Requirements for hazardous waste manifests

• Generators must prepare and sign the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest before shipping it offsite.

Generators must prepare and sign the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Form 8700-22) before shipping it offsite. The manifest tracks the waste from the generator to its ultimate disposal site. Anyone who handles the waste along the way must sign a copy. The system is designed to help the company (and the government) verify that the waste was indeed properly disposed of and was not lost or unaccounted for.

The manifest is required by both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Note: Paper manifests must be purchased from an EPA-approved printer, and those using electronic manifests (e-manifests) must register in the EPA’s system.

Very small quantity generators (VSQGs) are not required to use a manifest to ship their waste offsite. However, even though manifests are not required, many transporters will not accept the waste without it.

The manifest contains detailed information on the type and quantity of the waste being shipped. Each manifest has a unique 12-digit manifest tracking number.

Contact person

In order to ship waste, have a “contact person” who is able to be reached by phone 24 hours per day. This person must be someone who has knowledge of the waste — it can’t simply be an answering service. (Note that some companies are able to provide this service; make sure they understand the particulars of the waste shipments.) This is just in case there is a problem with the shipment or an emergency on the road. Emergency responders need to know how to get in touch with someone who actually can help!