The legislature finds that hazardous wastes, when mismanaged, pose a substantial danger to the environment and public health and safety. To ensure that hazardous wastes are properly managed within this state, the legislature declares that a state-administered regulatory program is needed which:

Terms Used In Wisconsin Statutes 291.001

  • State: when applied to states of the United States, includes the District of Columbia, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the several territories organized by Congress. See Wisconsin Statutes 990.01
   (1)   Relies upon private industry or local units of government to provide hazardous waste management services.
   (2)   Requires the transportation, storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes to be performed only by licensed operators.
   (3)   Requires generators of hazardous waste to utilize operators licensed to transport, treat, store or dispose of hazardous wastes.
   (4)   Does not interfere with, control or regulate the manufacturing processes which generate hazardous wastes.
   (5)   Ensures the maintenance of adequate records on, and the reporting of, the disposition of all hazardous wastes either generated in or entering this state.
   (6)   Encourages to the extent feasible, the reuse, recycling or reduction of hazardous wastes.
   (7)   Provides adequate care and protection of disposal facilities after the facilities cease to accept hazardous wastes.
   (8)   Provides members of the public and units of local government an opportunity to review and comment upon the construction, operation and long-term care of hazardous waste management facilities.
   (9)   Meets the minimum requirements of the resource conservation and recovery act.