Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Large Quantity Generators (LQGs)

Image of a factory

What is an LQG?

An LQG generates the most waste, and is the most highly-regulated type of hazardous waste generator. A generator is an LQG if it meets any of the following conditions:

  • generates 1000 kilograms (2200 pounds) or more of hazardous waste per calendar month; or,
  • accumulates more than 1000 kilograms (2200 pounds) of hazardous waste at any one time; or,
  • generates more than one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of acute hazardous waste per calendar month; or,
  • accumulates more than one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of acute hazardous waste at any one time.

For a typical liquid waste, 1000 kilograms (2200 pounds) equals about five 55-gallon drums. For more dense wastes such as solids and sludges, 1000 kilograms can be much less than five 55-gallon drums.

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 LQGs

Listed below are several web pages and guidance documents that are helpful in assisting LQGs 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 large and small quantity generators.
  • EPA form: Notification of Regulated Waste Activity  [Exit DEEP website] This is a form that an LQG must fill out and submit to DEEP when they begin operating as an LQG. 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). 
  • Hazardous Waste Determinations/Knowledge of Process  This fact sheet provides detailed instructions on how wastes should be tested and evaluated to determine whether or not they are hazardous wastes. 
  • Hazardous Waste Determination Summary Sheet  This convenient sheet helps LQGs properly complete and document their hazardous waste determinations. 
  • Hazardous Waste Container Management  This fact sheet describes how LQGs must store and manage containers of hazardous waste. 
  • Hazardous Waste Manifest Requirements  A hazardous waste manifest is a special tracking form that is used to document the movement of a shipment of hazardous from the generator to the ultimate treatment or disposal facility. This fact sheet explains how LQGs may obtain manifest forms, properly prepare and use them, and maintain the required documentation of their hazardous waste shipments. 
  • Hazardous Waste Personnel Training  This fact sheet describes the training that LQGs must provide to their personnel that are involved in hazardous waste duties.
  • Hazardous Waste Inspections  This fact sheet provides guidance for LQGs on how to inspect their hazardous waste storage areas and areas where there is safety and emergency equipment related to hazardous waste management. The fact sheet also describes the kinds of information that must be documented during inspections, and requirements for the maintenance of inspection records. 
  • Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan  A contingency plan is an emergency action plan that LQGs are required to have in order to be prepared to respond to spills, fires, explosions, and other emergencies involving hazardous waste. This fact sheet provides guidance on the preparation of such plans. 
  • Biennial Hazardous Waste Reporting  Every other year, LQGs are required to prepare a report of their hazardous waste generation and management activities. This link provides information on how to prepare and submit these reports. 
  • Generator Closure Guidance Documents
  • DEEP’s LQG Inspection Report Form  This link provides a copy of the inspection report forms that DEEP inspectors use when conducting inspections at LQG sites. These inspection forms can be helpful tools for LQGs to check their compliance with hazardous waste requirements. 
  • Permitted Transporter List  This link provides a listing of the transporters that LQGs may hire to have their waste hauled away for proper recycling or disposal. 
  • Permitted Facility List  This link provides a 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 LQGs 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 LQGs 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