Search

Can CESQGs Use the Materials of Trade Rule?

Posted on 8/17/2011 by James Griffin

Q. I work in an R&D laboratory doing quality testing for a manufacturing plant at the other end of town. We are a conditionally exempt small quantity generator (CESQG) of hazardous waste, mostly ignitable spent solvents.
 
Our corporate EH&S specialist says we can use the Materials of Trade (MOT) rule to haul our hazardous waste across town and consolidate it with the manufacturing plant’s hazardous waste because it’s not “really” hazardous waste.
 
Can you explain what he’s talking about?
 
A. Certainly! We understand that you may be reluctant to try and ship your hazardous waste under the Materials of Trade (MOT) rule because the definition of material of trade (49 CFR 171.8) “means a hazardous material other than a hazardous waste…” But we assure you, the regulations are on your side this time.
 
Even though your waste exhibits the characteristic of ignitability (D001; 40 CFR 261.21) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers it a hazardous waste, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) does not.
 
The EPA’s rules for CESQG hazardous waste exclude your waste from 40 CFR Part 262, including the requirement to use a manifest. [40 CFR 261.5(b)] And if you do not need a hazardous waste manifest, then the DOT does not consider your waste to be hazardous waste. [49 CFR 171.8]
 
Therefore, your EH&S specialist is correct; provided you follow all the conditions specified at 49 CFR 173.6 for the materials of trade exception, you can use the MOT rule to transport your CESQG waste.
 

Tags: DOT, hazardous waste, hazmat shipping, RCRA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Lion does a great job summarizing and communicating complicated EH&S-related regulations.

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Spot and correct 4 of the most common universal waste errors before they result in a notice of violation during a Federal or state inspection.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.