Hazardous, Solid, and Universal Waste Management

Navigating Complex Regulations with Confidence and Control

Waste management regulations are rarely straightforward. Hazardous waste management , solid waste management, and universal waste management are governed by detailed federal, state, and local requirements, each with nuanced thresholds, classifications, and reporting obligations that vary by location, generator status, and waste type.

Misclassification or improper handling can quickly lead to compliance violations, enforcement actions, and operational disruption.

Odyssey brings deep regulatory expertise and practical experience to help organizations design, implement, and maintain compliant waste management compliance programs. We guide clients through complex waste regulations with clarity, ensuring waste is properly identified, managed, documented, and reported across the full lifecycle.

Related Services:
→ Environmental Compliance Services
→ EHS Consulting Services

What Effective Waste Management Delivers

A well-structured waste management program delivers:

Accurate waste classification and regulatory compliance
Reduced risk of violations, fines, and environmental liability
Clear documentation that withstands inspections and audits
Streamlined processes for routine and non-routine waste generation
Confidence in handling episodic and high-risk waste events

From daily operations to unexpected generation events, Odyssey ensures your waste program is defensible, efficient, and regulator-ready.

Common Waste Management Services

Waste Characterizations

Comprehensive waste characterization services to evaluate and classify waste streams as hazardous, solid, or universal—using process knowledge, analytical testing, and regulatory evaluation to ensure proper handling, storage, transport, and disposal.

Regulatory Framework Reference:
Waste characterization requirements align with federal hazardous waste regulations administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Waste Management Plan Development

Development of customized, site-specific waste management plans that define procedures, responsibilities, storage requirements, training needs, and emergency protocols.

Related Service:
→ Environmental Compliance Services

Waste Generator Identification Number Establishment

Assistance with determining generator status and obtaining or updating EPA waste generator identification numbers in accordance with waste generator requirements.

External Authority:
EPA waste generator identification numbers are required under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for regulated waste activities.

Management of Episodic Generation Events

Support for planned or unplanned episodic waste generation, including regulatory notifications, temporary generator status changes, waste handling strategies, and compliance documentation.

Related Expertise:
→ EHS Consulting Services

Waste Reporting

Preparation and submission of required waste reports, manifests, biennial reports, and agency notifications—ensuring accuracy, consistency, and regulatory alignment.

Related Service:
→ EHS Auditing Services

Waste Inventorying

Development and maintenance of detailed waste reporting and inventory systems to track waste volumes, classifications, accumulation times, and disposal pathways across facilities.

Waste Management for Idled & Non-Operational Sites

Waste compliance obligations often continue even when operations pause or facilities shut down. Residual materials, chemicals, and stored wastes must still be managed, documented, and disposed of properly.

Odyssey integrates waste management into broader environmental stabilization efforts to reduce risk at idled or non-operational sites and support future asset transfers or redevelopment.

Related Service:
→ Environmental Stabilization Services

Why Odyssey’s Waste Management Approach Works

In-depth understanding of multi-jurisdictional waste regulations
Experience supporting facilities across all generator categories
Practical, operationally realistic compliance solutions
Clear documentation designed for inspections and regulatory review

We don’t just interpret waste regulations, we help clients operationalize compliance in a way that supports efficiency, safety, and long-term risk reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hazardous, solid, and universal waste?

Hazardous waste poses specific risks to human health or the environment and is subject to strict regulation. Solid waste includes non-hazardous industrial and municipal wastes. Universal waste is a subset of hazardous waste; such as batteries, lamps, and aerosols—managed under streamlined regulatory requirements.

How do I know if my waste is classified as hazardous?

Waste classification is determined through waste characterization, which may include process knowledge, analytical testing, and regulatory evaluation against federal and state criteria.

What is an EPA waste generator identification number?

An EPA waste generator identification number is a unique identifier issued by regulatory agencies that allows facilities to legally generate, store, transport, and dispose of regulated waste.

What are episodic generation events?

Episodic events involve infrequent or unexpected waste generation—such as facility cleanouts, maintenance activities, or spill response; that may temporarily change generator status and reporting obligations.

Can Odyssey manage waste programs across multiple facilities?

Yes. Odyssey has extensive experience managing waste compliance programs for regional and national facility portfolios, ensuring consistency, defensibility, and regulatory alignment.

External Standards & Regulatory Alignment

Odyssey’s waste management services align with:

S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hazardous and universal waste regulations
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements
State and local environmental agency waste management frameworks

This ensures waste programs remain compliant, defensible, and inspection-ready.

Simplify Waste Compliance Without Increasing Risk.

Partner with Odyssey to build a waste management program that is compliant, defensible, and operationally sound.

Hazardous, Solid, and Universal Waste Management