Introduction
Current solid and hazardous waste law is a maze of statutes, regulations, and potential liabilities. This handbook is designed to act as your guide and as a first step in helping you recognize which agricultural and household activities may involve solid and hazardous wastes. It also introduces the agencies and statutes that govern solid and hazardous waste disposal.
Solid and hazardous waste law is evolving rapidly as concern for the environment increases. Because the specific goals of current environmental statutes vary, the law as a whole can be very confusing. Legal definitions are provided where needed. Check FE785 (Glossary) for the definition of terms because statutes and regulations may define many words more broadly or narrowly than you might expect. For example, the statutory definition of solid waste includes solid materials as well as semi-solids, liquids, and even gases. Any word that is not defined or explained should be understood as everyday language.
Overlapping, unclear, and occasionally even contradictory waste management rules in this area of law create difficulty for both lawyers and laypersons in determining their exact rights and responsibilities. Persistence in attempting to understand the system is important because penalties or liabilities for failure to comply, in some instances, may be quite substantial.
This work should not be considered the final word on any topic. Fees and fines for EPA-administered programs, for instance, may change to reflect inflation. Instead, use this handbook to determine when you might need to seek more information, and for contact information of agencies that can answer specific questions. State and federal agencies are the best sources for information. These agencies can provide more information on a topic, answer specific questions, and often supply free literature. Therefore, we have included contact information of the relevant state and federal agencies and divisions in FE786 (Contact Agencies).
This handbook can be improved by your ideas and suggestions. Comments you have regarding any areas which may have been omitted but deserve inclusion would be particularly valued. Reader feedback is a necessary ingredient to complete any future editions. Please send your comments to:
Michael T. Olexa
UF Center for Agricultural & Natural Resource Law
UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department
Post Office Box 110240
Gainesville, FL 32611-0240
Acknowledgment
The authors are indebted to the personnel of both state and federal agencies who gave of their time and advice in the preparation of this handbook. The authors are also indebted to the O. R. and Shirley Minton and the James S. and Dorothy F. Wershow Endowments for funding assistance in the development of this handbook, and Andra Johnson, Ph.D., dean and professor, Office of Dean for Extension and the Florida Cooperative Extension Service.