New Mandatory E-Manifest Registration
If you ship, receive, or treat hazardous waste, you probably know what a uniform hazardous waste manifest is. If you don’t, a uniform hazardous waste manifest (aka “manifest”) is a shipping document required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to track hazardous waste from the point of generation to final disposal.
The manifest includes information such as type and quantity of waste, treatment codes, and transporter and disposal facilities. Additionally, each person or company that handles that waste needs to sign the manifest; this allows for the waste to be tracked. When the waste reaches its final destination [treatment, storage or disposal facility (TSDF)], the “designated facility to generator” copy is sent back to the generator. This confirms that the waste is no longer in transit and has been received by the TSDF.
The paper manifest has been required by law and used for many years. However, in 2018, the EPA created the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System (e-manifest), giving facilities the option to electronically track their hazardous waste. Up until now, generators have had the option to use the paper or electronic manifest.
Starting on January 22, 2025, the EPA is requiring all large and small quantity generators (LQGs and SQGs) to register for e-manifest to access final signed manifests from receiving facilities, submit post-receipt data corrections requested by regulators, and (beginning December 1, 2025) submit exception reports electronically.
To register, the industry user must create an account on RCRAInfo, confirm their business’s EPA ID number, and assign a site manager (EPA recommends having two site managers). The site manager will have access to view, edit, and sign the e-manifest as well as pay invoices for their site.
This e-manifest requirement stems from the final Third Rule that was published by the EPA in July 2024. The purpose of this rule is to lessen the reporting burden, increase information availability, and improve compliance monitoring. The EPA’s goal is to upgrade and simplify the hazardous waste management process by increasing utility of the e-manifest system.
To learn more about the final Third Rule and e-manifest, you can visit https://www.epa.gov/e-manifest/e-manifest-user-registration or contact Walden’s experienced consultants at 516-559-6976.

Photo by G Schwan on Unsplash
Walden can assist you with hazardous waste management and compliance. Contact us at 516-559-6976.