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What Must Be Included on a Hazardous Waste Manifest

Last reviewed: August 17, 2026

The Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (EPA Form 8700-22) is the primary document used to track hazardous waste from the point of generation through transportation to its final treatment or disposal facility. It is a legally required chain-of-custody document that ensures accountability at every step. For healthcare facilities that generate hazardous pharmaceutical waste, understanding the manifest requirements is essential for compliance.

What Is the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest

The manifest is a multi-copy form that accompanies every shipment of hazardous waste from the generator to the designated treatment, storage, or disposal facility (TSDF). The generator initiates the manifest, the transporter carries it with the shipment, and the receiving facility completes it upon arrival. Each party retains a copy, and the receiving facility sends a signed copy back to the generator to confirm that the waste arrived as documented.

The manifest system was established by RCRA to prevent illegal dumping and to create a permanent record that regulators can audit. If the generator does not receive a signed copy from the receiving facility within 35 days of shipment, the generator must file an exception report with the EPA or the applicable state agency.

Required Information on the Manifest

The EPA Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest requires the following information:

Generator Information (Section 1-6)

• Manifest tracking number: A unique number pre-printed on the form, used to track the shipment through the system.
• Generator name, address, and phone number: The facility that produced the waste.
• Generator EPA ID number: Every hazardous waste generator must have an EPA identification number. If you generate hazardous waste, you must register with the EPA (or your state agency) and receive this number before the first shipment.
• Emergency response phone number: A phone number that is answered 24/7 and can provide hazardous materials response information in the event of a spill or accident during transport.

Transporter Information (Section 7)

• Transporter name and EPA ID number: The licensed hauler who will physically move the waste. If multiple transporters are used (relay shipping), each transporter's information must be listed.

Designated Facility Information (Section 8)

• Facility name, address, and EPA ID number: The permitted treatment, storage, or disposal facility where the waste is being shipped.

Waste Description (Sections 9-14)

• DOT shipping name and description: The proper shipping name as defined by DOT regulations (49 CFR), including the hazard class and UN/NA identification number.
• Number and type of containers: How many containers are in the shipment and what type (drums, boxes, bags, etc.).
• Total quantity: The weight or volume of waste in the shipment.
• Unit of measure: Pounds, kilograms, gallons, liters, etc.
• Waste codes: The applicable EPA hazardous waste codes (D-codes for characteristic waste, P-codes for acutely hazardous waste, U-codes for toxic waste).
• Special handling instructions: Any specific instructions for safe handling, storage, or disposal that the transporter and receiving facility need to know.

Signatures and Certifications (Sections 15-20)

• Generator certification: The generator signs certifying that the waste has been properly described, packaged, labeled, and marked in accordance with applicable regulations. The generator also certifies that they have a waste minimization program in place.
• Transporter acknowledgment: Each transporter signs upon accepting the waste, acknowledging receipt.
• Receiving facility signature: The TSDF signs upon receiving the waste, confirming the shipment matches the manifest description.

Electronic Manifesting (e-Manifest)

The EPA launched the e-Manifest system to modernize hazardous waste tracking. Key features of e-Manifest:

• Electronic submission: Manifests can be created, signed, and submitted electronically through the EPA's RCRAInfo system, eliminating paper copies.
• Hybrid options: If not all parties use e-Manifest, paper manifests can still be used and then uploaded to the system by the receiving facility.
• Fee structure: The EPA charges a per-manifest fee to fund the system. The fee varies depending on whether the manifest is fully electronic, paper with data file upload, or paper image upload.
• Generator access: Generators can access their manifest data online, making it easier to track shipments and verify that receiving facilities have signed for the waste.

While e-Manifest is not yet mandatory for all generators, many states are moving toward electronic manifesting requirements, and the system offers practical advantages in terms of record-keeping and auditability.

Generator Responsibilities

As the generator, your facility is responsible for:

1. Completing the manifest accurately before the waste leaves your facility.
2. Providing the transporter with a properly completed manifest at the time of pickup.
3. Retaining your copy of the signed manifest for at least three years (many states require longer).
4. Following up if you do not receive a signed copy from the receiving facility within 35 days. You must attempt to resolve the discrepancy and file an exception report with the EPA or your state agency within 45 days.
5. Making records available for inspection by EPA or state regulators upon request.

Common Manifest Mistakes

• Wrong or missing waste codes: Every hazardous waste must be assigned the correct EPA waste code(s). Using the wrong code or omitting codes is a common citation during inspections.
• Unsigned manifests: Every party in the chain must sign. A manifest without a generator signature is incomplete and non-compliant.
• Missing EPA ID number: Generators that have not obtained their EPA ID cannot legally ship hazardous waste. This must be done before the first shipment.
• Not tracking return copies: Failing to follow up on missing signed copies from receiving facilities is a frequently cited violation.