Must drums and containers be identified and classified after being packaged for shipment?

In the context of hazardous waste operations, it is essential that drums and containers are identified and classified appropriately before they are packaged for shipment, not after. The classification involves determining the type of hazardous material contained, which is crucial for safe handling, transportation, and compliance with regulations. Proper identification and classification help to ensure that emergency responders can manage potential risks effectively, and it enables compliance with regulations such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) hazardous materials regulations.

The requirement for identification and classification to take place before packaging is foundational to ensuring that any labeling or documentation accurately reflects the contents. This prevents mislabeling issues within the shipping process and ensures that individuals involved in transportation, handling, and disposal are aware of the hazards associated with the materials they are working with.