Who must sign the Hazardous Waste Manifest?

The requirement for signatures on the Hazardous Waste Manifest is crucial for ensuring proper tracking and accountability throughout the disposal process of hazardous materials. The manifest serves as a legal document that accompanies hazardous waste shipments and provides a comprehensive record of the waste from its point of origin to its final destination.

Having the shipper sign the manifest indicates that the waste has been properly packaged and declared as hazardous. When all carriers involved in the transportation of the waste also sign, they confirm that they have received the waste in good condition and are responsible for its safe transit. Finally, the receiver must sign to acknowledge receipt of the hazardous waste and confirm that it was delivered as indicated. This multi-signature requirement creates a chain of custody for the hazardous waste, which is essential for compliance with environmental regulations and for tracking the waste to ensure it is managed responsibly.

The involvement of only one party, whether it be the shipper or the receiver, does not provide the complete accountability system intended by regulatory standards. Similarly, the Department of Transportation's role pertains to transportation safety regulations but does not involve signing the manifest. Hence, the correct answer emphasizes the collective responsibility of all parties involved in the handling of hazardous waste, thus ensuring a thorough oversight process.