This handbook was prepared for communities selected as potential sites for hazardous waste facilities, identifying issues which need to be addressed and suggesting specific and positive steps that communities can take to shape proposals to meet their concerns. Following an introduction, specific areas addressed include: community controls, community representation, population impact, medical profile, land and structure profile, transportation route, site zoning, security, employment impact, employee health and safety, community integration, banking, housing, purchasing, archaeological impact, gasoline, local hazardous wastes, financial capability, assurances, accident planning, future development, wildlife, and post-negotiation problems. As a final note, it is indicated that the biggest negative impacts of hazardous waste siting are psychological, disruptive, and abrasive; advantages are economic. However, with careful, thorough, and advance planning, a community can minimize the negatives and take advantage of the positive. (Author/JN)