The management and disposal of waste materials are internationally regulated, with downstream legislation that includes laws protecting the environment, consumers, and workers.

There are significant consequences surrounding the correct classification of waste materials, the industry has a ‘duty of care’ regarding the associated risks of managing waste materials with significant financial and legal penalties if these are not followed.

The EPA developed regulations to ensure safe management and cleanup of solid and hazardous waste. The RCRA regulations are contained in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) parts 239 through 282.
Part 261.21 defines ignitability, which is one characteristic of hazardous waste.

261.21 Characteristic of ignitability.

(a) A solid waste exhibits the characteristic of ignitability if a representative sample of the waste has any of the following properties:

(1) It is a liquid, other than a solution containing less than 24 percent alcohol by volume and at least 50 percent water by weight, that has a flash point less than 60 °C (140 °F), as determined by using one of the following ASTM standards: ASTM D93-79, D93-80, D3278-78, D8174-18, or D8175-18 as specified in SW-846 Test Methods 1010B or 1020C (all incorporated by reference, see § 260.11 of this subchapter).

The definition from the CFR includes two new test methods that were standardised by the EPA with the help of Stanhope-Seta in 2018. These tests were later added to the CFR.

SW-846 consists of guidance as to what test methods to use. This includes 1010B (Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester) and 1020C (Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Setaflash (Small Scale) Closed-Cup Apparatus). These two methods include D8175 and D8174. Therefore, where 1010B and 1020C are mentioned in regulations, the new test methods are included also.