Waste Haulers
Implementation for 16 TAC Chapter 4 New and Amended Rules
On December 17, 2024, The Railroad Commission (RRC) adopted revisions to 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 4, Subchapter B, relating to Commercial Recycling; and new 16 TAC Chapter 4, Subchapter A, relating to Oil and Gas Waste Management. The RRC is inviting interested parties to participate in the implementation of the rules.
NOTE: The official document will be available on the Secretary of State's website July 1, 2025.
You can view the adopted revisions here and adopted penalties here.
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Proposed Implementation Timeline
January - February 2025
- RRC develops guidance and forms
March - April 2025
- Staff hosts Chapter 4 webinars
- Draft forms proposed for public comment
May - June 2025
- Forms available online for public comment
- Forms adopted
- Guidance published online
July 2025
- July 1, 2025 - Rules Effective
- July 14 to16 - 2025 RRC Regulatory Conference topics include:
- How to navigate Chapter 4, Subchapter A & B
- Environmental Permits New Forms and New Guidance
- Pit Registration, Authorization by Rule, and Permitting Standards
- Waste Haulers and LoneSTAR
- New Compliance Reporting Requirements
- Compliance Inspections
Send all questions related to Chapter 4 rule changes by email to askaboutchptr4@rrc.texas.gov.
Waste Haulers
Exploration and production of oil and gas produces many waste streams, the largest volume of which is RCRA-exempt waste (e.g., spent drilling muds and associated cuttings, and produced water).
The Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) regulates the transport of these wastes to protect the public and Texas natural resources.
Who Needs a Waste Hauler Permit (WHP)?
A person who transports non-hazardous oil & gas waste for hire by any method other than by pipeline off a lease, unit, or other oil & gas property where it is generated.
NOTE: A WHP is not required to transport inert waste (e.g., sand, concrete, and demolition waste) and cannot be used to transport hazardous oil and gas waste per Statewide Rule 98.
What to Know About Waste Hauler Permits.
- WHP’s must be renewed annually.
- WHP initial and renewal application fee is $250.
- Submit WH Applications electronically in LoneSTAR.
What to Know BEFORE Applying for a Waste Hauler Permit.
- Operators must have an Active Organization Report (Form P-5).
- Organizations must register for an RRC Access Management Process (RAMP) account and assign a Delegated Administrator.
For assistance with RAMP, contact the RRC Help Desk by email at Help.Desk@rrc.texas.gov
For questions about waste hauler permits or LoneSTAR, email whp@rrc.texas.gov.
Web content on our websites is available in ESPAÑOL from the RRC homepage www.rrc.texas.gov.
