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

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

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

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

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

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

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

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 exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

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

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This report details major changes for hazardous waste generators from US EPA’s Generator Improvements Rule, as well as the latest updates from states that are still working to adopt new, stricter Federal requirements.

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.