Characteristics of Hazardous Waste - Ignitability

Ignitable wastes are identified by the EPA hazardous waste number D001.

Usually at labs D001 refers to liquids with a flash point of <60° C as determined by a Pensky Martens Closed Cup Tester (ASTM D-93-79 or D-93-8) or a Setaflash Closed Cup Tester (ASTM D-3278-78).

Non-liquids capable under normal conditions of causing fire through friction, absorption of moisture or spontaneous chemical changes, and, when ignited, burn vigorously and persistently are D001.

According to §§261.21(a)(3) and (4), ignitable hazardous wastes include “ignitable compressed gases” and “oxidizers.” Instead of defining these terms, the RCRA regulations provide references to DOT rules at 49 CFR §§173.300 and 173.151. Although these DOT regulations have changed, the DOT definitions should continue to be used for identifying ignitable RCRA wastes. The June 1, 1990 Federal Register (55 FR 22546) provides further discussion of ignitable “oxidizers.”

Note: RCRA provides an exclusion in 40 CFR § 261.21(a)(1) from the characteristic of ignitability for solutions containing less than 24% alcohol and which have a flash point less than 60° C (140° F).