Learn best practices for navigating the 2026 Biennial Reporting cycle and how to trade hours of manual data entry for minutes of automated oversight.
With the March 1, 2026, RCRA Biennial federal reporting deadline falling on a Sunday, environmental teams face significant pressure to finalize and submit their reports early.
This challenge is compounded by operational data buried in paper manifests or trapped in the EPA’s e-Manifest system, forcing teams to manually reconcile records and chase down missing density conversions.
Mapistry co-founder Ryan Janoch and ALL4 managing consultant Michelle Carter recently hosted a webinar to break down the complexities of RCRA Biennial reporting and show how digital tools like AI and direct EPA integrations can significantly reduce the administrative burden of waste management.
As we move into 2026, Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) must prepare to report on all hazardous waste generated in 2025. While the task seems straightforward, the regulatory stakes are high.
Michelle emphasized a critical point during the session: "The burden is on the generator". Whether you use a third-party vendor to manage your waste area or sign your manifests, your facility is ultimately responsible for the accuracy of every waste code and pound reported to the EPA.
Before the March 1 deadline, ensure your team has addressed these frequent pitfalls:
Active Logins: Does your responsible official have an active RCRAInfo account and a signed Electronic Signature Agreement (ESA)?
Correct Waste Codes: Are your Site ID forms updated with all current waste streams?
Conversion Accuracy: Do you have valid density data for all liquid waste streams to ensure accurate weight reporting?
Reporting Tip from Michelle: Transportation dates don't mean generation dates. LQG status is based on generation in a month, NOT the month that it was transported off-site. In addition, the waste data used in a biennial report is based on the generation date, not the transportation date. Often, manifest data is used as if it were for the generation period, especially if you have regular waste pickups, but pay attention to your specific situation before assuming the dates are the same.
Many organizations view manual data entry as just "part of the job" or “it’s what I pay you to do”, but the business cost is staggering. Ryan illustrated the ROI of automation with a simple calculation of the time spent entering data from paper manifests into spreadsheets.
1 hour of data entry per day x 5 days a work week x 52 weeks a year = 260 hours per year
Mapistry’s Environmental Data Platform replaces manual tracking with four high-efficiency data flows:
The EPA Data Connector
By directly tying into the EPA’s RCRAInfo database, we can automatically pull manifest data into your facility's reports and dashboard(s) in Mapistry. This allows you to compare your onsite records (i.e. manifest from disposal) with the EPA's on-file records (i.e. manifest submitted by the disposal location) in real time, catching discrepancies before they become violations.
Maple AI Extraction
For facilities still handling paper, Maple AI allows users to snap a photo of a manifest. The system automatically extracts the transporter, waste type, and amount, logging the data record without a single keystroke.
Real-Time Generator Status Alerts
One of the greatest risks for Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) is accidentally "tripping" into LQG status by generating more than 1,000 kg of waste in a single month. Mapistry tracks generation thresholds in real-time, sending alerts when you approach limits so you can manage your status proactively.
Automated Analytics
Once data is in the system, you can analyze waste generation across multiple sites. Are certain sites over-classifying waste? Are disposal costs spiking? These dashboards provide the visibility needed to drive waste reduction initiatives.
The transition from reactive reporting to proactive automation doesn't have to be overwhelming. As Ryan noted, facilities can trade "hours of manual entry for minutes of work" while significantly reducing their regulatory risk profile.
Contact Ryan at ryan@mapistry.com to see a custom demo of the EPA Data Connector and learn how Mapistry can help you prepare for the 2026 reporting cycle and manage waste data throughout the year.