What is a hazardous waste transporter and what documentation must they carry?

• A. A licensed vehicle operator that transports hazardous waste and maintains manifests and regulatory documents for compliance
• B. A courier who transports nonhazardous waste only
• C. A facility that stores waste but does not transport
• D. A police unit that handles waste investigations

Answer: (A)

A hazardous waste transporter is the person or company that physically moves hazardous waste from the generator to a treatment, storage, or disposal facility. They must carry documentation to prove proper management and regulatory compliance. The core document is the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest, which travels with the waste and records the generator, transporter, and receiving facility, along with waste descriptions, quantities, and hazardous waste codes. This manifest ensures a clear chain of custody and accountability as the waste moves through transport and transfer points. The transporter is responsible for ensuring the manifest is properly completed, signing it at each transfer, and keeping copies for the required retention period, typically three years. In addition, they should have the transporter’s EPA ID and any applicable state forms or regulatory paperwork, and be prepared to provide emergency and regulatory information as needed. The other options describe entities that do not transport hazardous waste or do not carry the required hazardous waste documentation.