Hazardous Waste Disposal for Natural Gas Facilities

Comprehensive Hazardous Waste Management Services for Natural Gas Processing & Pipeline Operations Nationwide

Natural gas facilities including processing plants, compressor stations, and pipeline operations generate hazardous waste from gas treatment, equipment maintenance, and facility operations. From glycol wastes and amine solutions to contaminated materials and equipment fluids, proper disposal is required for regulatory compliance and environmental protection. Hazardous Waste Disposal provides expert waste management services tailored to the natural gas industry.

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

Understanding Natural Gas Industry Hazardous Waste

Natural gas facilities produce waste from gas processing operations, dehydration systems, acid gas removal, equipment maintenance, and pipeline operations. While generally producing less hazardous waste than petroleum refineries, proper management remains essential for compliance and environmental protection.

Why Natural Gas Waste Management Matters:

• EPA RCRA regulations

• Clean Water Act compliance

• Pipeline safety regulations

• State environmental requirements

• OSHA safety requirements

• Spill prevention requirements

• Community relations

• Environmental responsibility

• Operational permits

• Insurance requirements

Common Natural Gas Facility Waste Streams:

• Spent glycol (from dehydration)

• Spent amine solutions (from acid gas removal)

• Molecular sieve waste

• Filter elements and cartridges

• Compressor lubricating oils

• Hydraulic fluids

• Condensate and drip oils

• Pipeline cleaning waste (pigs and debris)

• Mercury contamination (legacy issue)

• Natural gas liquids (NGLs)

• Process chemical waste

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Contaminated soil and materials

• Universal waste (batteries, lamps)

Types of Natural Gas Facilities We Serve

Gas Processing Plants

Natural gas processing operations:

• Raw gas treating

• Acid gas removal (H₂S, CO₂)

• Dehydration

• NGL extraction and fractionation

• Sulfur recovery units

• Gas sweetening

Waste generated:

• Spent amine solutions (MEA, DEA, MDEA)

• Spent glycol (TEG, DEG)

• Molecular sieve waste

• Sulfur plant waste

• Process chemical waste

• Filter elements

• Equipment oils and lubricants

• Contaminated materials

Typical generation:

• Varies by plant size and processing

• Small plant: 50-200 gallons/month

• Large plant: 500-2,000+ gallons/month

Compressor Stations

Pipeline compression facilities:

• Transmission compressor stations

• Gathering compressor stations

• Storage field compressors

• Booster stations

Waste generated:

• Compressor lubricating oils

• Hydraulic fluids

• Glycol from dehydration units

• Equipment cleaning waste

• Filters and filter elements

• Contaminated absorbents

• Condensate

• Maintenance waste

Typical generation:

• Station size dependent

• 20-100 gallons/month typical

Pipeline Operations

Transmission and gathering pipelines:

• Interstate pipelines

• Intrastate pipelines

• Gathering systems

• Distribution systems

Waste generated:

• Pipeline cleaning waste (pig debris)

• Condensate and drip liquids

• Hydrostatic test water

• Coating and corrosion waste

• Right-of-way maintenance waste

• Equipment maintenance materials

• Mercury (historical contamination)

Gas Storage Facilities

Underground and above-ground storage:

• Depleted reservoir storage

• Salt cavern storage

• Aquifer storage

• LNG facilities

Waste generated:

• Compressor oils

• Glycol waste

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Facility operation chemicals

• LNG-specific waste (at LNG facilities)

Gathering Systems

Field gathering operations:

• Wellhead gathering

• Field compression

• Field dehydration

• Initial gas treatment

Waste generated:

• Glycol and amine waste

• Compressor oils

• Condensate

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Filter elements

LNG Facilities

Liquefied natural gas operations:

• LNG import terminals

• LNG export facilities

• Liquefaction plants

• Regasification facilities

Waste generated:

• Process equipment oils

• Refrigerant systems waste

• Heat transfer fluids

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Specialty chemicals

• Insulation materials

Common Natural Gas Facility Waste Materials

Spent Glycol (Triethylene Glycol - TEG)

From dehydration systems:

• Removes water vapor from natural gas

• Triethylene glycol most common

• Diethylene glycol (DEG) sometimes used

• Ethylene glycol less common in gas processing

Why glycol becomes waste:

• Thermal degradation over time

• Contamination with hydrocarbons

• Salt accumulation

• Fouling and degradation products

• Loss of efficiency

Characteristics:

• High boiling point liquid

• Contaminated with BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes)

• May contain salts and corrosion products

• Ignitable (D001) if contaminated with hydrocarbons

• Benzene makes it potentially toxic (D018)

Disposal vs. reconditioning:

• Lightly contaminated glycol can be reconditioned

• Heavily degraded glycol must be disposed

• We can evaluate and recommend

Disposal cost: $4-$12 per gallon depending on contamination

Spent Amine Solutions

From acid gas removal:

Types of amines:

• Monoethanolamine (MEA)

• Diethanolamine (DEA)

• Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA)

• Diglycolamine (DGA)

• Other specialty amines

Purpose:

• Removes H₂S (hydrogen sulfide)

• Removes CO₂ (carbon dioxide)

• "Gas sweetening"

Why amine becomes waste:

• Thermal degradation

• Heat stable salts accumulation

• Foaming problems

• Corrosion products

• Contamination with hydrocarbons

• Loss of treating capacity

Characteristics:

• Alkaline solutions (pH 10-12)

• Corrosive (D002)

• Contains sulfides (from H₂S absorption)

• Odorous

• May contain hydrocarbons

• Heat stable salts

Management:

• Amine reclaiming (removes heat stable salts)

• Disposal when reclaim not viable

• Proper pH control for handling

• Specialized facilities

Disposal cost: $5-$15 per gallon

Molecular Sieves and Desiccants

From dehydration and drying:

• Alumina

• Molecular sieves (zeolites)

• Silica gel

• Other desiccants

Becomes waste:

• Loss of adsorption capacity

• Mechanical breakdown

• Contamination

• Regular replacement

Characteristics:

• Adsorbed hydrocarbons

• May be ignitable

• Often contain BTEX

• Solid waste

Disposal: As characteristic hazardous waste or non-hazardous depending on contamination

Disposal cost: $200-$600 per ton

Compressor Lubricating Oils

Engine and turbine oils:

• Reciprocating compressor oils

• Centrifugal compressor oils

• Turbine oils

• Rod oils

Becomes waste:

• Normal oil changes

• Contamination

• Equipment failures

• Oil analysis shows degradation

Characteristics:

• Petroleum-based lubricants

• May qualify as used oil

• Testing required (halogen content)

• Clean oil recyclable

Management:

• Used oil recycling (if meets requirements)

• Hazardous waste disposal if contaminated

• Often can be recycled for free or minimal cost

Disposal/recycling cost: Often FREE to $2 per gallon

Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids

Liquid hydrocarbons:

• Drip condensate from pipelines

• Separator liquids

• Scrubber liquids

• NGLs (ethane, propane, butane, pentanes)

When becomes waste:

• Off-specification

• Contaminated

• Small quantities uneconomical to sell

• Mercury contaminated (historical issue)

Characteristics:

• Flammable liquids (D001)

• Light hydrocarbons

• May contain BTEX

• Valuable if clean

Management:

• Often sold as product if clean

• Disposal when contaminated or uneconomical

• Mercury decontamination if needed

Disposal cost: $3-$10 per gallon (varies greatly)

Mercury Contamination

Historical mercury use:

• Mercury used in flow meters (historical)

• Mercury contaminated pipelines and equipment

• Legacy contamination in older systems

Mercury waste:

• Mercury-contaminated condensate

• Contaminated equipment

• Pipeline cleaning waste with mercury

• Soil contamination from spills

Management:

• Mercury decontamination services

• Specialized disposal required

• Testing and characterization

• Cleanup of contaminated systems

Critical issue for some older natural gas systems

Disposal cost: $10-$35+ per gallon for mercury-contaminated liquids

Filters and Filter Elements

Process filtration:

• Gas filters

• Liquid filters

• Coalescer elements

• Separator cartridges

• Scrubber elements

Contamination:

• Hydrocarbon-saturated

• Dirt and particulates

• Process fluids

• Glycol or amine

Characteristics:

• Often ignitable due to hydrocarbon content

• Varies by application

Disposal cost: $150-$500 per drum

Hydraulic Fluids

From equipment:

• Valve hydraulics

• Control systems

• Equipment actuators

• Pipeline valves

Becomes waste:

• Contamination

• Degradation

• System maintenance

• Equipment replacement

Management:

• Used oil recycling if meets criteria

• Hazardous waste if contaminated

• Testing required

Pipeline Cleaning Waste

From pipeline pigging:

• Pig debris and residues

• Hydrocarbon liquids

• Scale and corrosion products

• Construction debris

• Hydrostatic test water

Characteristics:

• Varies by pipeline history

• May contain metals

• Hydrocarbon contaminated

• Can be significant volume

Management:

• Proper characterization needed

• May be hazardous or non-hazardous

• Pigging contractor coordination

Process Chemical Wastes

Treatment chemicals:

• Corrosion inhibitors

• Biocides

• Scale inhibitors

• Oxygen scavengers

• Foam inhibitors

• Demulsifiers

Becomes waste:

• Expired chemicals

• Off-spec products

• Contaminated materials

• Process upsets

Contaminated Soil and Materials

From operations:

• Spills and releases

• Equipment leaks

• Historical contamination

• Right-of-way incidents

• Tank and vessel leaks

Contaminants:

• Crude oil and condensate

• Natural gas liquids

• Glycol

• Amine

• Mercury (historical)

• Process chemicals

Management:

• Characterization required

• Remediation options

• Proper disposal

• Regulatory compliance

Natural Gas Facility Waste Regulations

EPA RCRA Regulations

Generator Status:

Most natural gas facilities:

• Small Quantity Generator (SQG): 100-1,000 kg/month - Most common

• Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG): <100 kg/month - Small compressor stations

• Large Quantity Generator (LQG): >1,000 kg/month - Large processing plants

Requirements by generator status

Characteristic Waste

Common characteristics:

• D001 Ignitable (glycol, oils, condensate)

• D002 Corrosive (spent amine)

• D018 Benzene (glycol, condensate)

• Other toxics if contaminated with metals

No petroleum refining K-codes apply to natural gas operations

Used Oil Regulations

Compressor and equipment oils:

• May qualify as used oil (40 CFR Part 279)

• Testing required (halogen content <1,000 ppm)

• Different regulations than hazardous waste

• Often recyclable

Benefits:

• Lower disposal costs

• Recycling opportunities

• Less stringent requirements

Universal Waste

Common at natural gas facilities:

• Batteries (UPS, emergency lighting, equipment)

• Fluorescent lamps

• Mercury devices (if present)

Simplified management

Clean Water Act

NPDES and spill prevention:

• Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans

• Facility Response Plans (for larger facilities)

• Wastewater discharge permits

• Stormwater pollution prevention

Pipeline Safety Regulations

Department of Transportation PHMSA:

• Pipeline safety requirements

• Integrity management

• Incident reporting

• Not specifically waste regulations but affect operations

State Regulations

State-specific:

• Texas Railroad Commission (oil and gas)

• State environmental agencies

• Exploration and production waste rules

• May have different requirements

• Beneficial use programs (some states)

Our Natural Gas Facility Waste Services

Regular Scheduled Pickup

Routine waste collection:

• Monthly pickups most common

• Quarterly for low-volume stations

• Bi-weekly for high-volume plants

• Custom schedules

We collect:

• Spent glycol

• Spent amine

• Compressor oils

• Filters and cartridges

• Contaminated materials

• Process chemical waste

We provide:

• Proper drums and totes

• Container exchange service

• All manifests and documentation

• Disposal certificates

Glycol Waste Disposal

Complete glycol management:

• Spent TEG disposal

• Contaminated glycol

• Glycol testing and characterization

• Proper disposal pathway

• Volume discounts

Reconditioning evaluation:

• Assess glycol condition

• Determine if reconditioning viable

• Cost analysis

• Recommend best option

Amine Solution Disposal

Spent amine management:

• All amine types (MEA, DEA, MDEA, etc.)

• Proper characterization

• pH control for safety

• Specialized disposal facilities

• Complete documentation

Reclaiming evaluation:

• Assess amine condition

• Evaluate heat stable salt content

• Recommend reclaim vs. disposal

Used Oil Recycling

Compressor and equipment oils:

• Testing for used oil qualification

• Halogen testing

• Recycling coordination

• Often free or low-cost

• Environmental benefit

Molecular Sieve Disposal

Desiccant waste:

• Characterization

• Proper containerization

• Ignitable waste management

• Disposal or treatment

Condensate and NGL Disposal

Hydrocarbon liquid waste:

• Off-spec condensate

• Contaminated NGLs

• Small quantities uneconomical to sell

• Mercury-contaminated liquids

• Proper characterization

• Specialized disposal

Mercury Decontamination Services

For mercury-contaminated systems:

• Mercury testing

• Decontamination coordination

• Contaminated equipment disposal

• Pipeline cleaning support

• Soil remediation

• Specialized mercury disposal

Critical for older systems with mercury history

Filter and Cartridge Disposal

Process filters:

• Gas filter elements

• Liquid filter cartridges

• Coalescer elements

• Proper containerization

• Ignitable waste management

Pipeline Cleaning Support

Pigging operation waste:

• Pig debris disposal

• Contaminated liquids

• Scale and corrosion products

• Characterization services

• Volume handling capability

• Coordination with pigging contractors

Contaminated Soil Remediation

Spill cleanup and remediation:

• Soil characterization

• Excavation coordination

• Treatment options

• Proper disposal

• Regulatory compliance

• Site restoration

Universal Waste Programs

Batteries, lamps, and devices:

• Battery collection and recycling

• Fluorescent lamp recycling

• Mercury device disposal

• Simplified compliance

• Regular pickup service

Emergency Response

24/7 emergency services:

• Spills and releases

• Equipment failures

• Pipeline incidents

• Process upsets

• Tank leaks

• Rapid response

Waste Characterization

Testing and analysis:

• TCLP testing

• Ignitability (flash point)

• pH testing

• Halogen testing (for used oil)

• Mercury testing

• Benzene analysis

• Proper waste code determination

Natural Gas Facility Disposal Costs

Cost Factors:

• Type of waste

• Contamination level

• Volume

• Service frequency

• Testing requirements

• Transportation distance

Typical Pricing:

Glycol Waste:

• Lightly contaminated TEG: $4-$8 per gallon

• Heavily contaminated TEG: $8-$15 per gallon

• Small quantities: Higher per-gallon rate

• Bulk quantities: Volume discounts

Amine Solutions:

• Spent amine: $5-$15 per gallon

• Varies by amine type and contamination

Compressor Oils:

• Clean used oil: Often FREE recycling

• Contaminated oil (hazardous): $2-$6 per gallon

• Mixed/unknown oils: $3-$8 per gallon

Molecular Sieves:

• Spent molecular sieves: $200-$600 per ton

• Depends on hydrocarbon content

Condensate/NGLs:

• Off-spec condensate: $3-$10 per gallon

• Mercury-contaminated: $10-$35 per gallon

• Varies greatly by market and contamination

Filters and Cartridges:

• Filter elements (drummed): $150-$500 per drum

• Depends on contamination

Contaminated Soil:

• Hydrocarbon-contaminated: $50-$300 per ton

• Depends on contamination level

Universal Waste:

• Batteries: Varies by type (lead-acid often free)

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

Service Costs:

Regular Pickups:

• Monthly service (small station): $300-$800/month

• Monthly service (large plant): $1,000-$5,000/month

• Quarterly service: $400-$1,500/quarter

One-Time Services:

• Single pickup: $200-$800 minimum

• Emergency response: Premium charges

• Large cleanout projects: Quoted by project

Annual Disposal Costs:

Small Compressor Station:

• Annual total: $2,000-$10,000

Medium Processing Plant:

• Annual total: $20,000-$100,000

Large Processing Plant:

• Annual total: $100,000-$500,000+

Call (800) 582-4833 for customized pricing for your facility

Waste Minimization for Natural Gas Facilities

Glycol Management

Extend glycol life:

• Proper reboiler operation

• Avoid overheating

• Regular filtration

• Flash tank operation

• Quality monitoring

• Can double or triple glycol life

Glycol reconditioning:

• Distillation and filtration

• Restores glycol quality

• Much cheaper than disposal

• On-site or off-site service

Amine Management

Extend amine life:

• Proper operating temperature

• Minimize oxygen exposure

• Filter solids and contaminants

• Regular analysis

• Reduces waste generation

Amine reclaiming:

• Removes heat stable salts

• Restores treating capacity

• Extends amine solution life

• Cost-effective alternative to replacement

Oil Management

Extend oil life:

• Proper oil selection

• Oil analysis programs

• Filtration systems

• Condition-based changes vs. time-based

• Can significantly reduce oil changes

Proper Segregation

Keep waste streams separate:

• Clean used oil separate from contaminated

• Glycol separate from amine

• Don't mix waste types

• Allows recycling opportunities

• Reduces disposal costs

Spill Prevention

Reduce contaminated materials:

• Proper containment

• Regular maintenance

• Leak detection

• Employee training

• Spill kits available

• Prevents soil contamination

Filter Management

Optimize filter use:

• Proper filter selection

• Change based on pressure drop, not time

• Proper installation

• Don't over-filter

• Extends filter life

Common Natural Gas Facility Scenarios

Gas Processing Plant

A medium gas processing plant with amine treating and glycol dehydration generates 200 gallons monthly of spent glycol, 150 gallons of spent amine, compressor oils, and filter elements. We provide monthly pickup service.

Monthly waste: 350 gallons + filters
Monthly cost: $2,500-$5,000

Compressor Station

A pipeline compressor station generates 50 gallons monthly of compressor oil, 30 gallons of glycol, and various filters and maintenance waste. We provide quarterly pickup service.

Quarterly waste: ~240 gallons + materials
Quarterly cost: $1,000-$2,000

Mercury-Contaminated Pipeline Cleaning

A pipeline operator is cleaning 20 miles of pipeline with historical mercury contamination. Pigging operations generate 10,000 gallons of mercury-contaminated condensate and pig debris. We provide specialized mercury waste disposal.

Total project: 10,000 gallons + solids
Project cost: $120,000-$250,000

LNG Facility

An LNG import terminal generates equipment oils, process chemicals, and maintenance waste. We provide monthly service for routine waste and coordinate specialty waste disposal.

Monthly waste: Varies
Monthly cost: $2,000-$6,000

Small Gathering System

A field gathering system with multiple wellhead compressors generates minimal waste - primarily compressor oil and occasional filters. We provide annual pickup service.

Annual waste: 100-200 gallons
Annual cost: $500-$1,500

Why Natural Gas Facilities Choose Us

Industry Experience

Over 30 years serving natural gas facilities. We understand gas processing, compression, and pipeline operations.

Specialized Knowledge

Complete understanding of glycol, amine, and other gas processing wastes. Not just a generic waste company.

Flexible Service

Monthly, quarterly, or annual service. Emergency response available 24/7.

Used Oil Recycling

We maximize recycling opportunities for compressor oils, reducing your costs.

Mercury Expertise

Specialized services for mercury-contaminated systems and materials.

Pipeline Support

Experience with pipeline cleaning operations and associated waste.

Reliable Service

Dependable scheduled pickups. We understand continuous operations.

Complete Compliance

Full RCRA, DOT, and state regulatory compliance. Complete documentation.

Cost-Effective Solutions

We help minimize costs through proper characterization, recycling, and efficient service.

Best Practices for Natural Gas Facility Waste

Waste Characterization

• Proper initial characterization

• Regular testing programs

• Generator knowledge

• TCLP testing when needed

• Accurate waste codes

Segregation

• Keep waste streams separate

• Used oil separate from contaminated oil

• Glycol separate from amine

• Don't mix unnecessarily

• Enables recycling and reduces costs

Container Management

• Proper containers for each waste

• Keep containers closed

• Label clearly and completely

• Date containers

• Secondary containment for liquids

• Store in designated areas

Personnel Training

• Train all staff on waste handling

• Proper segregation procedures

• Container labeling

• Spill response

• When to call for disposal service

Record Keeping

• Maintain all manifests (3+ years)

• Disposal certificates

• Testing results

• Training records

• Inspection logs

Spill Prevention

• SPCC plan compliance

• Regular inspections

• Proper maintenance

• Containment systems

• Spill kits available

• Employee training

Regular Maintenance

• Prevent equipment leaks

• Proper glycol and amine management

• Oil analysis programs

• Filter management

• Reduces waste generation

Getting Started

Initial Assessment

We'll evaluate:

• Current waste streams

• Generation rates

• Existing disposal practices

• Opportunities for cost reduction

• Recycling possibilities

• Compliance status

Service Setup

We provide:

• Appropriate containers

• Proper labels

• Manifesting procedures

• Service schedule

• Emergency contact information

• Training support materials

Ongoing Partnership

We work with your team:

• Operations personnel

• Maintenance staff

• Environmental coordinators

• Safety department

• Management

Get Started with Natural Gas Facility Waste Services

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

What to have ready:

• Facility name and location

• Type of facility (processing, compression, pipeline, storage)

• Processing capacity or equipment details

• Types of waste generated

• Approximate monthly quantities

• Current disposal practices

• Service frequency desired

We'll provide:

• Free consultation and assessment

• Customized service plan

• Competitive pricing

• Container recommendations

• Recycling evaluation

• Written proposal

• Service agreement

Services available:

• Regular scheduled pickup

• Glycol waste disposal

• Amine solution disposal

• Used oil recycling

• Molecular sieve disposal

• Condensate and NGL disposal

• Mercury decontamination services

• Filter disposal

• Pipeline cleaning support

• Contaminated soil remediation

• Universal waste programs

• Emergency response

• Waste characterization

• Multi-location service

• Contract pricing

Serving natural gas facilities nationwide, since 1992 - comprehensive waste management services tailored to gas processing, compression, and pipeline operations

Expert natural gas industry waste management - we understand your operations and help minimize disposal costs while maintaining full compliance