The Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest is a vital tool for tracking hazardous waste from its generation to final disposal. However, relying on paper manifests can be costly and inefficient, especially when compared to the benefits of electronic manifests (e-Manifests).
Here’s what you need to know about Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest fees and how transitioning to e-Manifests can streamline your operations while reducing costs.
Understanding Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest Fees
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates fees for using the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest
system to support its maintenance and operation. The fees for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 vary depending on the manifest submission type:
- Scanned image upload: $22 per manifest
- Data plus image upload: $10
- Electronic manifest (fully electronic and hybrid): $6
Fully taking advantage of the electronic manifest system will save you the most money and can be a more efficient way to submit your manifests.
Automated systems reduce the likelihood of errors, such as missing data or signatures, which can lead to fines. The e-Manifest system also allows real-time tracking of hazardous waste shipments, offering better visibility and accountability.
Who Pays User Fees
The EPA charges user fees to receiving facilities. The receiving facilities then pay those fees for each manifest and how each manifest is submitted.
The EPA does not directly charge user fees to generators, transporters or brokers.
Typically, receiving facility site managers will pay the invoices. It’s important to note that the EPA prohibits forwarding these invoices to anyone other than the site manager, who must have permissions in RCRAInfo.
Steps to Transition from Paper to Electronic Manifests
If you haven’t fully transitioned to e-Manifests and are submitting your paper manifests to be scanned, there are steps you can take to transition to a fully electronic process.
- Register with the EPA e-Manifest System: Sign up through the EPA’s RCRAInfo platform. Generators, transporters and TSDFs must create accounts to access the system.
- Train Staff: Educate your team on using the e-Manifest system. The EPA provides training resources, including user guides and webinars.
- Adopt Compatible Technology: Ensure your business has the necessary software and hardware, such as devices with internet access, to facilitate e-Manifest submissions.
- Collaborate with Your Waste Management Partners: Verify that your transporters and disposal facilities are also registered and capable of processing e-Manifests.
- Test the System: Conduct trial runs with a few shipments to familiarize your team with the process and address any technical challenges.
- Switch Fully to Electronic Manifests: Gradually phase out paper manifests and move entirely to the e-Manifest system to maximize cost savings and efficiency.
Tips For A Smooth Transition
Start small. Begin with hybrid manifests to ease your team into the process. These combine paper and electronic components, bridging the gap between manual and fully digital workflows.
Leverage EPA support. Utilize training materials and customer support offered by the EPA to ensure your team is confident using the system.
Monitor performance. Track the efficiency and accuracy of e-Manifests to identify areas for further improvement.
The Bottom Line
Switching from paper manifests to e-Manifests isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s a smart business decision.
By adopting e-Manifests, you can lower your manifest fees, reduce administrative burdens and stay compliant with hazardous waste regulations. With real-time tracking and streamlined processes, your business will be better equipped to handle its hazardous waste responsibly and cost-effectively.
Take the first step today by registering for the EPA’s e-Manifest system and exploring the benefits of going digital. The transition may seem like a challenge, but with proper planning and training, it’s a decision that will pay dividends in efficiency, compliance and cost savings.
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