Hazardous Waste Transportation

According to the Department of Transportation, “marking” containers before transporting them is required by law. All markings must be durable in nature, not obscured by other labels, and be written in English. Basic marking requirements mandate that a package should read as follows:

HAZARDOUS WASTE – Federal Law Prohibits Improper Disposal. If found, contact the nearest public safety authority or the Environmental Protection Agency.

Generators name and address: [write in the business name and address]

Manifest Document Number: [write in the manifest number].

You’re required to use DOT labels, and they must be readable, properly pronounce the hazardous nature of the waste (corrosive, flammable liquid or solid, oxidizing substance, etc.), and placed on a surface rather than the bottom of a container.

If multiple labels are necessary, then they must be within six inches of each other. The primary label should always be listed first, followed by any needed subsidiary labels.

Depending on the situation and type of hazardous material, there may be more information necessary, including:

• A United Nations (UN) substance number or North American (NA) identification number, with a four-digit number that identifies the exact type and class of waste inside (not required for limited quantities)
• A description of the waste (for non-bulk packaging):
  • Technical name (for non-bulk packaging), and
  • The shipper’s name and address (if the waste is being shipped).