What: On April 28, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released updated interim guidance on the destruction and disposal of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Why: PFAS are widely used, long-lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. There are thousands of PFAS chemicals, and they are found in many different consumer, commercial, and industrial products.
The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act directed EPA to issue guidance on PFAS destruction and disposal and update that guidance at least every three years. This interim guidance updates prior guidance issued in 2024.
In the updated guidance, EPA:
- Provides recommendations for managers of PFAS and PFAS-containing materials to protect human health and the environment.
- Describes a new technology evaluation framework to help analyze the safety and effectiveness of new destruction and disposal technologies.
- Summarizes scientific information on current understanding of PFAS and focuses on three widely used and commercially available destruction and disposal technologies:
- Underground injection.
- Landfills.
- Thermal treatment under certain conditions, which includes incineration.
- Summarizes research needs and data gaps and calls for increased collaboration with EPA to collect data and enhance decision-making.
- Describes new EPA test methods.
- Does not establish requirements for destruction or disposal of PFAS materials.
The guidance is non-binding and is intended to help select disposal and destruction technologies based on characteristics of the waste and options available to prevent releases and keep PFAS out of the environment.
Action: Read the Federal Register notice and submit comments before the June 29, 2026, deadline.
INTERIM GUIDANCE:
Interim Guidance on the Destruction and Disposal of PFAS and Materials Containing PFAS
FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE:
Interim PFAS Destruction and Disposal Guidance; Notice of Availability for Public Comment
CONTACT:
Nick Goldstein
EMAIL:
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