What are the government regulations concerning the shipping and
mailing of Lye (also called Caustic Soda or Sodium Hydroxide) for
small businesses?  I have read that shipping under 2lb is not
considered hazardous waste.
Thank you,
Bruce178

Hello bruce178-ga,

I have found several vendors of chemicals who confirm that shipping
under two pounds of Sodium Chloride does not require the payment of a
hazmat fee. I tried to find the official regulations but I couldn?t
locate the exact citations because the government sites are very
complex and legalistic. I feel confident that the information about
the two pound limit is correct because the chemical vendors I?ve
located seem well versed in the rules and regulations they must follow
in shipping their products.

Best wishes for your projects.

~ czh ~

http://www.chemistrystore.com/Sodium_Hydroxide.htm
Shipping Information: Sodium Hydroxide, solid, 8, UN1823, PG II
(Subject to Hazardous Material Shipping Charges)
Please note: 2 lb containers are not considered Hazardous Materials by
the D.O.T therefore they do not require that they be shipped as
Hazardous Materials. You may purchase as many 2lb containers as you
like without paying a HazMat fee.

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.summerbeemeadow.com/SitePages/OnLineShopSupplies_C.html 
Hydroxide Alkalis
We ship alkalis as "ORM-D" materials (1 kg. or less, no "hazmat" fees added).
Caustic alkali items (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide) must be sent
via UPS Ground and are available in the 48 contiguous states only (no
air transport).

-------------------------------------------------


http://www.sarahsspacreations.com/Products.asp?Product=Chemicals
SODIUM HYDROXIDE 5 POUNDS: Caustic Soda Beads. Shipped in 2# bags and
not subject to hazmat fees.

Found additional helpful info I didn't.

This might help:

"2 lb containers are not considered Hazardous Materials by the D.O.T
therefore they do not require that they be shipped as Hazardous
Materials. You may purchase as many 2lb containers as you like without
paying a HazMat fee."

http://www.chemistrystore.com/Sodium_Hydroxide.htm