Damaged or Leaking Packages

Damaged, defective, or leaking packages of hazardous materials may be placed in a metal or plastic removable head salvage drum so that the material can be transported for recovery or disposal. The salvage drum used must be of a specific type and tested and marked for Packing Group III or higher performance standards. The drum capacity must not exceed 450 liters or 119 gallons. When necessary, each salvage drum must contain enough absorbent and cushioning material that is compatible with the hazardous materials to prevent excessive package movement and absorb all free liquid at the time of closing.

Salvage drums must be marked with the proper shipping name of the hazardous material inside the packaging, the name and address of the consignee, and the words "Salvage" or "Salvage Drum." You must properly label the drum for the material it contains. The identification number marking is not required on salvage drums.

The shipper of a hazardous material in a salvage drum must prepare shipping papers for the material in accordance with the HMR.

To learn more about DOT HAZMAT Awareness visit our DOT HAZMAT General Awareness Online Training web page.