Resources for Hazardous Waste Generators

Practical guidance to help you prepare for hazardous waste transportation and disposal—without drowning in jargon.

  • Clarify what information actually matters before you schedule a pickup
  • Reduce surprises around documentation and profiling
  • Make inspections and audits more predictable, not chaotic

Basic Planning Checklist

If you have these pieces outlined, you’re already ahead of most facilities.

Before You Schedule a Pickup

  • Estimate quantities (drums, totes, bulk, or small containers).
  • Identify major waste types (e.g., solvents, acids, caustics, oils, lab chemicals).
  • Confirm where waste is staged on-site and how trucks can access it.
  • Note any time restrictions (shift changes, lunch, school hours, patient hours, etc.).
  • Gather any SDS or previous profiles/manifests if available.

Quick Reference: Typical Information We’ll Ask For

This is a simple view of what usually comes up in the first call or email. None of this is a substitute for formal regulatory guidance.

Category What We Ask Why It Matters
Facility Details Facility name, location, and a contact person. Determines routing, travel time, and who decisions run through.
Waste Description Basic description of each waste type and form (solid/liquid). Guides profiling, packaging, and disposal facility selection.
Quantity & Packaging Number of drums, totes, small containers, or estimated bulk volume. Determines truck type, equipment, and how long the stop will take.
Timing Requested pickup window and any constraints. Lets us align transportation with your operations, not against them.
History & Docs Any existing manifests, profiles, or SDS. Speeds up acceptance with disposal facilities and reduces back-and-forth.

If you don’t have all of this ready, send what you do know. We can tell you what’s missing and what can be built as we go.

Common Questions

These are the questions that come up most often when generators are planning their first or next shipment.

No. If you have basic descriptions, SDS, or past manifests, that is usually enough to start. We can identify what additional information a disposal facility will require and help you build it out.

For routine drum work, a lead time of several business days is typical. Project-based work, large volumes, or special handling often benefit from more notice. If your situation is urgent, call directly and we will tell you what is realistic.

Potentially. The path depends on how much information we can gather about origin and contents, and what testing or segregation is needed. The first step is a clear description of what you see on-site and how it was generated.

Our current focus is Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Contra Costa, Yolo, and Sacramento Counties. If you are nearby or operate multiple sites, email the details and we can confirm whether we are a fit.

No. These resources are operational guidance only. You are responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and for consulting your internal EHS team or external advisors as needed.