California waste code 123 Caustic liquid that fits no more specific code.

Free, no account
Based on California Title 22 and DTSC guidance
Nothing is stored

Inorganics
Other alkaline liquid

Hazardous alkaline liquid that has no more specific California code.

Hazardous caustic liquid, the fallback when no more specific alkaline code fits. It is not a restricted metal liquid.

Is California code 123 hazardous waste?

Not from the code alone. The material must first be determined hazardous. California code 123 is not restricted, and a restricted code takes priority over it. A non-restricted code doesn't make a waste non-hazardous.

If the shipment needs the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest, enter 123 in Item 13 for the waste line. Use one California code, plus any federal RCRA codes when the waste is federally hazardous.

Waste is RCRA waste when it meets a federal listing or characteristic and no federal exclusion applies. Non-RCRA waste is hazardous under California rules only. California presumes hazardous waste is RCRA unless the generator shows it isn't, so keep that determination.

What does California code 123 cover?

This is the fallback for hazardous alkaline solution that no more specific California code fits. It still needs evidence of pH, metals and other constituents. The word unspecified doesn't replace characterization.

Rule: Appendix XII(b)
Official wording: 22 CCR division 4.5, chapter 11, Appendix XII(b)

Is other alkaline liquid California code 123?

Code	When it fits
123	The liquid is alkaline and hazardous, but no more specific California liquid code fits.
121	The alkaline liquid holds a listed metal and DTSC confirms code 121 under the pH conflict.
122	No listed metal is present and the measured pH is above 12.5.

Consider 121 and 122 first. Their pH conflict doesn't make 123 an automatic substitute.

Which wastes take California code 123?

Waste	When it’s 123
Alkaline cleaning solution	The cleaner's profile rules out both specific alkaline codes.
Concrete washout and slurry	The washout's profile rules out both specific alkaline codes.

Which codes sit beside California code 123?

Code	What it is
131	Reactive-anion water-based liquid
132	Metal-bearing water-based liquid
133	High-organic water-based liquid
134	Low-organic water-based liquid
135	Other water-based hazardous liquid
141	Unused inorganic material
151	Friable or powdered asbestos
161	Used oil-refinery cracking catalyst