Shipments of Universal Waste

Federal DOT regulations do not consider universal waste to be hazardous wastes. This means that universal waste does not require a manifest when it is transported. However, universal waste is still subject to regulation by both RCRA and the DOT. When shipping universal waste, universal waste handlers must do the following:

• Package, label, mark, and placard shipments in accordance with DOT regulations.
• Use a qualified universal waste transporter.
• Ship waste to either a universal waste handler or a universal waste destination facility.
• Confirm that the receiving handler agrees to receive the shipment.
• Maintain shipping records, and keep these records for three years. (This requirement applies only to large quantity universal waste handlers.)

If a universal waste handler directly transports universal waste to an off-site destination, the handler at the new location becomes a universal waste handler.

To learn more about RCRA safety standards visit our RCRA Refresher Online Training web page.