Even if you only ship hazardous wastes, you may need to register…
The US Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) requires both shippers and carriers of certain types or amounts of hazardous material to register and pay a fee each year by June 30 (or prior to the shipping activity).
The following hazardous materials and/or hazardous wastes carried on board a vehicle or offered for shipment at any one time trigger annual registration:
- A highway route-controlled quantity of a Class 7 (radioactive) material;
- More than 25 kg (55 lb) of a Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 (explosive) material;
- More than one liter (1.06 quarts) per package of a material extremely toxic by inhalation (that meets the criteria for hazard zone A);
- A shipment of a quantity of hazardous materials, including hazardous waste, in bulk packaging with a capacity equal to or greater than 13,248 liters (3,500 gallons) for liquids or gases or more than 13.24 cubic meters (468 cubic feet) for solids; even if the materials are Class 9 hazardous that do not require placarding;
- A shipment in other than a bulk packaging of 2,268 kg (5,000 lb) gross weight or more of one class of hazardous materials – including hazardous wastes – for which placarding is required; or
- A quantity of hazardous material that requires placarding (with some exceptions for farmers).
As noted, the requirements apply to hazardous waste generators for their wastes, if the waste shipments meet or exceed these thresholds. The 5,000-lb threshold for non-bulk containers equals about 10 55-gallon drums of liquid with density similar to water.
The registration fees for the 2012-2013 year (July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013) are:
— for small businesses and non-profit organizations, $275
— for large businesses and organizations, $2,600 (yikes!)
Registrations for multiple years are allowed, which can save you a little (like, 25 bucks).
For more information and registration instructions (yes, you can register online!), visit the DOT PHMSA website at phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/registration. Or contact T. Cozzie Consulting for assistance.