Transportation of Hazardous Waste

Federal regulations require the use of a hazardous waste manifest system to track hazardous waste whenever it is transported. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a Manifest Registry of specific sources authorized to print and distribute the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest forms. The state of Tennessee does not print blank manifest forms and does not have any state-specific waste codes. 

The EPA launched the hazardous waste electronic manifest (e-Manifest) system on June 30, 2018, which currently serves as the federal hazardous waste manifest repository. E-manifest data is publicly available at Hazardous Waste Information Platform, with releases of new manifests occurring on a weekly basis.

To use the e-Manifest module in the RCRAInfo Industry Application, individual users will need to register for the system. Please see the EPA website for instructions on how to register for a RCRAInfo account and e-Manifest. If you do not have an EPA ID number for a site located within the state of Tennessee and wish to use the e-manifest system, please submit a completed EPA ID number application to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) using the Hazardous Waste Notifications Forms.

Tennessee does not require copies of manifests be submitted to the State, regardless of whether the waste originates or is disposed of in the state. However, the e-Manifest program requires that all hazardous waste receiving facilities submit manifests to the EPA. The state of Tennessee will not accept these manifests and will not forward them to the EPA. After June 30, 2021, EPA will no longer accept mailed hard copy manifests. All future manifest submissions must be made through the e-manifest system.

Each transfer facility shall maintain logs of all shipments of hazardous waste entering and leaving the facility as required by TN Rule Chapter 0400-12-01.04(1)(c)2, either in hard copy and/or in a computer file(s). This must include, at a minimum, the following information for each shipment:

• (I) The date the shipment arrived;
• (II) The generator’s name and EPA identification number;
• (III) The manifest document number associated with the shipment;
• (IV) The date the hazardous waste was shipped out of the transfer facility; and
• (V) If the transporter mixes hazardous waste by placing them into a single container at the transfer facility:
  • I. The item number(s) and letter(s) from the manifest document number(s) for all separately containerized wastes that are combined in the container; and
  • II. If the hazardous wastes mixed in the container have different U.S. DOT shipping descriptions, the new manifest number 

This information must be retained for a period of three years and made available for review by TDEC. 

A transfer facility may maintain the information in an equivalent log form or computer file provided that all the information required is available in an organized manner at the time of an inspection of the transfer facility.

A transfer facility can utilize paper records, computer records, or both methods as long as the forms below are used or an equivalent system is utilized.  All information maintained in a computer file(s) must be printed in hard copy.  Each transfer facility shall maintain the required Log Forms or equivalent records.

The log forms, or equivalent records, shall be maintained for a minimum of three years from the most recent entry. The transporter shall maintain copies of all manifests for three years from the date the first transporter signed for the receipt of materials. These records may be maintained at a central location. In addition, each transfer facility shall maintain copies of all manifests that are referenced on Form Two, or equivalent records for Form Two, for a minimum of three years.

• Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility Log Example and Instructions

Disclaimer: The information provided in this hazardous waste transporter list is for informational purposes only and is based on the information received by the Division of Solid Waste Management.  The list is updated monthly based on information submitted to the Division of Solid Waste Management, and it is not intended to be all-inclusive and is subject to change.  This list is not a substitute for the evaluation of compliance in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. These documents are not intended for, nor can they be relied upon, to create any rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable, or usable by any party in litigation with the State of Tennessee or its employees. The State of Tennessee and its employees expressly disclaim any liability or responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from their use or for the violation of any law or regulation with which these notes may conflict. 

Who Needs To File A Registration or Notification For Used Oil Management?

• All used oil management permits (UOP) are 'permit-by-rule', meaning that facility operation and maintenance standards are established by regulations and not developed for facilities on an individual basis.
• Applicants use either the Registration or Notification forms to apply for approval to operate a used oil management facility in Tennessee.
• Transporters also submit additional documentation for Certification.
• Used oil generators are not required to complete an application; however, they are accountable for meeting generator standards described in the regulations.

What Information Must I Provide?

• Used Oil Collection Centers are only required to Register.
• All other facilities including transporters, transfer facilities, processors, re-refiners, marketers, and burners of off-specification used oil fuel must complete the Notification process.
• Transporters must provide additional documentation to become Certified in Tennessee.
• All information must be provided to the Used Oil Management Program prior to facility operation.
• Facilities filing a Notification must also submit an application for an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ID number if they do not already have one for the physical location of the facility.

Forms to File

• Used Oil Notification Forms

How Will My Application Be Evaluated And Processed?

Once all information has been submitted and approved, you will receive an approval letter and a registration number. All facilities will receive a UOP number.

What Fees Are Required?

There is a one-time fee of $150 for each EPA ID number that is issued for transporters, transfer facilities, processors, re-refiners, marketers, and burners of off-specification used oil. Used oil transporters, transfer facilities, processors and re-refiners must also pay an annual maintenance fee.

What Are My Rights And Responsibilities After The Permit is Issued?

The rights and responsibilities of the registrants are specified in the Standards for the Management of Used Oil. Basically the applicant has the right to proceed with approved activities according to the rules and conditions specified by the Division. The applicant must notify the Division of Solid Waste Management in writing of changes in facility operation, as described by regulation, within 30 days of the changes. Transporters and processors of used oil must also file an annual report with the Division by March 1st of each year.

What Are The Division's Rights And Responsibilities After The Approval?

It is the responsibility of the Division of Solid Waste Management to regulate the storage, transportation, processing or re-refining, marketing, and burning of off-specification used oil to protect public health and the environment. This includes the right to inspect facilities, issue a Notice of Violation, and pursue further enforcement action if warranted by failure to meet standards established by regulation.

How do I Obtain Applications, Assistance and Other Sources of Information?

Applicants may contact the Environmental Field Offices for information about management standards, or contact Nina Vo in the Central Office, at 615-532-9268 or email Nina.Vo@tn.gov.

Applicants may refer to the state and federal used oil regulations for further information:

• TDEC Rule Chapter 0400-12-01-.11: The Standards for the Management of Used Oil
• 40 CFR 279 at EPA.gov

For information regarding vehicle inspections, see:

• TCA § 65-15-113
• SWM Rule 1340-6-1
• 49 CFR § 396.17 - .25
•  Appendix G of 49 CFR § 396

Disclaimer: The information provided in this used oil transports list is for informational purposes only and is based on the information received by the Division of Solid Waste Management.  The list is updated monthly based on information submitted to the Division of Solid Waste Management, and it is not intended to be all-inclusive and is subject to change.  This list is not a substitute for the evaluation of compliance in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. These documents are not intended for, nor can they be relied upon, to create any rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable, or usable by any party in litigation with the State of Tennessee or its employees. The State of Tennessee and its employees expressly disclaim any liability or responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from their use or for the violation of any law or regulation with which these notes may conflict.