Wastebits Hybrid e-Manifest Quickstart Guide

This guide walks you through setting up and using the Wastebits Hybrid e-Manifest system, ensuring a smooth, compliant process for hazardous waste management.

Written by Ryan Battles

Updated on Feb 19, 2025

Step 1: Set Up Your RCRA Credentials

To begin, you'll need valid credentials from the EPA’s RCRAInfo platform, including your EPA ID, API ID, and API Key. These are essential for submitting e-Manifests through Wastebits.

Create a Site Manager Account: Visit the RCRAInfo website and register for a Site Manager account for your organization.
Generate API Credentials: Once logged in, select “Tools” from the top navigation and choose “API” to generate your API ID and API Key.
Provide Your Credentials: Submit your EPA ID and API credentials to Wastebits to link your account.

Full guide to setting up RCRA credentials

Step 2: Submitting Your First e-Manifest

Once your account is set up, you can prepare and submit e-Manifests directly through Wastebits. This process ensures that all necessary details are completed before submission.

Prepare the e-Manifest: Input all required information, including generator, transporter, facility and waste details. The system will notify you of missing fields to ensure completeness.
Submit the e-Manifest: Click Submit to send the e-Manifest to the EPA. The status will update to Scheduled, and the EPA will assign a Manifest Tracking Number (MTN).
Monitor the Submission: Track the status of your manifest as it moves through the shipment process. The system will notify all parties when signatures are needed throughout the chain of custody.

Step-by-step guide to submitting e-Manifests

Step 3: Correcting Errors and Handling Changes

Mistakes can happen, but Wastebits makes it easy to correct errors both during transport and afterwards. You can document any discrepancies or edits for future reference throughout the transportation process and beyond.

During Transport: If an error is discovered, make edits directly within the Wastebits portal. Ensure all parties, especially the generator, are aware of the corrections.
Receiving Facility: Changes to the waste information become more restricted after the waste has been received (CROMERR Signed). However, discrepancies may still be documented for compliance purposes within Wastebits. It is essential to possess e-Manifest Certifier permissions in order to make and submit electronic corrections, even after the facility has signed the initial manifest. If corrections are made within Wastebits after the TSDF has signed the final manifest (CROMERR), the manifest will update to "Under Correction" status within RCRA. The registered user will then need to log in to RCRA to re-sign and acknowledge the corrections made.

Detailed guide to correcting errors

Step 4: Monitor e-Manifest Statuses

Wastebits provides real-time tracking for each stage of the e-Manifest process. Understanding these RCRA statuses helps you ensure smooth transitions between parties.

Draft: The e-Manifest is still being prepared.
Scheduled: The e-Manifest has been submitted and is awaiting transport.
In Transit: The waste has been picked up by the transporter.
Received: The receiving facility has confirmed receipt of the waste.
Under Correction: Corrections are being made to the manifest within Wastebits or RCRA after CROMERR Signature.

Complete guide to e-Manifest statuses

Step 5: Electronic Signature Requirements

Transporters and facilities must provide an electronic signature to ensure that the waste shipment is compliant and properly documented.

Generators: Must sign off before transport or have the receiving facility sign on their behalf.
Transporters: Sign when the waste is picked up.
Facilities: Sign once the waste is received, marking the manifest as complete.

Full guide to electronic signature requirements

Conclusion

By following these steps, you'll ensure your e-Manifests are prepared, submitted, and tracked properly within Wastebits. Each step, from credential setup to manifest submission and corrections, ensures that your organization stays compliant with EPA regulations. For more detailed instructions, refer to the linked guides above. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact help@wastebits.com. If you’re interested in learning more about how the Wastebits Hybrid e-Manifest program can benefit your organization, reach out to sales@wastebits.com.