ASTM D6346-17

Standard Guide for Accepting, Segregating, and Packaging Materials Collected Through Household Hazardous Waste Programs

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide is intended to provide general guidance to HHW programs for accepting and segregating materials, selecting a management method, and packaging materials collected by HHW programs.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) programs for accepting, segregating, and packaging materials collected through HHW programs to minimize the risk associated with managing these materials and to identify applicable regulations. This guide does not address storing, vehicle loading, or transporting collected and packaged materials. This guide does not attempt to define the hazardous nature of materials.  
1.2 Certain existing local, state, and federal regulations apply to HHW program operations. This guide does not replace these existing regulations, and is not intended to be used as the basis for regulations for HHW programs. This guide does not reference all applicable applications, since applicable regulations will vary. HHW programs should research all applicable regulations before establishing a materials collection program.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this guide to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2017
• ICS: 13.030.40 - Installations and equipment for waste disposal and treatment
• Technical Committee: D34 - Waste Management
• Drafting Committee: D34.03 - Treatment, Recovery and Reuse

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6346-98(2009) - Standard Guide for Accepting, Segregating and Packaging Materials Collected Through Household Hazardous Waste Programs
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM D5681-23 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D5681-18 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM D5681-17 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM D5681-16a - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM D5681-16 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM D5681-13 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2013
• Refers: ASTM D5681-09 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Refers: ASTM D5681-08 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM D5681-98a(2004)e1 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2004
• Refers: ASTM D5681-98a(2004) - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2004
• Refers: ASTM D5681-98ae1 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1998
• Refers: ASTM D5681-98a - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1998
• Referred By: ASTM D5681-22e1 - Standard Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017

Overview

ASTM D6346-17: Standard Guide for Accepting, Segregating, and Packaging Materials Collected Through Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Programs provides a comprehensive framework for managing materials collected by HHW programs. Developed by ASTM International, this guide aims to minimize risks associated with hazardous waste management and ensure that HHW programs adhere to applicable local, state, and federal regulations. While it offers practical guidance for the acceptance, segregation, and packaging of household hazardous waste, it does not address storage, vehicle loading, or transport of these materials, nor does it define the hazardous nature of specific wastes.

Key Topics

• Accepting Materials:

  • Establish lists of acceptable materials, disseminate this information to the public, and implement training protocols for personnel handling HHW.
  • Commonly accepted materials include items with hazardous characteristics, materials restricted by local regulations, and items collected for public service.

• Segregating Materials:

  • Segregate materials based on their chemical compatibility to prevent dangerous reactions.
  • Follow DOT guidelines for classification and segregation; common categories include acids, bases, oxidizers, flammables, batteries, paints, and compressed gases.
  • Special handling for explosives, radioactive materials, asbestos, and medical waste is emphasized, often involving referrals to trained professionals or specialized facilities.

• Personnel Training:

  • Staff must be properly trained in material identification, safe handling procedures, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Selecting a Management Method:

  • Prioritize methods such as reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and material recovery before considering incineration or land disposal.
  • Factor in regulatory compliance, facility constraints, training level, cost, and potential liabilities when choosing management approaches.

• Packaging Materials:

  • Packaging must comply with facility standards and all relevant regulations (such as DOT requirements for off-site shipment).
  • Unidentified or unlabeled materials should be properly categorized before packaging.

Applications

ASTM D6346-17 is highly relevant to municipal waste management authorities, environmental service providers, hazardous materials contractors, and any organizations involved in organizing HHW collection events or facilities. Key practical applications include:

• Municipal Collection Events:
  • Safe acceptance and packaging of hazardous materials from residents, ensuring compliance and minimizing risk.
• Permanent HHW Facilities:
  • Developing ongoing protocols for material segregation, staff training, and regulatory adherence.
• Environmental Health and Safety:
  • Reducing environmental hazards and public health risks associated with improper disposal of household hazardous waste.
• Contractor Operations:
  • Providing a structured approach for third-party contractors managing community hazardous waste programs.

Following ASTM D6346-17 helps maintain legal compliance, protect public health, and promote best practices in hazardous waste management. This standard supports efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible operations for HHW programs of all sizes.

Related Standards

• ASTM D5681 - Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
• Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Parts 100–185 - DOT regulations for hazardous material transportation
• CFR Title 40, Part 261.5 - EPA regulations defining hazardous waste and related management practices

Organizations using ASTM D6346-17 are encouraged to review these and other relevant regulations to ensure comprehensive compliance and up-to-date practices within their HHW programs.

Keywords: household hazardous waste, HHW, hazardous waste packaging, hazardous waste segregation, waste management, ASTM D6346-17, hazardous materials, regulatory compliance

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6346 − 17
Standard Guide for
Accepting, Segregating, and Packaging Materials Collected
Through Household Hazardous Waste Programs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6346; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR):
Title 49, Transportation, Parts 100–185
1.1 This guide covers Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
CFR Title 40, Protection of Environment, Part 261.5
programs for accepting, segregating, and packaging materials
collected through HHW programs to minimize the risk asso-
3. Terminology
ciated with managing these materials and to identify applicable
3.1 Definitions:
regulations. This guide does not address storing, vehicle
3.1.1 For definitions of general waste management terms
loading, or transporting collected and packaged materials. This
used in this standard, refer to Terminology D5681.
guide does not attempt to define the hazardous nature of
3.1.2 bulking—the act of emptying multiple containers of
materials.
compatible materials and mixing those materials together in a
1.2 Certain existing local, state, and federal regulations
single package unit destined for shipment. This would also
applytoHHWprogramoperations.Thisguidedoesnotreplace
include material placed in storage tanks to be packaged for
these existing regulations, and is not intended to be used as the
shipment at a later date, or pumped into a bulk tank truck for
basis for regulations for HHW programs. This guide does not
shipment.
reference all applicable applications, since applicable regula-
3.1.3 consolidation—the act of combining two or more
tions will vary. HHW programs should research all applicable
materials to make a single package unit. Common types of
regulations before establishing a materials collection program.
consolidation packaging used by HHW programs include:
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
bulking, lab packaging, and composite packaging.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.4 package or outside package—a package plus its con-
responsibility of the user of this guide to establish appropriate
tents.
safety and health practices and determine the applicability of
3.1.5 packaging—a receptacle and any other components or
regulatory limitations prior to use.
materials (drums, boxes, liners, absorbents, etc.) necessary for
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
the receptacle to perform its containment function in confor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
mance with the minimum packing requirements of 40 CFR
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
171, 172, 173.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4. Significance and Use
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1 This guide is intended to provide general guidance to
HHW programs for accepting and segregating materials, se-
2. Referenced Documents
lecting a management method, and packaging materials col-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
lected by HHW programs.
D5681 Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
5. Procedure
5.1 Accepting Materials—HHW programs should establish
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste
a list of materials that will be accepted at its facilities or event
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.03 on Treatment,
collections. The list should be distributed to the public prior to
Recovery and Reuse.
the facility opening or event collection. Types of materials
Current edition approved May 1, 2017. Published May 2017. Originally
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D6346 – 98 (2009). commonly collected by HHW programs include:
DOI: 10.1520/D6346-17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://
the ASTM website. www.access.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6346 − 17
5.1.1 Materials that exhibit a hazardous characteristic, as 5.5.2.2 Radioactive Materials—Refer to appropriate man-
defined in 40 CFR 261.5, such as ignitability, toxicity, agement option or contact Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
corrosivity, oxidizer, reactivity, or are a listed hazardous waste;
5.5.2.3 Friable Asbestos— Refer to local management fa-
5.1.2 Materials prohibited from local municipal waste man-
cility or accept in accordance with local, state, and federal
agement systems; and
regulations.
5.1.3 Materials collected to provide a convenience or public
5.5.2.4 Medical/Infectious Materials—Refer to local man-
service to a community.
agement option or accept in accordance with local, state, and
5.2 Personnel Training—HHW programs will need to es- federal regulations.
tablish traffic flow, vehicle unloading, and safety procedures.
5.5.2.5 Consumer Electronics and Appliances—These items
Allpersonnelinvolvedwithmaterialacceptanceshouldreceive
may have hazardous components and should be handled by a
training in material identification, proper lifting procedures,
local handler, or may be managed through the HHW program.
safety, and personal protective equipment.
5.5.3 Incompatibility and Segregation of Materials—
5.3 Leaking Containers—Leaking containers should be re-
Incompatible materials, when mixed, generate chemical reac-
packaged immediately into a container that is compatible with tions which may result in serious safety and health concerns.
the material in the container.
These include toxic gas generation, heat generation, flammable
gas generation, fire, explosion, or polymerization of materials.
5.4 Unlabeled Containers—Unlabeled containers should be
Containers of incompatible materials should be adequately
segregated from other wastes. The individual who brought the
separated using bins, drums, dikes, walls, or other devices,
container should be interviewed to assist in identification.Any
such that mixing of incompatible materials is prevented in the
further categorization and identification of the material should
event of a spill, or a break or leak in a container.
be completed as soon as possible. A hazardous materials
5.5.3.1 Material and container segregation procedures
contractor or trained staff could perform tests to identify the
should be established before waste is accepted. Procedures
materials.
should be based on the type of materials accepted, facility
5.5 Segregating Materials—As the materials are collected
design and facility operation. Personnel responsible for segre-
they should be segregated into general categories based on
gating wastes should be properly trained in chemical manage-
DOT incompatibility and packaging regulations.
ment and safety.The following list gives only general guidance
5.5.1 Commonly Collected Materials—DOT classifies ma-
on incompatible categories of materials.
terials generated from h
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D6346 − 98 (Reapproved 2009) D6346 − 17
Standard Guide for
Accepting, Segregating, and Packaging Materials Collected
Through Household Hazardous Waste Programs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6346; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide covers Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) programs for accepting, segregating, and packaging materials
collected through HHW programs to minimize the risk associated with managing these materials and to identify applicable
regulations. This guide does not address storing, vehicle loading, or transporting collected and packaged materials. This guide does
not attempt to define the hazardous nature of materials.
1.2 Certain existing local, state, and federal regulations apply to HHW program operations. This guide does not replace these
existing regulations, and is not intended to be used as the basis for regulations for HHW Programs.programs. This guide does not
reference all applicable applications, since applicable regulations will vary. HHW Programsprograms should research all applicable
regulations before establishing a materials collection program.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this guide to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D5681 Terminology for Waste and Waste Management
2.2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR):
Title 49, Transportation, Parts 171–178100–185
CFR Title 40, Protection of Environment, Part 261.5
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of general waste management terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D5681.
3.1.2 bulking—the act of emptying multiple containers of compatible materials and mixing those materials together in a single
package unit destined for shipment. This would also include material placed in storage tanks to be packaged for shipment at a later
date, or pumped into a bulk tank truck for shipment.
3.1.3 consolidation—the act of combining two or more materials to make a single package unit. Common types of consolidation
packaging used by HHW programs include: bulking, lab packaging, and composite packaging.
3.1.4 package or outside package—a package plus its contents.
3.1.5 packaging—a receptacle and any other components or materials (drums, boxes, liners, absorbents, etc.) necessary for the
receptacle to perform its containment function in conformance with the minimum packing requirements of 40 CFR 171, 172, 173.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.03 on Treatment, Recovery
and Reuse.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2009May 1, 2017. Published November 2009May 2017. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20042009 as
D6346–1998(2004).D6346 – 98 (2009). DOI: 10.1520/D6346-98R09.10.1520/D6346-17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC.Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001,
http://www.access.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6346 − 17
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This guide is intended to provide general guidance to HHW programs for accepting and segregating materials, selecting a
management method, and packaging materials collected by HHW programs.
5. Procedure
5.1 Accepting Materials—HHW Programsprograms should establish a list of materials that will be accepted at its facilities or
event collections. The list should be distributed to the public prior to the facility opening or event collection. Types of materials
commonly collected by HHW Programsprograms include:
5.1.1 Materials that exhibit a hazardous characteristic, as defined in 40 CFR 261.5, such as ignitability, toxicity, corrosivity,
oxidizer, reactivity, or are a listed hazardous waste;
5.1.2 Materials prohibited from local municipal waste management systems; and
5.1.3 Materials collected to provide a convenience or public service to a community.
5.1.4 HHW Programs will need to establish traffic flow, vehicle unloading and safety procedures. All personnel involved with
material acceptance should receive training in material identification, proper lifting procedures, safety and personnel protective
equipment.
5.1.5 Leaking containers should be repackaged immediately into a container that is compatible with the material in the
container.
5.1.6 Unlabeled containers should be segregated from other wastes. The individual who brought the container should be
interviewed to assist in identification. Any further categorization and identification of the material should be completed as soon
as possible. A hazardous materials contractor or trained staff could perform tests to identify the materials.
5.2 Personnel Training—HHW programs will need to establish traffic flow, vehicle unloading, and safety procedures. All
personnel involved with material acceptance should receive training in material identification, proper lifting procedures, safety, and
personal protective equipment.
5.3 Leaking Containers—Leaking containers should be repackaged immediately into a container that is compatible with the
material in the container.
5.4 Unlabeled Containers—Unlabeled containers should be segregated from other wastes. The individual who brought the
container should be interviewed to assist in identification. Any further categorization and identification of the material should be
completed as soon as possible. A hazardous materials contractor or trained staff could perform tests to identify the materials.
5.5 Segregating Materials—As the materials are collected they should be segregated into general categories based on DOT
incompatibility and packaging regulations.
5.5.1 Commonly Collected Materials—DOT classifies materials generated from households as a consumer commodity, which
exempts them from DOT regulations. The materials listed below are sub-categoriessubcategories of DOT classes and are not
intended to be all inclusive, but a guide to the most common materials collected by HHW programs.
Oil Based Paint Water Based (latex) Paint/Sealer
Oil-Based Paint Water-Based (Latex) Paint/Sealer
Fuels Antifreeze
Corrosive Acids Corrosive Bases
Cyanides Dioxins
Pesticide Liquids (including herbicides) Pesticide Solids (including herbicides)
Flammables and Chlorinated Products Organic Peroxides
Oxidizers Reactive Solids
Arsenic/Heavy Metals Mercury Compounds
PCB Containing Devices Motor Oil
PCB-Containing Devices Motor Oil
Compressed gas cylinders Aerosols
Compressed Gas Cylinders Aerosols
Batteries Fluorescent and HID lamps
Batteries Fluorescent and HID Lamps
5.5.1.1 Once a material is collected by a HHW program, it should be handled in an appropriate manner based on whether it
exhibits a hazardous characteristic. A material that exhibits a hazardous characteristic or meets the definition of a listed hazardous
waste or material should be transported in accordance with DOT regulations for its s
...