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

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental Specialist

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

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

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

The online course was well thought out and organized, with good interaction between the student and the course.

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Ace hazmat inspections. Protect personnel. Defend against civil and criminal penalties. How? See the self-audit "best practices" for hazardous materials shippers.

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.