Interim Guidance on the Destruction and Disposal of PFAS and Materials Containing PFAS
The 2026 Interim Guidance on the Destruction and Disposal of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Materials Containing Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (pdf) presents currently available information on the destruction and disposal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and PFAS-containing materials that are not consumer products. This update identifies available, effective and methods to remediate, dispose of and destroy PFAS contamination. It provides information on the current state of science and associated uncertainties for three large-scale capacity technologies that can destroy PFAS or control PFAS release into the environment: thermal destruction, landfills, and underground injection. This non-binding guidance will help decision-makers select technologies based on characteristics of the waste and options available to prevent releases and keep PFAS out of the environment.
The revised document builds on guidance EPA issued in 2024 by incorporating information distilled from recent findings pertaining to destruction and disposal of PFAS-containing materials in non-consumer settings. It also incorporates comments EPA received on the previous iteration of the document.
EPA published the first edition of this guidance as required by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. The second edition was published in 2024. The act directed EPA to address the destruction and disposal of PFAS and specific PFAS-containing materials, including aqueous film-forming foam, contaminated media, textiles (other than consumer goods), and various wastes from water treatment. The act also requires EPA to review and update the guidance as appropriate, but no less frequently than every three years. On April 28, 2025, the EPA Administrator committed to providing more frequent updates to the interim guidance - change from at least every three years as required by the NDAA to annually.
The primary audience of this guidance is decision makers who need to identify effective means for destroying or disposing of PFAS-containing materials and wastes.