Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D6346-17 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📜 Scope and Regulatory Framework
This guide, formally designated ASTM D6346-17, provides a standardized framework for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) programs. Its primary purpose is to guide the acceptance, segregation, and packaging of materials collected through HHW events and facilities to minimize operational risks. As stated in Section 1.1, this guide explicitly does not address the storage, vehicle loading, or transportation of packaged materials, nor does it attempt to define the hazardous nature of the materials themselves.
⚠️ Regulatory Disclaimer: Per Section 1.2, this guide is not a substitute for legal requirements. HHW operators must consult and comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including 40 CFR Part 261.5 and 49 CFR Parts 100–185, before establishing a collection program. This standard also assumes users will establish appropriate safety and health practices.
♻️ Procedure for Accepting and Segregating Materials
Per Section 5.1, a cornerstone of a safe HHW program is establishing a definitive list of accepted materials and communicating it clearly to the public prior to any collection event. Proper segregation based on hazard class is the next critical step in minimizing dangerous reactions.
| 🟦 Material Class | 📏 Common Collection Examples | 🎯 Primary Segregation Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Flammable Liquids | Paints, lacquers, thinners, gasoline | Separate from oxidizers and all heat/ignition sources. |
| Corrosive Materials | Acids (HCl, H₂SO₄), Bases (NaOH, NH₃) | Isolate acids from bases. Use corrosion-resistant containers. |
| Pesticides & Poisons | Insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides | Maintain original packaging if intact; segregate heavily from non-hazardous waste. |
| Reactive Materials | Peroxides, cyanides, water-reactives | Require dedicated, isolated storage. Strict PPE and compatibility protocols apply. |
💡 Operational Tip: The standard emphasizes distributing the material acceptance list to the public before the facility opens or the collection event begins. This prevents confusion and reduces the volume of unacceptable materials brought to the site, improving overall operational safety.
📦 Key Terminology and Packaging Methods
Section 3 of the standard defines specific terminology that governs how HHW materials must be prepared for final shipment. Understanding these definitions ensures conformity with the minimum packing requirements of 40 CFR 171, 172, and 173. For general waste management terms not specifically defined here, practitioners should refer to ASTM D5681.
| 📐 Term | ⚡ Definition (ASTM D6346) | 🔍 Typical HHW Application |
|---|---|---|
| Bulking | Emptying multiple compatible containers and mixing them together in a single package unit. | Combining compatible waste solvents or motor oils into a single bulk tank or 55-gallon drum for shipment. |
| Lab Packing | A consolidation method placing small containers into a larger container (drum) with absorbent. | Collecting various partially full pesticide or chemical containers into a single overpack drum for disposal. |
| Composite Packaging | A combination of packagings where one is enclosed within another. | Using a plastic inner receptacle inside a rigid fiber or steel drum to enhance structural containment. |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 Does this guide replace existing local, state, or federal regulations for HHW programs?
No. Section 1.2 explicitly states that this guide “does not replace these existing regulations, and is not intended to be used as the basis for regulations.” HHW programs must conduct independent research on all applicable regulatory limitations prior to operation.
💡 What is the practical difference between “bulking” and “consolidation” in HHW operations?
Bulking is the specific act of emptying and mixing compatible materials into one container. Consolidation is the broader umbrella term encompassing any method of combining materials into a single package unit, which includes bulking, lab packing, and composite packaging.
⚡ Does the scope of ASTM D6346 cover the transportation of collected HHW materials?
No. Section 1.1 clearly states that this guide does not address storing, vehicle loading, or transporting collected and packaged materials. These activities are governed by the U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 100–185).
📌 Where can I find general waste management terms referenced in this standard?
Per Section 3.1.1, for definitions of general waste management terms not specifically defined in D6346, you should refer to ASTM D5681, Terminology for Waste and Waste Management.