Alaska Gains State Authority Over Hazardous Waste Management

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has granted the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation final authorization to administer the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle C hazardous waste program, making Alaska the 49th state with primary responsibility for hazardous waste regulation. The move, the first such state approval in more than 25 years, leaves only Iowa without RCRA primacy.

Under the new arrangement DEC will handle permitting, inspections, compliance assistance and enforcement for the generation, transport, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous waste, while EPA retains overall oversight. Governor Mike Dunleavy and DEC Commissioner Randy Bates said the authorization allows Alaska to provide more responsive service while maintaining strong environmental standards. EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon highlighted the partnership’s role in streamlining permitting and supporting business investment.

Alaska reported 2,729 tons of RCRA‑classified hazardous waste in 2023, ranking 48th among states. Major sources included the Petro Star Valdez Refinery, Eielson Air Force Base and a Palmer‑based environmental services firm. With no in‑state disposal facilities, most waste must be shipped out of Alaska.