the activities listed in paragraph (2), if one of the following requirements is met: (A) The activity is conducted onsite in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and the department’s regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter governing the generation and accumulation of hazardous waste. (B) The activity is conducted in accordance with the conditions specified in a permit issued by the department for the storage of hazardous waste. (2) The activities subject to the exemption specified in paragraph (1) include all of the following: (A) Sieving or filtering liquid hazardous waste to remove solid fractions, without added heat, chemicals, or pressure, as the waste is added to or removed from a storage or accumulation tank or container. For purposes of this subparagraph, sieving or filtering does not include adsorption, reverse osmosis, or ultrafiltration. (B) Phase separation of hazardous waste during storage or accumulation in tanks or containers, if the separation is unaided by the addition of heat or chemicals. If the phase separation occurs at a commercial offsite permitted storage facility, all phases of the hazardous waste shall be managed as hazardous waste after separation. (C) Combining two or more waste streams that are not incompatible into a single tank or container if both of the following conditions apply: (i) The waste streams are being combined solely for the purpose of consolidated accumulation or storage or consolidated offsite shipment, and they are not being combined to meet a fuel specification or to otherwise be chemically or physically prepared to be treated, burned for energy value, or incinerated. (ii) The combined waste stream is managed in compliance with the most stringent of the regulatory requirements applicable to each individual waste stream. (D) Evaporation of water from hazardous wastes in tanks or containers, such as breathing and evaporation through vents and floating roofs, without the addition of pressure, chemicals, or heat other than sunlight or ambient room lighting or heating. (3) This subdivision does not apply to any activity for which a hazardous waste facilities permit for treatment is required under the federal act. (c) “Treatment” does not include the combination of glutaraldehyde or orthophthalaldehyde, which is used by medical facilities to disinfect medical devices, with formulations containing glycine as the sole active chemical, if the process is carried out onsite.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25123.6. Section 25123.6.

“Volatile organic compound” means a compound which is a volatile organic compound according to Method No. 8240 in the Environmental Protection Agency Document No. Solid Waste 846 (1982) or any equivalent, alternative method acceptable to the department.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25123.7. Section 25123.7.

(a) “Unified Program Facility” means all contiguous land and structures, other appurtenances, and improvements on the land which are subject to the requirements of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 25404. (b) “Certified Unified Program Agency” or “CUPA” means the agency certified by the secretary to implement the unified program specified in Chapter 6.11 (commencing with Section 25404) within a jurisdiction. (c) “Participating Agency” or “PA” means an agency which has a written agreement with the CUPA pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 25404.3, and is approved by the secretary, to implement or enforce one or more of the unified program elements specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 25404, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 25404.1 and 25404.2. (d) “Unified Program Agency” or “UPA” means the CUPA, or its participating agencies to the extent each PA has been designated by the CUPA, pursuant to a written agreement, to implement or enforce a particular unified program element specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 25404. For purposes of this chapter, the UPAs have the responsibility and authority, to the extent provided by this chapter and Sections 25404.1 and 25404.2, to implement and enforce only those requirements of this chapter listed in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 25404. The UPAs also have the responsibility and authority, to the extent provided by this chapter and Sections 25404.1 and 25404.2, to implement and enforce the regulations adopted to implement the requirements of this chapter listed in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 25404. After a CUPA has been certified by the secretary, the unified program agencies shall be the only local agencies authorized to enforce the requirements of this chapter listed in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 25404 within the jurisdiction of the CUPA. This section shall not be construed to limit the authority or responsibility granted to the department by this chapter to implement and enforce this chapter and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25123.8. Section 25123.8.

“Universal waste” means a hazardous waste identified as a universal waste in Section 66273.9 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, or as that regulation may be further amended pursuant to this chapter, or a hazardous waste designated as a universal waste pursuant to this chapter.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25124. Section 25124.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (c), “waste” means any solid, liquid, semisolid, or contained gaseous discarded material that is not excluded by this chapter or by regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter. (b) For purposes of subdivision (a), a discarded material is any material that is any of the following: (1) Relinquished by being any of the following: (A) Disposed of. (B) Burned or incinerated. (C) Accumulated, stored, or treated, but not recycled, before, or in lieu of, being relinquished by being disposed of, burned, or incinerated. (2) Recycled, or accumulated, stored, or treated before recycling, except as provided in Section 25143.2. (3) Poses a threat to public health or the environment and meets either, or both, of the following conditions: (A) It is mislabeled or not adequately labeled, unless the material is correctly labeled or adequately labeled within 10 days after the material is discovered to be mislabeled or inadequately labeled. (B) It is packaged in deteriorated or damaged containers, unless the material is contained in sound or undamaged containers within 96 hours after the containers are discovered to be deteriorated or damaged. (4) Considered inherently wastelike, as specified in regulations adopted by the department. (c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a material is not a discarded material if it is either of the following: (1) An intermediate manufacturing process stream. (2) (A) Except as specified in subparagraph (B) and to the extent consistent with the federal act, a coolant, lubricant, or cutting fluid necessary to the operation of manufacturing equipment, that is processed to extend the life of the material for continued use, and is processed in the same manufacturing equipment in which the material is used or in connected equipment that returns the material to the originating manufacturing equipment for continued use. (B) Subparagraph (A) does not apply to any of the following material: (i) Material that is processed in connected equipment that is not directly and permanently connected to the originating manufacturing equipment or that is constructed or operated in a manner that may allow the release of any material or constituent of the material into the environment. (ii) Material that is a hazardous waste prior to being introduced into the manufacturing equipment or connected equipment. (iii) Material that is removed from the manufacturing equipment or connected equipment for storage, treatment, disposal, or burning for energy recovery outside that equipment. (iv) Material that remains in the manufacturing equipment or connected equipment more than 90 days after that equipment ceases to be operated. (v) Material that is processed using methods other than physical procedures.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026

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