EMPTY (Residue)

Bulk packagings and tank containers that once held hazardous materials must continue to display the original placards or the "RESIDUE" markings until they are cleaned, purged, or refilled. The Empty / Residue label communicates that a container still contains residue of the previous cargo.

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When to use

• A bulk packaging or tank has been unloaded but not yet cleaned or purged of the prior material.
• The residue in the container still meets the definition of the original hazard class.
• The container is being returned or transferred while displaying its prior placards.

When not to use

• The container has been cleaned, purged, or refilled with a non-hazardous material — remove or replace placards per §172.514(c).
• The residue no longer meets the original class definition and has been reclassified.
• Non-bulk packagings that qualify for the §173.29 exception have been fully emptied per the rule.