Classifying generators of hazardous waste
There are three generator classifications, based on the cumulative amount of hazardous waste generated in a calendar month and/or the amount of hazardous waste on site:
- Very Small Quantity Generators:
- Are generators who generate less than or equal to the following amounts in a calendar month:
- 100 kilograms (about 220 pounds) of non-acute hazardous waste; and
- 1 kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) of acute hazardous waste; and
- 100 kilograms (about 220 pounds) of any residue or contaminated soil, water or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into or on any land or water, of any acute hazardous waste.
- Small Quantity Generators:
- Are generators who generate the following amounts in a calendar month:
- Greater than 100 but less than 1,000 kilograms (between 220 and 2,200 pounds) of non-acute hazardous waste; and
- Less than or equal to 1 kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) of acute hazardous waste; and
- Less than or equal to 100 kilograms (about 220 pounds) of any residue or contaminated soil, water or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into or on any land or water, of any acute hazardous waste.
- Large Quantity Generators:
- Are generators who generate any of the following amounts in a calendar month:
- Greater than or equal to 1,000 kilograms of non-acute hazardous waste; or
- Greater than or equal to 1 kilogram of acute hazardous waste; or
- Greater than 100 kilograms (about 220 pounds) of any residue or contaminated soil, water or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into or on any land or water, of any acute hazardous waste.
- For more information, please see the Guide to Generator Requirements of the Colorado Hazardous Waste Regulations.
Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission fees
Hazardous waste generators, transporters, and treatment, storage or disposal facilities that have a Colorado Environmental Protection identification number are assessed annual fees under authority found in Section 25-15-314(a) and (b), C.R.S. The fee schedule is based on and intended to cover reasonable costs associated with the commission’s operations.
The Solid Waste Management Fund, which is funded by fees paid by solid waste facilities, pays half the commission’s expenses.
Fees for fiscal year 2024-2025:
Small Quantity Generators: $65.
Large Quantity Generators: $210.
Transporters: $70.
Non-commercial treatment, storage or disposal facilities: $400.
Commercial treatment, storage or disposal facilities: $600.
If your entity falls into two or more of the above categories, you must pay the fee for each category that applies.
Fees are due by Sept. 15 of each year. If they aren’t paid on time, we’ll refer the matter to the enforcement section for action. Delinquent accounts also will be turned over to State Collections for action.
We’ll waive the annual fee for transporters that provide the commission’s administrator with a copy of a current hazardous materials transportation permit issued by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.