California waste code 481 Sludge from the old leaded-gasoline additive.

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Based on California Title 22 and DTSC guidance
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Sludges
Tetraethyl-lead sludge

The sludge contains the former gasoline additive tetraethyl lead, not merely another form of lead.

Hazardous sludge containing tetraethyl lead, a former gasoline additive. Other forms of lead do not qualify.

Is California code 481 hazardous waste?

Not from the code alone. Waste must first be found hazardous. Code 481 isn't a restricted code, but a restricted category that fits takes priority over it. A code that isn't restricted doesn't make waste non-hazardous.

When a shipment needs the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest, enter 481 in Item 13 for the waste line. Use one California code, plus the federal RCRA codes when the waste is federally hazardous.

RCRA waste meets a federal listing or characteristic, with no federal exclusion that 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 481 cover?

This code is for hazardous sludge holding tetraethyl lead, the old gasoline additive. Lead alone isn't enough, because analysis or process history must show that organolead compound.

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

Is lead sludge California code 481, 171 or 491?

Code	When it fits
481	Analysis or process records identify tetraethyl lead in the sludge.
171	Analysis identifies a metal listed under code 121 in the hazardous sludge.
491	No named material or source-process sludge entry describes the hazardous sludge.

A total-lead result alone doesn't give 481. Tetraethyl-lead sludge may also fit 171, and the regulations don't say which of these non-restricted codes wins.

Which wastes take California code 481?

Waste	When it’s 481
Tetraethyl lead sludge	Compound-specific analysis or process records identify the gasoline additive in the residue

Which codes sit beside California code 481?

Code	What it is
411	Alum or gypsum sludge
421	Lime sludge
431	Phosphate sludge
441	Sulfur sludge
451	Sludge from degreasing
461	Paint sludge
471	Paper-processing sludge or pulp