EPA Containment Setup & Waste Disposal 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Lead renovation waste (paint chips, used sheeting, disposable PPE) is classified under federal regulations as:
- Household hazardous waste, typically exempt from RCRA hazardous waste regulations (Correct answer)
- RCRA listed hazardous waste requiring a licensed hazardous waste hauler
- Universal waste requiring special manifesting
- Solid waste requiring incineration at a licensed facility
Correct answer: Household hazardous waste, typically exempt from RCRA hazardous waste regulations
Lead renovation waste from residential projects is typically classified as household hazardous waste and is generally exempt from RCRA hazardous waste regulations.
Question 2: How should lead renovation waste be packaged before disposal?
- In sealed, heavy-duty plastic bags or containers labeled as containing lead (Correct answer)
- In standard paper bags placed in regular trash bins
- In open metal bins for air-drying before disposal
- In clear plastic bags to allow waste inspectors to verify contents
Correct answer: In sealed, heavy-duty plastic bags or containers labeled as containing lead
Lead waste must be placed in sealed, heavy-duty plastic bags to prevent dust escape and labeled to warn handlers of the lead content.
Question 3: When must used polyethylene sheeting from a lead renovation project be disposed of?
- It must be folded inward, sealed, and disposed of as lead waste before leaving the work site (Correct answer)
- It can be reused on the next renovation project if it appears clean
- It must be laundered at a hazardous waste facility before reuse
- It can be left on-site for the property owner to dispose of
Correct answer: It must be folded inward, sealed, and disposed of as lead waste before leaving the work site
Used sheeting must be folded inward to contain any lead dust, sealed, and disposed of as lead waste — it cannot be reused or left behind.
Question 4: Which tool is required for the final cleaning step after removing lead renovation containment?
- HEPA vacuum followed by wet mopping with a damp cloth or mop (Correct answer)
- Standard shop vacuum with a dust filter
- Dry sweeping with a soft-bristle broom
- Leaf blower to clear dust into the containment zone
Correct answer: HEPA vacuum followed by wet mopping with a damp cloth or mop
Post-renovation cleaning requires HEPA vacuuming followed by wet mopping to capture and remove all remaining lead dust from surfaces.
Question 5: A contractor generates lead paint chips and dust during a renovation. Who is responsible for proper waste disposal?
- The renovation firm performing the work (Correct answer)
- The property owner, since it is their property
- The waste hauler contracted to remove the debris
- The EPA regional office with jurisdiction over the project
Correct answer: The renovation firm performing the work
The renovation firm that generated the lead waste is responsible for its proper containment, packaging, and disposal per applicable regulations.
Question 6: Waste water from wet methods used during lead renovation (wet sanding, misting) must be:
- Collected and disposed of properly — not poured down storm drains (Correct answer)
- Poured down household drains since it is diluted
- Collected only if the renovation is larger than 100 square feet
- Left to evaporate in the containment area before disposal
Correct answer: Collected and disposed of properly — not poured down storm drains
Lead-contaminated waste water must be collected and disposed of properly; it may not be discharged into storm drains or waterways.
EPA Containment Setup & Waste Disposal 2
Lead renovation waste (paint chips, used sheeting, disposable PPE) is classified under federal regulations as: