(a) A waste, as defined in section 66261.2, which is not excluded from regulation as a hazardous waste pursuant to section 66261.4(b), is a hazardous waste if it exhibits any of the characteristics identified in this article.

(b) A waste which is identified as a hazardous waste pursuant to one or more of the characteristics set forth in section 66261.21, 66261.22(a)(1), 66261.22(a)(2), 66261.23 or 66261.24(a)(1) is assigned the EPA Hazardous Waste Number set forth in this article for each characteristic that is applicable to that waste. These numbers shall be used in complying with the notification requirements of Health and Safety Code section 25153.6 and, where applicable, in the recordkeeping and reporting requirements under chapters 12 through 15, 18 and 20 of this division.

(c) Sampling and sample management of wastes and other materials for analysis and testing pursuant to this article shall be in accord with the sampling planning, methodology and equipment, and the sample processing, documentation and custody procedures specified in chapter nine of “Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods,” SW-846, 3rd edition, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1986 (incorporated by reference, see section 66260.11 of this chapter). In addition to the sampling methods in chapter nine of SW-846, the Department will consider samples obtained using any of the other applicable sampling methods specified in Appendix I of this chapter to be representative samples.