Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Model Permit
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Introduction to the RCRA Model Permit
This "Model Permit" is a guide to help permit writers draft and review RCRA permit conditions for incorporation into a RCRA hazardous waste permit. Using language that is based on best example language from actual permits that has been vetted by subject matter experts, including legal and enforcement experts, should reduce the time to issue permits, promote national consistency, and result in clearer, more readily implementable, enforceable permit conditions.
Permits establish the requirements that facilities must comply with since, in general, compliance with RCRA permits constitutes compliance, for enforcement purposes, with Subtitle C of RCRA. RCRA permits must be:
- Protective of human health and the environment.
- Comprehensive (i.e., reflect all pertinent requirements in the regulations, Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Parts 260, 261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 268, and 270, and Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments requirements not in the regulations that are implemented via statute).
- Technically sound and accurate.
- Enforceable (i.e., clear, measurable, and specific).
The RCRA Model Permit Modules provided here are dynamic working prototypes that a permit writer may use as a starting point to customize a permit to the unique facility and its hazardous waste management activities. EPA anticipates updating the model permit periodically, as needed, to incorporate new rules, policies, and guidances; results of judicial decisions; and suggested improvements to the permit condition language.
The RCRA Model Permit Modules
In developing a permit for a specific facility, a permit writer may start with the model permit modules and then customize their permit specific to a RCRA facility. Each RCRA permit should include the permit cover page and Modules I (General Permit Conditions) and II (General Facility Conditions). In addition, many other modules (e.g., tank systems, landfills, RCRA organic air emission standards) may pertain to the facility and must be included in the permit.
The RCRA Model Permit modules below are designed to facilitate use in permits. The modules are available as documents for download and can also be viewed in pdf format. The module allows the permit writer to quickly cut and paste specific conditions into their draft permit.
Model permit modules will be added to this webpage as they are updated or developed. If you have a suggested improvement to a RCRA Model Permit module, please email RCRApost@epa.gov. We will periodically review and incorporate suggestions we receive.
Permit Cover Page (updated October 2024)
General Permit Conditions Applicable to All RCRA Permits (updated April 2025)
General Facility Conditions Applicable to All RCRA Permits
Future Modules
- Specific Hazardous Waste Management Unit Standards.
- Boilers and Industrial Furnaces.
- Closure and Post-Closure.
- Containers, Use and Management of.
- Containment Buildings.
- Contingency Plans.
- Corrective Action for Solid Waste Management Units.
- Drip Pads.
- Electronic Hazardous Waste Manifest Program.
- Financial Assurance.
- Groundwater Requirements, and Detection and Compliance Monitoring.
- Incinerators.
- Land Disposal Restrictions.
- Land Treatment Operations.
- Landfills.
- Miscellaneous Units (Subpart X).
- Munitions and Explosives Storage.
- Open Burning/Open Detonation.
- Preparedness and Prevention.
- RCRA Organic Air Emission Standards:
- Subpart AA for Process Vent.
- Subpart BB for Equipment.
- Subpart CC for Hazardous Waste Management Units.
- Surface Impoundments.
- Thermal Desorption Units.
- Tank Systems.
- Waste Analysis Plans.
- Waste Piles.