Accumulation
Businesses may accumulate dangerous waste on-site for a certain length of time. The amount of time and quantity of dangerous waste you can accumulate depends on your generator category and where you store the waste. The waste must be in appropriate containers and stored correctly.
Learn more about the different types of accumulation storage areas:
- Central accumulation areas (CAAs)
- Satellite accumulation areas (SAAs)
Central accumulation areas (CAAs)
A central accumulation area (CAA) is a location where dangerous wastes are stored prior to off-site shipment or on-site treatment.
- CAAs may be anywhere on-site. They do not need to be "centrally located."
- You may have more than one CAA (i.e., multiple CAAs).
Self-inspect weekly
You must self-inspect your CAA once a week (between Sunday and the following Saturday).
- Use our weekly inspection checklist to help you stay in compliance and identify any problem areas.
Show the accumulation start date
Every dangerous waste container in your CAA must show an accumulation start date. An accumulation start date is the date you:
- First put waste into a container or tank,
OR - Reached your maximum limits in your satellite accumulation area.
Adhere to accumulation limits and timeframes
Ensure you schedule enough time for your waste service provider to pick up your waste. They must pick up your waste before you exceed one of the following (whichever comes first):
- Accumulation time limit
OR - Total on-site accumulation limit.
Accumulation limits by generator category
Generator category | Time limit | Total on-site accumulation limit |
---|---|---|
Small quantity generator (SQG) | None |
|
Medium quantity generator (MQG) | 180 days |
|
Large quantity generator (LQG) | 90 days | None |
Other conditionally regulated dangerous wastes
Accumulation time limits may vary depending on the type of waste you generate.
Type of waste | Time limit |
---|---|
60 days or the end of the episodic event |
|
1 year | |
Pharmaceutical waste | 1 year |
Frequently asked questions: CAAs
Satellite accumulation areas (SAAs)
Satellite accumulation allows medium and large quantity generators to hold a certain amount of dangerous waste at or near the point of generation for longer than 90 or 180 days. It allows these facilities to do this without the need for a dangerous waste storage permit.
Medium and large quantity generators can have:
- Multiple satellite accumulation areas (SAAs) across the site.
- No more than 55 gallons of dangerous waste, or one quart (2.2 pounds) of acutely hazardous waste, in an SAA at any time.
How do you manage a satellite accumulation area?
Satellite accumulation areas must be under the control of the worker or secured at all times.
Learn more about satellite accumulation:
- Read our focus sheet on satellite accumulation.
- Satellite accumulation regulations for medium and large quantity generators
(WAC 173-303-174).
Frequently asked questions: SAAs
Related links
Contact information
Need help?
Contact a dangerous waste inspector in your region.