Free Hazardous Waste Label Generator
Make and print hazardous waste labels for satellite accumulation containers, central accumulation areas, and California. Marks “Hazardous Waste”, the hazards, and the accumulation start date, in English or bilingual English/Spanish. No account required.
Last updated
The waste characteristics. Pick at least one, or add a pictogram below.
Left blank, the label prints a write-in line.
Bilingual prints HAZARDOUS WASTE / RESIDUOS PELIGROSOS and both languages for every caption. English stays on the label because federal rules require the words “Hazardous Waste”.
Live Preview
⚠ Important — Read before you print
- This tool is provided as a utility only, on an "as is" basis, with no warranty of accuracy, completeness, or fitness for any particular purpose.
- It is not legal, regulatory, or EHS advice. You are solely responsible for verifying that any label you generate is accurate and complete for your specific product and use.
- You must ensure compliance with OSHA HCS 2024 (29 CFR 1910.1200) and any other applicable federal, state, local, or international regulations (e.g. DOT, EPA, GHS Rev.10).
- Always cross-check generated content against the manufacturer's current Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
- Tellus EHS, Inc. and its affiliates are not liable for any damages, injuries, fines, or losses arising from use of this tool or any label generated by it.
See the full Free Tool Terms & Disclaimer.
Still needed: an indication of the hazards.
More Free Tools
Labeling the chemicals before they become waste?
Tracking waste from more than a few containers?
Tellus keeps your chemical inventory, SDSs, and labels in one place, so the waste label starts from what you already know is in the container.
Get Started Free — no credit card requiredWhat has to be on a hazardous waste label?
The federal RCRA generator rules require every hazardous waste container to carry the words “Hazardous Waste” and an indication of the hazards of the contents. What else is required depends on where the container sits and which state you are in:
Satellite accumulation area
40 CFR 262.15(a)(5)
Containers at or near the point of generation must be marked with the words "Hazardous Waste" and an indication of the hazards of the contents. An accumulation start date is not required while the container stays under the satellite volume limit.
Central accumulation area (SQG / LQG)
40 CFR 262.16(b)(6) and 262.17(a)(5)
Small and large quantity generators must mark each container with the words "Hazardous Waste", an indication of the hazards, and the date accumulation began, clearly visible for inspection.
California
22 CCR 66262.34(f)
California also requires the composition and physical state of the waste, a statement calling attention to its hazardous properties, and the name and address of the generator, along with the accumulation start date and the words "Hazardous Waste".
Acceptable ways to indicate the hazards
EPA accepts any of the following on the container:
- ✓The hazardous waste characteristic(s): ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic
- ✓A DOT hazard label or placard consistent with 49 CFR part 172
- ✓An OSHA Hazard Communication hazard statement or pictogram
- ✓An NFPA 704 hazard diamond
How to make a hazardous waste label with this free tool
- 1
Choose where the container sits
Pick satellite accumulation (at the point of generation), central accumulation area, or California. The mode decides which fields the label needs.
- 2
Indicate the hazards
Check the waste characteristics (ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic) and, optionally, add GHS pictograms.
- 3
Add contents and the start date
Describe the waste. Enter the accumulation start date, or leave it blank to print a write-in line you fill in by hand when accumulation begins.
- 4
Download the print-ready PDF
Pick a size (2″ × 4″ for lab bottles, 3.33″ × 4″ for jugs and pails, 4″ × 6″ for drums) and download. Email is optional.
Each label downloads as a one-label PDF sized to the stock you picked. Print at 100% / actual size, not “fit to page”. For drums and containers that see solvents or weather, print on synthetic or weatherproof label stock.
Frequently asked questions
What has to be on a hazardous waste label?+
Under the federal RCRA generator rules, every hazardous waste container must be marked with the words "Hazardous Waste" and an indication of the hazards of the contents. Containers in a central accumulation area at a small or large quantity generator also need the date accumulation began. Several states, including California, require more. This generator marks all three federal elements and adds the California fields in California mode.
Does a satellite accumulation container need a date?+
Not while it stays in the satellite accumulation area under the volume limit (55 gallons of hazardous waste, or 1 quart of acute hazardous waste). Once that limit is exceeded, the excess must be dated and moved to a central accumulation area within three consecutive days. Leave the date blank in satellite mode, or turn on the write-in date line if your program dates satellite containers anyway.
What counts as an "indication of the hazards"?+
EPA accepts any of: the hazardous waste characteristic (ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic), a DOT hazard label or placard, an OSHA HazCom hazard statement or pictogram, or an NFPA 704 diamond. This tool prints the characteristic words and lets you add GHS pictograms.
What does California require on a hazardous waste label?+
California (22 CCR 66262.34(f)) requires the words "Hazardous Waste", the accumulation start date, the composition and physical state of the waste, a statement calling attention to its hazardous properties, and the name and address of the person producing the waste. California mode makes each of these required before you can download.
Can I make a hazardous waste label in Spanish?+
Yes, as a bilingual label: it prints "HAZARDOUS WASTE / RESIDUOS PELIGROSOS" and every field caption in both English and Spanish. The English words stay on the label because the federal rule requires the words "Hazardous Waste". ¿Necesita una etiqueta de residuos peligrosos en español? Elija Bilingüe (EN/ES).
Is this label enough to ship the waste off-site?+
No. Before a container of 119 gallons or less is shipped, it also needs the DOT hazardous waste marking (49 CFR 172.304: generator name and address, EPA ID number, and manifest tracking number), the EPA waste codes, and DOT hazard labels. That pre-transport marking usually comes from your waste hauler and is not produced by this tool.
Do very small quantity generators need hazardous waste labels?+
Federal rules do not set container marking requirements for very small quantity generators (VSQGs), but many states do, and labeling is still best practice so workers and haulers know what is in the container.
Is this tool free?+
Yes. Make and download as many hazardous waste labels as you need with no account, no payment, and no usage limits.