In view of its toxic, flammable, explosive or corrosive characteristics, the transportation of hazardous wastes (HW) has to be planned so as not to cause  danger to health or environment, whether alone or when in contact with other wastes or substances during transportation. Hence, its transportation is expected to: 

•  satisfy the needs of the occupier and handlers/ transporters, and 
•  meet national and, if necessary international, e.g. United Nation’s safety labelling requirements.  

Transportation is one of the most important areas of concern associated with handling of HW because the packaging and method of transporting HW will determine the likelihood of an accident or spillage to occur. Besides, proper and rapid identification of a spilled substance will determine how effectively and safely the situation can be controlled.  Spill risk is high during loading, transportation and unloading. This is the reason why the transportation of HW is required to be highly regulated. HW transportation regulations cover the transportation of HW outside of an installation, e.g. on the pathway from the waste generator’s premises to the TSDF. The off-site transportation requirements involve proper awareness about: 

• Container: to be of appropriate leak-proof material with mechanical stability;  
• Labelling of the container: to identify the waste, describe the possible hazard, and the remedial measures / first-aid required in case of accidental spills; 
• Transportation vehicle: to identify the waste displaying the possible hazard, the remedial measures / first-aid required in case of accidental spills, telephone number of the contact person / controlling agency in case of emergency etc. through labelling; 
• Collector / transporter selection:  to have technical competence and relevant skills and other requirements;  
• Licence / manifest : to carry application and ‘No Objection Certificate’ documents; 

• Emergency procedures: to have knowledge about actions to be taken in case of spills or accidents; and 
• Fees and fines: to be paid for not having licence, or not abiding by the regulations  

On-site transportation typically involves carrying of small amounts of materials over short distances. On-site transportation does, however, pose significant risks from the frequency of the activity and the lack of observance of prescribed regulations.  

Regulatory requirements for packaging, labelling and transportation of hazardous wastes are provided under Rule 7 of the Hazardous Wastes (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended, and notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It is the responsibility of the occupier or operator of a facility to ensure that the HWs are packaged, based on the composition in a manner suitable for handling, storage and transport. Labelling and packaging is required to be easily visible and be able to withstand physical conditions and climatic factors.  

These guidelines are issued to facilitate safe transportation (on-site & off-site) of the hazardous wastes in compliance of the regulations.

http://www.cpcb.nic.in/oldwebsite/Hazardous%20Waste/GuidelinesforTransportationofHW.pdf