Hazardous waste manifests are used to track hazardous waste shipped off site for treatment, storage, and disposal. When waste is removed by a licensed hazardous waste hauler, a uniform manifest is completed to identify and characterize the waste. A certified hazmat employee of the generator signs the manifest to certify that the information is correct and is being offered for transportation in accordance with applicable regulations.
EPA stipulates requirements for the use of manifests in 40 CFR 262.23 and MA DEP stipulates manifest requirements in 310 CMR 30.310. When waste is accepted at the treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF), a fully executed manifest is returned to the generator. In MA, the generator of the waste is then responsible for submitting a copy of the fully executed manifest to the MA DEP. This must be completed within 30 days of the shipment being received by the TSDF.
If waste is sent to a TSDF outside of MA, the generator is responsible for determining if the State Environmental Protection Agency requires submittal of manifests to their office.
With the development of electronic manifests underway, this will eliminate the need for generators to submit paper copies of manifests. However, in the meantime, make sure your facility is submitting manifests to the MA DEP and any other State DEP office that requires submittal. Remember that generators of hazardous waste are responsible for all generated waste from cradle to grave!