Hazardous Waste Disposal & Management Services
ENCON specializes in providing fully compliant hazardous waste disposal for industrial and commercial clients nationwide. We manage every stage of the process, from waste identification and classification through segregation, secure storage, transport, and final disposal, in accordance with RCRA and DOT regulations.
Hazardous waste carries real legal consequences if it’s handled wrong. As the waste generator, you remain liable for your waste from the moment it’s created until it’s confirmed disposed of at a licensed facility. That’s the “cradle to grave” responsibility established under RCRA — and it doesn’t end when the truck pulls away.
EES handles the full chain: proper waste identification and classification, licensed transport, EPA-compliant manifesting, and disposal at permitted Treatment, Storage & Disposal Facilities (TSDFs). You get the documentation to prove it was done right.
What Makes a Waste Hazardous?
Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), a material is classified as hazardous waste if it appears on one of the EPA’s listed waste categories — or if it exhibits one of four hazardous characteristics:
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Ignitability — flammable liquids, solids, or compressed gases
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Corrosivity — strongly acidic or caustic materials (pH ≤ 2 or ≥ 12.5)
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Reactivity — unstable materials that can explode or release toxic gases
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Toxicity — materials that leach harmful concentrations of heavy metals or organic compounds
Non-RCRA regulated waste falls outside the federal definition but may still be regulated at the state level. State-regulated waste is especially common across the New England states. Materials like used oil, oily wastewater, PCBs, and chemical sludges are subject to strict handling, management, manifesting, and disposal standards which vary from state to state.
Not sure where your material falls? Call us. Misclassifying hazardous waste as non-hazardous is one of the most common — and costly — compliance mistakes generators make.
Common Hazardous Waste Streams We Handle
- Spent solvents and blends (acetone, toluene, MEK)
- Lab packs, reagents, and unused chemical stocks
- Acids, bases, cyanides, pesticides, and ammonia
- Paint booth residues, coatings, adhesives, and resins
- Metal finishing and electroplating rinse waters
- Used motor oil, cutting oil, and tramp fluids
- Antifreeze, transmission, and brake fluids
- Industrial process wastewater and oily water
- Spill residue, contaminated soils, and absorbents
- Compressor oils and glycol fluids
- Regulated medical waste and biohazards
- Sharps containers and management systems
- Dental amalgam, radiographic waste, and lead foil
- Rx pharmaceutical disposal (P & U-listed waste)
- Expired hand sanitizers and bulk disinfectants
- E-waste (computers, servers, monitors, telecom)
- Industrial and rechargeable batteries (Lithium-ion, Lead-acid)
- Fluorescent, CFL, HID, and LED lighting fixtures
- Mercury-containing equipment and devices
- PFAS materials, AFFF foam, and contaminated soil
- E-cigarette and vape waste (devices, pods, e-liquids)
- Cannabis and hemp processing and plant waste
- Off-spec, out-of-date, or mystery chemical drums
- Asbestos and regulated non-hazardous debris
- Industrial sludges, grinding dust, and wastewater
- Recyclable plastics, scrap metals, tires, and packaging
- Construction and demolition materials
Don’t see your material listed? Reach out — we work with a wide range of waste streams and will tell you straight if it’s something we can take.
Your Generator Tier Determines Your Compliance Obligations
The EPA classifies hazardous waste generators into three categories based on how much hazardous waste your facility produces per calendar month. Your tier determines storage time limits, disposal frequency, training requirements, and recordkeeping obligations.
EES works with all three generator categories. If you’re not sure which tier applies to your facility, we can help you figure that out on the first call.
Never Arranged a Hazardous Waste Pickup Before?
The process is more straightforward than most people expect — from your first call through the signed manifests in your hand. We walk you through every step.
Questions We Hear All the Time
What is cradle-to-grave liability?
Under RCRA, hazardous waste generators are legally responsible for their waste from the point of generation through confirmed final disposal — even after it leaves your facility. If your hauler mishandles your waste, you can still face fines and penalties. Choosing a licensed hauler and retaining your disposal documentation is your primary protection.
Do I need to know my EPA or state waste code before I call?
No. Many generators don’t know their specific waste codes, particularly for mixed or unfamiliar materials. Tell us what process generated the waste and what the material is — we can help work through the applicable codes and classification.
What is a TSDF?
A Treatment, Storage & Disposal Facility (TSDF) is a facility licensed and permitted by the EPA to receive, treat, store, and dispose of hazardous waste. EES processes hazardous waste at permitted TSDFs only. We tell you exactly which facility handles it and welcome your independent audit.
What documentation will I receive after pickup?
You receive a signed copy of the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest — the legal chain-of-custody document required by the EPA for all hazardous waste shipments. Federal law requires generators to retain these records for a minimum of three years.
What’s the difference between RCRA and non-RCRA regulated waste?
RCRA hazardous waste is regulated under federal law and requires manifesting, licensed transport, and disposal at a permitted TSDF. Non-RCRA regulated waste doesn’t meet the federal threshold but may still be regulated by your state. Both require proper handling — EES manages both.
Do you work with Very Small Quantity Generators?
Yes. VSQGs often have difficulty finding haulers willing to service small or infrequent loads. We work with businesses of all sizes, including those who may only have a few containers of hazardous waste per year.
What if my containers are damaged or leaking?
Call us before attempting to move them. We can arrive prepared with overpacks and appropriate PPE. Do not attempt to transfer leaking hazardous waste into new containers without proper training and equipment.
