Photovoltaic modules epa disposal waste

Will EPA add solar panels to Universal Waste Regulations?

On October 23, 2023, EPA announced a new rulemaking effort to improve the recycling and management of end-of-life solar panels and lithium batteries. EPA is developing a proposed rule to add solar panels to the universal waste regulations and to add tailored universal waste standards for lithium batteries.

Can PV modules be regulated as solid waste?

29 In some instances, PV modules may pass the EPA toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) to determine whether a PV module exhibits hazardous characteristics but fail California’s WET procedure designating the PV module California-only hazardous. Anecdotal evidence suggests that modules that could be regulated as solid waste

Are solar panels a hazardous waste under RCRA?

If these metals are present in high enough quantities in the solar panels, solar panel waste could be a hazardous waste under RCRA. Some solar panels are considered hazardous waste, and some are not, even within the same model and manufacturer.

Should PV modules be recycled?

In addition, federal, state, and local solid waste laws often regulate PV modules being recycled in the same manner as PV modules being disposed of, which does not provide an incentive to recycle. This is especially true because the economics and accessibility of disposal are more favorable than recycling.

Are decommissioned PV modules destined for recycling solid waste?

Anecdotal evidence suggests there is a perception that regulators in New Jersey and Arizona may also presume decommissioned PV modules destined for recycling are not only solid waste, but hazardous solid waste (NREL 2019; CPUC 2019; John Martorano, Magnum Computer Recycling, telephone conference July 31, 2019). Table 3.

Are EOL PV modules disposed of in landfills?

No federal or state laws directly ban the disposal of PV modules in landfills, and only one state (Washington state) requires the collection and recycling or reuse of EoL PV modules (NREL 2019; CPUC 2019; Wash. Rev. Code § 70A.510.010 et seq. ).