40 CFR § 264.173 - Management of containers.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t40/s264.173"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "40 CFR § 264.173 - Management of containers."
title_number: 40
title_name: "Protection of Environment"
section_number: "264.173"
section_name: "Management of containers."
chapter_name: "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY"
subchapter_number: "I"
subchapter_name: "SOLID WASTES"
part_number: "264"
part_name: "STANDARDS FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "42 U.S.C. 6905, 6912(a), 6924, 6925, and 6939g."
regulatory_source: "45 FR 33221, May 19, 1980, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "264"
---


# 264.173 Management of containers.

(a) A container holding hazardous waste must always be closed during storage, except when it is necessary to add or remove waste.

(b) A container holding hazardous waste must not be opened, handled, or stored in a manner which may rupture the container or cause it to leak.

[*Comment:* Reuse of containers in transportation is governed by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations including those set forth in 49 CFR 173.28.]