Impact on Subclassification of Waste Classes

Existing hazardous waste classification systems frequently include subclassifications of basic waste classes to facilitate waste management (see Sections 2.2.4, 4.1.2 and 6.6). Examples include Class-A, -B, and -C commercial low-level waste and remotely-handled and contact-handled transuranic waste. These waste subclassifications are not expected to be significantly affected by a risk-based classification system unless particular wastes would not be generally acceptable for the disposal using the intended technology. For example, there is no inherent incompatibility with the system 

Based on the background information presented in Sections 2 through 5 and the discussions on development of a new hazardous waste classification system in Sections 6 and 7, NCRP has reached the following conclusions  

The concept of a hypothetical inadvertent intruder at a nearsurface waste disposal site, including permanent occupants of a site after an assumed loss of institutional control, provides a suitable basis for defining exposure scenarios that would be used to calculate risks that arise from waste disposal and the boundaries between waste classes. For other dispositions of waste, alternative scenarios would need to be developed and evaluated. 

As with existing waste classification systems, a risk-based waste classification system should be flexible and continue to include provisions for regulators to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis with appropriate due process. 

Development of a comprehensive and risk-based hazardous waste classification system, in which waste classes are defined in relation to types of disposal systems that are expected to be generally acceptable in protecting public health, would not obviate the need to establish waste acceptance criteria at each disposal site based on the characteristics of the site and engineered disposal facility and the properties of wastes intended for disposal therein. The primary purposes of a hazardous waste classification system are to facilitate cost-effective management and disposal of waste and effective communication on waste matters. 

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