Region 10 PCB Program

This page contains regional guidance for managing PCBs under the Toxic Substances Control Act in EPA's Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington).

On this page:

• Approved PCB disposal facilities
• Regional PCB guidance
  • Building materials
  • Remediation waste
  • Used oil
  • Disposal and storage

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Approved PCB disposal facilities

Facilities that treat, store or dispose of PCBs are required to obtain an approval (permit) from the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

• Chemical Waste Management of the Northwest, Inc. - Arlington, Oregon
• US Ecology Idaho, Inc. - Grand View, Idaho

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Regional PCB guidance

PCBs in building materials

How are PCBs in building materials regulated under TSCA?

Manufactured PCB products with concentrations of 50 ppm or greater are not authorized under the Toxic Substances Control Act PCB regulations (40 CFR part 761). If such products are found in buildings, they must be removed and disposed of as PCB bulk product waste according to 40 CFR 761.62. PCB-contaminated substrates in contact with these products may also require cleanup and disposal.

Is there a Renovation, Repair, and Painting or certified contractor program?

No, the Renovation, Repair, and Painting program only applies to lead-based paint hazards.

Can I offset the cost of PCB removal in my building?

The removal and disposal of PCBs can often be integrated with energy efficiency projects, providing both environmental protection and long-term cost savings. Many states offer rebates for replacing windows, lighting, and insulation. By upgrading these items, you can achieve significant energy savings and reduce your utility bills.

Visit the NC Clean Energy Technology Center website to explore the incentives available in your area: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.

Many building upgrade projects can simultaneously eliminate chemical pollutants and enhance energy efficiency. This approach improves occupant health while also reducing operational costs. For more information, refer to the EPA's Basic Steps to Using the Energy Savings Plus Health Guidelines.

Learn more about PCBs in building materials:

• PCBs in Building Materials
• Technical Guidance for Determining the Presence of Manufactured PCB Products in Buildings and Other Structures
• How to Find and Address PCBs in Building Materials (Washington Dept. of Ecology)
• How to Estimate Abatement Project Costs for PCBs in Building Materials (Washington Dept. of Ecology)

Remediation waste from PCB cleanups

What is PCB remediation waste?

PCB remediation waste is waste containing PCBs that result from a spill, release, or other unauthorized disposal. The regulation of this waste is influenced by several factors:

• Concentration of the original PCB source.
• Date of the release.
• Current PCB concentration in the materials.
• Whether the original source was authorized for use.

These factors determine the management and regulatory requirements for the waste.

Is PCB remediation waste only regulated by TSCA at greater than or equal to 50 parts per million (ppm)?

No, PCB remediation waste can be regulated at concentrations as low as 1 ppm or less depending on specific circumstances. For specific guidance related to your situation, contact your regional EPA PCB Coordinator.

Learn more about remediation waste from PCB cleanups:

• Managing remediation waste from PCB cleanups
• PCB Facility Approval Streamlining Toolbox (FAST): Streamlining the Cleanup Approval Process

Am I required to comply with greener cleanup practices for my cleanup site?

The EPA encourages compliance with greener cleanup practices for all cleanup projects and includes adherence to the ASTM Standard Guide to Greener Cleanups as a condition for its cleanup approvals. Greener cleanup involves implementing strategies that reduce the environmental impact of cleanup activities while maximizing benefits for both the environment and human health. Region 10's Clean & Green Policy supports greener cleanup by promoting sustainable technologies and practices in our cleanup programs, aiming to conserve energy and help citizens save money.

• Learn more about greener cleanups

PCBs in used oil

How do I dispose of my used oil?

• Alaska: Used Oil and Hazardous Waste Management For Auto and Aircraft Repair Shops in Alaska (pdf)
• Idaho: Used oil in Idaho (Idaho Dept. of Environmental Quality)
• Oregon: Used oil guidance for Oregon (Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality)
• Washington: Used oil in Washington (Washington Dept. of Ecology)

If you are disposing of used oil from multiple or anonymous sources, you should ensure that the oil is not contaminated with PCBs prior to transporting for disposal. Laboratory analysis is the only way to know if the oil is contaminated with PCBs.

What used oil is regulated by the TSCA PCB regulations?

Any used oil that contains quantifiable levels of PCBs.

How do I test my used oil?

1. Collect a sample of used oil, following collection instructions from a qualified laboratory.
2. Samples must be analyzed for Total PCBs following EPA Method 8082 (PCBs by Gas Chromatography).
3. PCB concentration in used oil must be determined in accordance with the testing procedures described in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) section 761.60(g) (2) (Testing procedures).

Can I recycle my used oil with PCBs?

Used oil containing PCBs at concentrations of 50 ppm or greater must be disposed of under TSCA. For lower PCB concentrations, ranging from 2 ppm to less than 50 ppm, used oil may be burned as fuel, subject to restrictions outlined in 40 CFR section 761.20(e), 40 CFR part 279, and any applicable state and local laws. It is important to note that TSCA requirements cannot be circumvented through dilution. If PCB contamination is detected, you should contact both your state environmental agency and the EPA.

• List of Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Disposal Facilities and Approvals by Technology Type and EPA Region
• Managing, Reusing, and Recycling Used Oil

What do I do if my oil is contaminated with PCBs?

If used oil is contaminated with PCBs at a concentration greater than or equal to 50 ppm at the point of generation, the used oil is regulated for disposal.

If any PCBs at a concentration of 50 ppm or greater have been added to the container or equipment, then the total container contents must be considered as having a PCB concentration of 50 ppm or greater for purposes of complying with the disposal requirements of this part.

Used oil that contains PCBs with an original source concentration of 50 ppm or greater must be must be disposed of at an incinerator, a high efficiency boiler, or alternate destruction method pursuant to 40 CFR section 761.60. See list of commercially permitted PCB disposal companies.

Manifest, storage, and record keeping must be followed for authorized disposal. You are responsible for ensuring full compliance with the regulations for Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce, and Use of PCBs and PCB Items (40 CFR section 761.20).

Learn more about managing used oil:

• Managing used oil: Answers to frequent questions for businesses
• Fact sheet for preventing and detecting PCB contamination in used oil

Disposal and storage of PCB waste

How do I dispose of an x-ray machine?

X-ray equipment must be disposed of through a commercial x-ray company or recycler to ensure proper disposal. You should ensure that disposal follows all state rules regarding handling and disposal of radioactive material and radiation-producing equipment. Information by state can be found below:

• Alaska: Radiological Health in Alaska(Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services)
• Idaho: Idaho Radiation Control Rules (pdf)(Idaho Administrative Procedures Act - IDAPA 16.02.27)
• Oregon: Disposal of x-ray units in Oregon(Oregon Health Authority)
• Washington: Disposal of x-ray equipment, film, and machines in Washington(Washington Dept. of Health)

Old machines (pre-1978) may contain PCBs in the capacitors, wiring insulation, etc. If machines contain PCBs at concentrations 50 ppm or greater, the PCB Items must be disposed of at a TSCA authorized facility.

• Fact sheet for PCBs in dental office x-ray machines

I have PCB household waste - what are the rules?

PCB Household waste is waste that is composed of materials generated by consumers in their homes including unwanted or discarded non-commercial vehicles (prior to shredding), household items, and appliances or appliance parts.

Bulk or commingled liquid PCB wastes at concentrations of 50 parts per million (ppm) or greater, demolition and renovation wastes, and industrial or heavy-duty equipment with PCBs are not household wastes. For a full definition, see 40 CFR section 761.3 definitions.

Household waste can be disposed of in a state-permitted municipal landfill or non-hazardous waste landfill as described in 40 CFR section 761.63 (PCB household waste storage and disposal).

For additional questions regarding PCB household waste, please see page 107 of the PCB Question and Answer Manual.

What are the guidelines for recycling concrete?

PCB-contaminated concrete is considered PCB bulk remediation waste. Any person disposing of concrete on which PCBs have been spilled must do so in accordance with 40 CFR section 761.61 (PCB remediation waste).

Non-contaminated concrete may be recycled.

Do I need an EPA identification number to transport or dispose of PCB waste, or can I use the generic "40 CFR PART 761" ID number?

Any company or person storing, transporting or disposing of PCBs or conducting PCB research and development must notify EPA and receive an identification number using EPA Form 7710-53; however, those exempt from notifying the EPA under 40 CFR section 761.205(c)(1) and (c)(2) may use the generic identification number "40 CFR PART 761" on manifests, records, and reports unless they opt to use a previously assigned unique EPA identification number under RCRA.

Where is the form to fill out to receive an EPA ID number?

• Notifications for polychlorinated biphenyl activities (also includes national listing of facilities that have notified the EPA of PCB activities).