Small Quantity Generators (SQGs)

What is an SQG?

An SQG generates more hazardous waste than a Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG) and therefore has more hazardous waste requirements to comply with than a CESQG, but fewer requirements than a Large Quantity Generator (LQG).  A generator qualifies as a SQG if it meets all of the following conditions:

• generates between 100 kilograms (220 pounds) and 1000 kilograms (2200 pounds) of hazardous waste per calendar month; and,
• never accumulates more than 1000 kilograms (2200 pounds) of hazardous waste at any one time; and,   
• does not generate more than one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of acute hazardous waste per calendar month; and,
• does not accumulate more than one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of acute hazardous waste at any one time.

For a typical liquid waste, 100 kilograms (220 pounds) equals about half of a 55-gallon drum.  For more dense wastes such as solids and sludges, 100 kilograms can be much less than half a 55-gallon drum.

Note:  Certain wastes (such as Universal Wastes) are not counted towards the quantity limits specified above.  For details on how to properly determine generator status, please see the DEEP fact sheet Determining Hazardous Waste Generator Category or the RCRA Help! Webpage.

Compliance Assistance Tools for SQGs

Listed below are several web pages and guidance documents that are helpful in assisting SQGs to properly manage hazardous wastes and other, related waste materials.

• Hazardous Waste On-Line Training Course  This is an Internet-based training course that provides detailed instruction in hazardous waste requirements for small and large quantity generators.
• Notification of Regulated Waste Activity form  [Exit DEEP website]  Form that an SQG must fill out and submit to DEEP when the begin operating as an SQG.  This form should also be re-submitted to DEEP when certain changes occur, such as the name or ownership of the facility (see the instructions that accompany the form for details).
• Small Quantity Generator Handbook  Detailed information on how SQGs must manage their hazardous waste, presented in a convenient booklet format. 
• Small Quantity Generator Training Materials These training materials were developed to assist SQGs in ensuring that their employees are properly trained to become thoroughly familiar with the applicable hazardous waste requirements relevant to their duties (which would include but not limited to waste handling, marking/labeling, preparing manifests, conducting inspections, emergency coordination and response, etc.). Below are links to the materials used during DEEP-sponsored workshops which took place in federal fiscal year 2010. 
  • SQG Training Materials (Presentation)
  • SQG Student Workbook (with Examples/Activities)
  • SQG Quiz Sheet
  • SQG Quiz Answer Sheet
• DEEP’s SQG Inspection Report Form Inspection report forms that DEEP inspectors use when conducting inspections at SQG Sites. These inspections forms can be helpful tools for SQGs to check their compliance with hazardous waste requirements.
• DEEP Fact Sheet: Hazardous Waste Determinations/Knowledge of Process Detailed instructions on how wastes should be tested and evaluated to determine whether or not they are hazardous wastes.
• Hazardous Waste Determination Summary Sheet Helps SQGs properly complete and document their hazardous waste determinations.
• Generator Closure Guidance Documents
  • Draft RCRA Closure Guidance For Generators Who Store Less Than 90 Days, Container Storage Areas and tank Systems Explains the cleanup requirements that SQGs are expected to follow whenever they cease using a hazardous waste container or tank storage area, or shut down their facility.
  • Guidance For Implementing and Documenting Closure (Waste Removal And Decontamination) For Indoor RCRA Hazardous Waste Storage Areas This guidance document focuses specifically on the closure of well-managed indoor hazardous waste container storage areas. This document is not intended to replace the previous-listed document, since not all generator storage area closures will meet the eligibility criteria identified in this document.
• Permitted Transporter List Listing of the transporters that SQGs may hire to have their waste hauled away for proper recycling or disposal.
• Permitted Facility List Listing of facilities located in Connecticut that may accept certain types of hazardous waste. Note: Many more facilities are located out-of-state. You can find out more about these out-of-state facilities by contacting a permitted waste hauler, or by checking the web sites of other states' environmental agencies [Exit DEEP website].
• Universal Waste Certain commonly-generated hazardous wastes such as batteries, thermostats and other mercury-containing equipment, mercury lamps (e.g., fluorescent lamps), and used electronics are regulated under a special, reduced set of requirements known as the Universal Waste Rule. This fact sheet provides detailed information on the proper management of Universal Wastes.
• Used Oil Used oil may sometimes be hazardous, but is most often non-hazardous. This link provides detailed information on how SQGs must manage their used oil.
• Non-RCRA-Hazardous Wastes (Connecticut-Regulated Wastes) These wastes are not subject to hazardous waste rules, but may still not be placed in the ordinary trash in Connecticut. This fact sheet describes how SQGs must manage these non-hazardous wastes.
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) PCBs are subject to a special set of rules that are separate from hazardous waste requirements. This link provides information on the proper management of PCBs.

Content Last Updated on March 4, 2020