Hazardous Waste Management
Handle collection and disposal of hazardous materials from businesses and industries
Overview
Hazardous waste management companies charge $200-$5,000+ per pickup depending on waste type and quantity.
Servicing 30-100 business clients generates $180,000-$800,000 annually with 40-60% margins after transportation, treatment, regulatory compliance, and disposal at RCRA facilities.
In 2025, manufacturers, auto shops, laboratories, and businesses generating hazardous waste need certified contractors for legal compliant disposal.
Services include identifying and classifying hazardous wastes, providing DOT-compliant containers and labeling, scheduled hazardous waste pickups, proper manifesting and documentation, transporting in permitted vehicles, disposal at EPA-approved TSDF facilities, emergency spill response, and regulatory compliance consulting.
Successful businesses get EPA ID numbers and state hazardous waste permits, maintain strict DOT and RCRA compliance, understand waste classification and compatibility, train staff in hazardous materials handling, and provide complete documentation.
Auto repair shops (used oil, solvents, antifreeze), manufacturers (chemicals, solvents), laboratories (chemical waste), and industrial facilities are primary clients.
Some specialize in specific waste streams (used oil recycling, solvent recycling, universal waste).
Required Skills
- Hazardous Waste Regulations
- Chemical Knowledge
- DOT Transportation
- RCRA Compliance
- Safety Protocols
- Industrial Sales
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very high revenue per pickup due to specialization
- Limited competition from regulatory barriers
- Essential service businesses legally must use
- Can add emergency response services
- Recurring business from manufacturers and industries
Cons
- Extremely complex regulatory environment
- Very high startup costs and insurance
- Significant liability risks with hazardous materials
- Requires extensive training and certifications
- Need relationships with TSDF disposal facilities
How to Get Started
- Get EPA ID number and state hazardous waste permits
- Complete 40-hour HAZWOPER training and DOT certifications
- Purchase permitted hazardous waste transportation vehicle
- Obtain very high liability and pollution insurance ($2M-$10M)
- Build relationships with RCRA-permitted disposal facilities
- Target manufacturers, auto shops, laboratories, industrial
- Provide complete regulatory compliance and documentation
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