Hazardous Waste Disposal for Municipalities

Comprehensive Hazardous Waste Management Services for Cities, Towns & Local Government Operations Nationwide

Municipalities and local governments generate diverse hazardous waste from public works operations, water and wastewater treatment, vehicle fleets, parks maintenance, and facility operations. From road maintenance chemicals and treatment plant waste to equipment fluids and household hazardous waste collection programs, proper disposal is required for regulatory compliance and public service. Hazardous Waste Disposal provides expert waste management services tailored to municipal needs and public procurement processes.

Call (800) 582-4833 for municipal waste services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com

Understanding Municipal Hazardous Waste

Municipalities must manage hazardous waste from their own operations while serving as environmental stewards for their communities. Local governments face unique challenges including public accountability, budget constraints, diverse waste streams, and community expectations for environmental leadership.

Why Municipal Waste Management Matters:

• EPA RCRA regulations apply to municipalities

• State and local environmental requirements

• Public health and safety responsibilities

• Environmental leadership expectations

• Fiscal responsibility and budget accountability

• Public transparency requirements

• Community trust and relations

• Regulatory compliance obligations

• Liability protection

• Staff and public safety

• Water quality protection

• Sustainability goals and climate action

Common Municipal Waste Streams:

• Road and street maintenance chemicals

• Water and wastewater treatment chemicals

• Vehicle fleet maintenance waste

• Parks and recreation maintenance chemicals

• Building and facility maintenance waste

• Fire department materials

• Police department waste

• Household hazardous waste (collection programs)

• Universal waste (lamps, batteries, electronics)

• Contaminated materials from operations

• Legacy waste and old chemicals

• Storm water treatment waste

• Special event cleanup materials

Types of Municipal Operations We Serve

Public Works Departments

Streets and roads maintenance:

• Street maintenance operations

• Road repair and paving

• Bridge maintenance

• Traffic signal operations

• Sign maintenance

• Winter operations

Waste generated:

• Paint (line striping, signs, structures)

• Deicing chemicals and brines

• Herbicides and vegetation control

• Asphalt and tar materials

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Vehicle oils and fluids

• Solvents and cleaners

• Fuel storage waste

• Salt and chemical storage waste

• Contaminated materials

Typical volumes:

• Small town (5,000-20,000 population): 500-2,000 gallons/year

• Medium city (20,000-100,000): 2,000-10,000 gallons/year

• Large city (100,000+): 10,000-50,000+ gallons/year

Water Treatment Plants

Municipal water supply:

• Drinking water treatment

• Water quality monitoring

• Distribution system maintenance

• Storage tank maintenance

Waste generated:

• Chlorine and hypochlorite

• Fluoride compounds

• pH adjustment chemicals (acids, bases)

• Coagulants and flocculants

• Corrosion inhibitors

• Activated carbon (spent)

• Filter backwash solids

• Membrane cleaning chemicals

• Laboratory chemicals

• Equipment maintenance waste

Volume varies by plant size and treatment process

Wastewater Treatment Plants

Sewage treatment facilities:

• Primary and secondary treatment

• Tertiary treatment

• Biosolids management

• Effluent discharge

Waste generated:

• Laboratory chemicals

• Treatment chemicals (polymers, acids, bases)

• Chlorine for disinfection

• Odor control chemicals

• Equipment oils and lubricants

• Solvents and degreasers

• Biosolids (may or may not be hazardous)

• Mercury (old equipment)

• Universal waste

Treatment plant waste varies greatly by size and process

Municipal Vehicle Fleets

City vehicle maintenance:

• Police vehicles

• Fire apparatus

• Public works trucks

• Utility vehicles

• Transit buses

• Refuse collection trucks

• Parks and recreation vehicles

Waste generated:

• Used motor oil (large volumes)

• Antifreeze/coolant

• Transmission and hydraulic fluids

• Brake fluid

• Diesel and gasoline

• Solvents and degreasers

• Batteries

• Filters

• Contaminated shop materials

• Paint and body shop waste

Fleet size determines volume - often significant

Parks and Recreation Departments

Public spaces maintenance:

• Parks maintenance

• Athletic fields and facilities

• Golf courses (municipal)

• Swimming pools

• Recreation centers

• Landscaping operations

Waste generated:

• Pesticides and herbicides

• Fertilizers

• Pool chemicals (chlorine, acids, bases)

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Paint and coatings

• Fuel and oils

• Contaminated materials

Fire Departments

Fire protection services:

• Fire stations

• Training facilities

• Vehicle and equipment maintenance

• Hazmat response operations

Waste generated:

• Firefighting foam (AFFF - some contain PFAS)

• Fire extinguisher agents

• Vehicle maintenance waste

• Equipment cleaning materials

• Fuel storage waste

• Hazmat response materials

• Contaminated PPE

• Training materials

Special considerations:

• PFAS concerns with some foams

• Hazmat team waste

• Contaminated turnout gear

Police Departments

Law enforcement facilities:

• Police stations

• Evidence storage

• Vehicle maintenance

• Firing ranges

Waste generated:

• Vehicle maintenance waste

• Weapons cleaning materials

• Photographic chemicals (declining)

• Evidence disposal coordination

• Lead from firing ranges

• Contaminated materials

Building and Facilities Maintenance

Municipal buildings:

• City hall

• Libraries

• Community centers

• Office buildings

• Historic buildings

Waste generated:

• Paint and coatings

• Cleaning chemicals

• HVAC maintenance waste

• Equipment maintenance materials

• Universal waste (lamps, batteries)

• Lead paint (older buildings)

• Asbestos coordination (older buildings)

Municipal Utilities

Utility operations:

• Electric utilities (municipal power)

• Gas utilities (some cities)

• Storm water management

• Solid waste collection

Waste generated:

• Transformer oils (PCB concerns in older equipment)

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Treatment chemicals

• Contaminated materials

Household Hazardous Waste Programs

Community collection programs:

• HHW collection events

• Permanent collection facilities

• Drop-off programs

• Special waste days

Materials collected from public:

• Paints and solvents

• Pesticides and herbicides

• Automotive products

• Household chemicals

• Electronics

• Batteries

• Mercury items

• Propane tanks

We can support your HHW programs

Common Municipal Waste Materials

Road Maintenance Chemicals

From streets and public works:

Traffic Paint:

• Line striping paint (water-based and solvent-based)

• Pavement marking materials

• Sign paint

• Crosswalk paint

• Large volumes for cities

Herbicides:

• Right-of-way vegetation control

• Roadside maintenance

• Sidewalk and curb treatments

• Various formulations

• Seasonal use

Deicing Materials:

• Calcium chloride

• Magnesium chloride

• Salt brines

• Anti-icing chemicals

• Storage and handling waste

Other Materials:

• Asphalt and tar products

• Sealants and adhesives

• Equipment lubricants

• Fuel additives

Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals

Treatment plant chemicals:

Disinfection:

• Chlorine gas (specialized disposal)

• Sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach)

• Calcium hypochlorite

• Chloramines

• UV lamp waste

pH Adjustment:

• Sulfuric acid

• Sodium hydroxide (caustic)

• Lime slurry

• Soda ash

Coagulation/Flocculation:

• Aluminum sulfate (alum)

• Ferric chloride

• Polymers (various)

Other Chemicals:

• Fluoride compounds (water supply)

• Phosphates

• Activated carbon (spent)

• Ion exchange resins

• Corrosion inhibitors

• Odor control chemicals

Laboratory Chemicals:

• Analytical reagents

• Testing standards

• Buffers and solutions

Vehicle Maintenance Waste

From municipal fleets:

Used Oils:

• Motor oil (major waste stream)

• Hydraulic oil

• Gear oil

• Transmission fluid

Other Fluids:

• Antifreeze/coolant

• Brake fluid

• Power steering fluid

• Diesel fuel

• Gasoline

Materials:

• Oil filters

• Air filters

• Fuel filters

• Batteries (lead-acid)

• Tires (separate disposal)

• Contaminated shop towels

• Absorbents

Recycling opportunity:

• Clean used oil often FREE recycling

• Major cost savings for cities

• Lead-acid batteries recyclable

Parks Maintenance Chemicals

Landscape and turf management:

Pesticides:

• Herbicides for weed control

• Insecticides

• Fungicides

• Rodenticides

Fertilizers:

• May contain hazardous components

• Storage and disposal needs

Pool Chemicals:

• Chlorine tablets and liquid

• Muriatic acid

• Sodium bisulfate

• Algaecides

• Other pool chemicals

Equipment Waste:

• Mower and equipment oils

• Fuel storage waste

• Maintenance materials

Paint and Coatings

From facilities maintenance:

• Architectural paint (interior/exterior)

• Traffic and safety markings

• Equipment paint

• Structural coatings

• Rust inhibitors

• Paint thinners and solvents

• Old accumulated paint

• Lead-based paint (older buildings)

Common accumulation issue:

• Paint stockpiled for years

• Expired or unusable

• Large cleanout needs

Fire Department Materials

Fire protection chemicals:

Firefighting Foam:

• AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam)

• PFAS concerns (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)

• Replacement foams (PFAS-free)

• Spent foam from training

• Contaminated materials

Other Materials:

• Fire extinguisher contents

• Vehicle maintenance waste

• Equipment cleaning materials

• Hazmat response materials

• Contaminated PPE disposal

PFAS considerations:

• Legacy AFFF disposal

• Environmental concerns

• Specialized disposal required

• Transition to PFAS-free alternatives

Household Hazardous Waste

From collection programs:

• Paints and stains (large volumes)

• Solvents and thinners

• Automotive products (oils, antifreeze, fluids)

• Pesticides and herbicides

• Household cleaners

• Batteries (all types)

• Electronics

• Mercury thermometers and devices

• Fluorescent lamps

• Propane cylinders

• Pool chemicals

• Various household chemicals

Management:

• Proper sorting and segregation

• Lab packing for disposal

• Recycling when possible

• Public education component

Universal Waste

Throughout municipal operations:

• Fluorescent lamps (street lights, buildings, facilities)

• LED lamps (replacing fluorescent)

• Batteries (UPS, emergency lighting, equipment, vehicles)

• Mercury devices (switches, thermostats in older buildings)

• Electronics (computers, communications, equipment)

Large volumes due to:

• Many facilities and locations

• Street lighting systems

• Traffic signals

• Municipal buildings

Contaminated Soil and Materials

From operations and incidents:

• Fuel spills and leaks

• Chemical spills

• Underground storage tank removals

• Equipment leaks

• Storm water contamination

• Historic contamination

• Property acquisition cleanup

Municipal Waste Regulations

EPA RCRA Regulations

Municipalities subject to same rules:

• Generator status determination

• LQG, SQG, or VSQG

• Accumulation time limits

• Proper labeling and marking

• Training requirements

• Contingency plans

• Inspections and record keeping

• Manifesting and disposal

Common generator status:

• Small towns: Often VSQG or SQG

• Medium cities: Often SQG or LQG

• Large cities: Typically LQG

State and Local Regulations

Additional requirements:

• State hazardous waste regulations

• Local ordinances

• Storm water regulations

• Discharge permits

• Air quality permits

• May be more stringent than federal

Clean Water Act

Water quality requirements:

• NPDES permits for treatment plants

• Storm water permits

• Discharge limits and monitoring

• Pretreatment requirements

• Cannot discharge hazardous waste

Public Procurement Laws

Competitive procurement:

• Bid requirements

• Request for Proposals (RFP)

• Request for Quotes (RFQ)

• Public bidding processes

• Council or board approval

• Cooperative purchasing

• State contracts piggyback

• Local preference policies (some)

• Prevailing wage (some jurisdictions)

We understand municipal procurement

Public Records and Transparency

Open government:

• Public records laws

• Open meetings requirements

• Budget transparency

• Public accountability

• Environmental reporting

• Community right-to-know

Sustainability and Climate Action

Municipal commitments:

• Climate action plans

• Sustainability goals

• Waste reduction targets

• Green purchasing

• Zero waste initiatives

• Recycling mandates

• Lead by example programs

Our Municipal Waste Services

Comprehensive Municipal Programs

City-wide service:

• All municipal departments

• Multiple facility locations

• Coordinated pickup schedules

• Consistent procedures

• Single point of contact

• Consolidated billing

• Complete reporting

Public Works Department Services

Streets and roads waste:

• Paint disposal (line striping, signs)

• Herbicide disposal

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Vehicle fleet waste

• Seasonal scheduling

• Multiple yard locations

• Volume pricing

Water and Wastewater Treatment

Treatment plant services:

• Treatment chemical disposal

• Laboratory chemical disposal

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Universal waste programs

• Mercury device collection

• Biosolids testing and disposal (if hazardous)

• Regular scheduled service

Vehicle Fleet Maintenance

Municipal fleet services:

• Used oil collection and recycling

• Antifreeze and coolant management

• Fluid disposal

• Battery recycling

• Filter disposal

• Contaminated materials

• Shop waste collection

FREE recycling for clean used oil

Parks and Recreation Services

Parks maintenance waste:

• Pesticide and herbicide disposal

• Pool chemical disposal

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Paint and coatings

• Contaminated materials

• Seasonal service

Fire Department Services

Fire service waste:

• Firefighting foam disposal (including PFAS-containing)

• Fire extinguisher disposal

• Vehicle maintenance waste

• Equipment cleaning materials

• Hazmat team waste

• Training materials

• Contaminated PPE

Household Hazardous Waste Support

HHW program assistance:

• Collection event support

• Material acceptance and sorting

• Lab packing services

• Transportation and disposal

• Recycling coordination

• Public education materials

• Cost-effective programs

We can operate your HHW events

Universal Waste Programs

Municipal-wide universal waste:

• Street light lamp recycling

• Traffic signal lamp disposal

• Building lighting (all facilities)

• Battery collection (all types)

• Mercury device collection

• Electronics recycling

• Multiple collection points

• Regular schedules

Paint and Coating Disposal

Accumulated paint:

• Old paint inventories

• Facility cleanouts

• Traffic paint disposal

• Lead-based paint waste

• Aerosol cans

• Paint-contaminated materials

• Large volume capability

Emergency Response

24/7 emergency services:

• Spills and releases

• Equipment failures

• Storm damage cleanup

• Vehicle accidents

• Fire department support

• Public safety incidents

• Rapid response

Contaminated Soil Remediation

Site cleanup:

• Fuel spill cleanup

• Chemical releases

• UST removal support

• Site assessment

• Soil disposal

• Groundwater treatment waste

• Property transfer cleanup

Training and Consultation

Municipal staff support:

• RCRA compliance training

• Department-specific training

• Waste management procedures

• Cost reduction strategies

• Best management practices

• Grant application support

Grant Support

Funding assistance:

• EPA Brownfields grants

• State environmental grants

• Recycling grants

• HHW program grants

• Budget justification support

Municipal Waste Disposal Costs

Municipal pricing considerations:

• Competitive public sector pricing

• Volume discounts

• Multi-department contracts

• Annual contract rates

• Budget-friendly payment terms

• Cost predictability

Typical Pricing:

Road Maintenance:

• Paint waste: $3-$10 per gallon

• Herbicides: $4-$12 per gallon

• Equipment oils: Often FREE recycling (if clean)

Treatment Plant Chemicals:

• Laboratory chemicals (lab pack): $1,000-$2,500 per drum

• Treatment chemical disposal: $2-$10 per gallon

• Varies by chemical type

Vehicle Fleet:

• Used oil: Often FREE recycling

• Antifreeze: $2-$6 per gallon

• Shop waste: $150-$500 per drum

• Batteries: Often FREE recycling (lead-acid)

Parks Maintenance:

• Pesticides/herbicides: $4-$12 per gallon

• Pool chemicals: $2-$8 per gallon

• Equipment waste: $150-$500 per drum

Paint and Coatings:

• Paint: $3-$10 per gallon

• Lead-based paint: $5-$15 per gallon

• Aerosol cans: $2-$6 each

Fire Department:

• AFFF disposal: $5-$20 per gallon (PFAS concerns)

• Fire extinguisher disposal: $10-$30 each

Universal Waste:

• Fluorescent lamps: $0.15-$0.50 per linear foot

• LED lamps: $0.20-$0.60 each

• Street light lamps: Volume pricing

Household Hazardous Waste Events:

• Per event: $5,000-$20,000 depending on size

• Per participant: $25-$75 per household served

• Annual program: $20,000-$100,000+ depending on size

Contaminated Soil:

• Petroleum contaminated: $100-$400 per ton

• Varies by contamination

Annual Municipal Costs:

Small Town (5,000-20,000 population):

• Annual total: $10,000-$50,000

Medium City (20,000-100,000):

• Annual total: $50,000-$250,000

Large City (100,000-500,000):

• Annual total: $250,000-$1,000,000

Major City (500,000+):

• Annual total: $1,000,000-$5,000,000+

HHW Program (separate):

• Small town annual: $10,000-$30,000

• Medium city annual: $30,000-$150,000

• Large city annual: $150,000-$500,000+

Call (800) 582-4833 for municipal pricing and program options

Waste Minimization for Municipalities

Required Programs

Municipal mandates:

• Waste reduction goals

• Sustainability plans

• Green purchasing

• Climate action commitments

• Lead by example

• Public reporting

Source Reduction

Reduce generation:

• Better inventory management

• Use materials completely

• Right-size purchasing

• Less hazardous alternatives

• Process improvements

• Staff training

Green Purchasing

Environmentally preferable:

• Less hazardous products

• Water-based paints

• Low-VOC materials

• Concentrated products

• Longer shelf life

• Sustainable products

Oil Recycling

Maximum recycling:

• All fleet used oil

• Equipment maintenance oil

• FREE recycling saves money

• Major cost benefit for cities

• Environmental leadership

Proper Segregation

Keep streams separate:

• Enable recycling

• Clean oil separate

• Don't mix waste types

• Reduces costs

• Maximizes recovery

Integrated Pest Management

Reduce pesticide use:

• IPM programs in parks

• Reduce chemical applications

• Non-chemical alternatives

• Training and education

• Reduces waste and costs

Staff Training

Employee programs:

• Train all departments

• Waste reduction awareness

• Proper handling procedures

• Cost savings emphasis

• Environmental stewardship

HHW Waste Reduction

Public education:

• Buy only what you need

• Use products completely

• Share with neighbors

• Choose less hazardous

• Reduce waste generation

Common Municipal Scenarios

Medium City - Comprehensive Program

A city of 50,000 generates waste from public works, water/wastewater plants, vehicle fleet, parks, fire and police departments. We provide monthly comprehensive service to all departments under annual contract.

Annual waste: Mixed materials, multiple departments
Annual cost: $120,000-$300,000

Small Town - Quarterly Service

A town of 10,000 with public works, vehicle maintenance, and parks generates limited waste. We provide quarterly pickup at all locations.

Quarterly waste: Mixed materials
Quarterly cost: $2,000-$5,000

Wastewater Treatment Plant

A 5 MGD wastewater treatment plant generates laboratory chemicals, equipment maintenance waste, and treatment chemicals. We provide monthly service.

Monthly waste: Lab chemicals + operations waste
Monthly cost: $2,000-$6,000

Municipal Fleet Maintenance

A city vehicle fleet (200 vehicles) generates 10,000 gallons annually of used oil plus other maintenance waste. We provide monthly pickup with oil recycling.

Annual oil: 10,000 gallons
Annual cost: Minimal or free (oil recycling credits disposal)

Household Hazardous Waste Event

A city of 75,000 holds quarterly HHW collection events serving 200 households per event. We provide complete event support including setup, staffing, collection, sorting, transportation, and disposal.

Per event: 800 households/year
Annual cost: $60,000-$120,000

Public Works Paint Disposal

A city public works department has accumulated 2,000 gallons of old paint over 10+ years. We provide complete cleanout and disposal.

Project: 2,000 gallons paint
Project cost: $8,000-$20,000

Fire Department AFFF Disposal

A fire department needs to dispose of 500 gallons of legacy AFFF containing PFAS and replace with PFAS-free foam. We provide proper AFFF disposal.

Project: 500 gallons AFFF
Project cost: $3,000-$10,000

Why Municipalities Choose Us

Municipal Experience

Over 30 years serving cities and towns. We understand municipal operations and needs.

Public Procurement Knowledge

Complete understanding of public bidding, RFPs, council approval processes, and cooperative purchasing.

Budget-Friendly Pricing

Competitive pricing for public sector budgets. Volume discounts and predictable annual contracts.

Comprehensive Service

All departments, all waste streams. Single-source solution for municipal needs.

HHW Program Expertise

Complete support for household hazardous waste collection programs. Turnkey event services.

Environmental Leadership

Help municipalities meet sustainability goals and climate commitments. Public environmental stewardship.

Complete Compliance

Full regulatory compliance for all municipal operations. Audit-ready documentation.

Reliable Service

Dependable scheduled service. We understand municipal operations and schedules.

Cost Savings Through Recycling

Maximize used oil recycling and other recovery programs. Significant cost savings for cities.

Community Focused

We understand municipalities serve their communities. Professional, responsive service.

Best Practices for Municipal Waste

Regulatory Compliance

• Determine generator status

• Follow accumulation limits

• Proper labeling and dating

• Regular inspections

• Staff training

• Complete record keeping

• State and local compliance

Waste Minimization

• Active reduction programs

• Meet sustainability goals

• Green purchasing

• Document efforts

• Public reporting

• Lead by example

Proper Segregation

• Separate waste streams

• Enable recycling

• Keep clean oil separate

• Reduce costs

• Clear procedures

Staff Training

• Train all personnel

• Department-specific training

• New employee orientation

• Annual refresher training

• Documentation maintained

Budget Planning

• Accurate cost forecasting

• Annual contract pricing

• Regular disposal prevents accumulation

• Track and report costs

• Cost reduction goals

Public Transparency

• Public records compliance

• Environmental reporting

• Community communication

• Audit-ready documentation

• Budget transparency

HHW Programs

Best practices:

• Regular collection events

• Permanent facilities (larger cities)

• Public education

• Easy access for residents

• Proper staffing and safety

• Complete documentation

Sustainability

• Track waste metrics

• Report progress

• Set reduction goals

• Recycling emphasis

• Climate action integration

• Community engagement

Getting Started

Initial Assessment

We'll evaluate:

• Municipal size and operations

• All department waste streams

• Current practices

• Volume and frequencies

• Budget considerations

• HHW program needs

• Opportunities for savings

Municipal Contracting

Contract options:

• Direct contracts

• Annual service agreements

• RFP responses

• Cooperative purchasing

• State contract piggyback

• Multi-year agreements

• We help with procurement

Service Setup

We provide:

• Appropriate containers

• Proper labels

• Department procedures

• Service schedules

• Multiple location coordination

• Emergency contacts

• Training support

Ongoing Partnership

We work with your team:

• Public works directors

• Water/wastewater superintendents

• Fleet managers

• Parks directors

• Fire chiefs

• City managers

• Environmental coordinators

Get Started with Municipal Waste Services

Call (800) 582-4833 or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com

What to have ready:

• Municipality name and population

• Departments generating waste

• Facility locations

• Types of waste generated

• Approximate quantities

• Current disposal practices

• Budget cycle information

• HHW program interest

• Procurement requirements

We'll provide:

• Free consultation and assessment

• Comprehensive service plan

• Competitive municipal pricing

• Department-specific recommendations

• HHW program options

• Container recommendations

• Written proposal

• Contract-ready documentation

• References from other municipalities

Services available:

• Comprehensive municipal programs

• Public works department services

• Water and wastewater treatment

• Vehicle fleet maintenance

• Parks and recreation services

• Fire department services

• Household hazardous waste support

• Universal waste programs

• Paint and coating disposal

• Emergency response

• Contaminated soil remediation

• Training and consultation

• Grant support

• Multi-department coordination

• Annual contract pricing

Serving municipalities nationwide, since 1992 - comprehensive hazardous waste management services that support efficient city operations, protect public health and the environment, and meet your community's expectations for environmental leadership

We understand municipal needs and budgets - let us provide cost-effective waste management services that help your community meet environmental goals while ensuring full regulatory compliance and fiscal responsibility