On June 30, 2018, US EPA will launch its national electronic system for tracking hazardous waste shipments from cradle-to-grave, known as “e-Manifest.” The web-based application is modeled after the existing paper Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest system and is intended to eventually phase out the paper-based process. Under the new system, Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) will be required to submit manifests electronically. Generators and transporters may continue to use paper manifests; however, EPA strongly encourages the use of electronic manifests, or the alternative “hybrid” manifest. Hybrid manifests allow the transporter to initiate the manifest in e-Manifest but print a paper copy for the generator and initial transporter’s signature, to be maintained on-site by the generator. The remaining transporter and waste handler requirements are then completed in the e-Manifest system. Please note that current Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations still require transporters to carry hard-copy shipping papers.
EPA will also be implementing the use of a new manifest form – both paper and electronic versions – which will include additional information according to the requirements of the e-Manifest system. The basic data elements of the manifest will not change. EPA will accept the obsolete manifests for processing after the June 30, 2018 launch date, but recommends users transition to the latest forms as quickly as possible.
The electronic tracking system is intended to provide cost savings, more timely and accurate information on waste shipments, rapid notification of discrepancies or other problems, the creation of a single hub for one-stop reporting, and increased effectiveness of compliance monitoring by regulators. The tracking system will ultimately eliminate the requirement to submit a biennial report, however, it will not yet replace the report when the system launches on June 30, 2018.
Additional information can be found on US EPA’s e-Manifest website at https://www.epa.gov/e-manifest.
You can register to participate in the e-Manifest system using US EPA’s RCRAInfo system at https://rcrainfo.epa.gov/rcrainfoprod/action/secured/login.
If you have any questions, contact Katie Milk at (330) 689-1106.
by Katie Milk, CHMM, Scientist III