Regulatory Assistance for Transporters

Transportation of hazardous waste without the proper authorizations is a serious violation subject to fines and penalties.  DTSC enforcement staff operate “stings” to capture illegal transporters.

• California Health and Safety Code with Division 20, Chapter 6.5, Article 6 and 13
• Title 22, Division 4.5, Chapter 13
• Federal Hazardous Materials Transport Guidance

In general, if you want to transport hazardous waste for hire in California, you need to be registered as a hazardous waste transporter with DTSC. Here’s the link to the Web page dedicated to registering Hazardous Waste Transporters.  Very helpful staff at the DTSC Transportation Registration Program may be reached at (916) 440-7145.  Their fax number is (916) 255-4703.  You can also e-mail questions to transporter@dtsc.ca.gov.

In many cases, you will also need to register with the California Highway Patrol as a hazardous materials transporter.  Please contact the CHP at (916) 445-1865 and ask for the hazardous materials transportation program.  Staff at the HazMat program can give you information on any required licensing, training, packaging, placarding, etc.

You do not need to be a registered hazardous waste transporter to transport:

Universal waste to another universal waste handler or recycler (22CCR 66273.50 et seq.) Keep in mind transportation of any wet cell batteries or liquid mercury have stringent DOT hazardous materials transportation requirements;

• Latex paint to another latex paint handler or recycler (HSC 25217 et seq.);
• Transport automotive batteries to a battery collector or recycler;
• Non-PCB ballasts
• PCB-containing light ballasts.
• Mobil maintenance

• Hazardous Waste Transporter Requirements
  This fact sheet provides regulatory compliance background, criteria for becoming and maintaining the status of “transporter” as well as contacts should you have any questions.
• Hazardous Waste Transportation Variances
  General information  explaining the two main transportation variances granted by DTSC, (Regulatory Exemptions for Certain Transportation Operations, referred to as “TRE”, and Statutory Transportation Variances) and contact information.
• Consolidated Transporters
  SB 271 changed the manifesting requirements for consolidated manifesting, effective Sept. 4, 2007. This fact sheet provides general instructions and procedures, as well as reporting requirements.
• Guide Sheet: Obtaining Identification Numbers for Hazardous Waste Transporters
  Listed on the Guide Sheet are instructions for obtaining an ID number for transporting hazardous waste. 
• Managing Hazardous Wastes at Transfer Facilities
  This fact sheet provides general guidance to transporters and TSDFs on state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to transfer facilities.
• Security Enhancements for Hazardous Waste Handling
  This fact sheet highlights regulatory changes associated with the safety of transporting hazardous waste that could be used as, or to create a weapon of mass destruction.  SB 1257, enacted after the events of September 11, 2001.

• Hazardous Waste Transporter Registration Application, DTSC 187 
• Form MCS-90 - Financial Responsibility for Motor Carriers - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration  
• Supplemental Information on Insurance Coverage, DTSC 1309  
• Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (SAMPLE)