Hazardous Waste Disposal for Power Plants

Comprehensive Hazardous Waste Management Services for Power Generation Facilities Nationwide

Power plants and electric generation facilities generate diverse hazardous waste from operations, maintenance, and environmental control systems. From coal ash and boiler chemicals to transformer oils and equipment maintenance waste, proper disposal is required for regulatory compliance and environmental protection. Hazardous Waste Disposal provides expert waste management services tailored to the power generation industry.

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

Understanding Power Plant Hazardous Waste

Power generation facilities face unique waste management challenges due to the scale of operations, variety of waste streams, and strict environmental regulations. Proper waste management is essential for operational compliance, environmental protection, and public relations.

Why Power Plant Waste Management Matters:

• EPA RCRA regulations

• Clean Water Act compliance

• Clean Air Act requirements

• State environmental regulations

• Coal Combustion Residuals Rule (CCR Rule)

• PCB regulations

• CERCLA liability concerns

• Public scrutiny and environmental reputation

• Permit conditions and monitoring

• Decommissioning requirements

Common Power Plant Waste Streams:

• Coal combustion residuals (fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag)

• Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) materials

• Boiler water treatment chemicals

• Cooling tower chemicals and blowdown

• Transformer oils (PCB and non-PCB)

• Used oil and lubricants

• Solvents and degreasers

• Wastewater treatment sludges

• Mercury-containing equipment

• Universal waste (lamps, batteries)

• Asbestos (from maintenance and upgrades)

• Lead paint and coatings

• Contaminated soil and materials

Types of Power Generation Facilities We Serve

Coal-Fired Power Plants

Coal combustion facilities:

• Pulverized coal plants

• Cyclone boilers

• Stoker-fired boilers

• Fluidized bed combustion

• Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC)

Waste generated:

• Coal combustion residuals (CCR)

• Fly ash and bottom ash

• Boiler slag

• FGD gypsum and sludge

• Boiler water treatment chemicals

• Mercury-containing equipment

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Coal pile runoff treatment residuals

Special considerations:

• CCR Rule requirements

• Beneficial use programs for ash

• Mercury emissions control waste

• Large volume waste generation

• Environmental monitoring requirements

Natural Gas Power Plants

Gas-fired generation:

• Combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT)

• Simple cycle combustion turbines

• Cogeneration facilities

• Peaking plants

Waste generated:

• Turbine cleaning waste

• Compressor wash waste

• Lubricating oils

• Transformer oils

• Water treatment chemicals

• Cooling system chemicals

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Natural gas liquids

Generally lower hazardous waste than coal plants

Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear generation facilities:

• Pressurized water reactors (PWR)

• Boiling water reactors (BWR)

Waste generated (non-radioactive):

• Cooling water treatment chemicals

• Boiler and steam generator chemicals

• Transformer oils

• Lubricating oils

• Solvents and degreasers

• Laboratory chemicals

• Universal waste

• Mixed waste coordination (radioactive + hazardous)

Note: Radioactive waste requires specialized handling beyond our scope, but we coordinate disposal of non-radioactive hazardous waste

Oil-Fired Power Plants

Residual oil and distillate facilities:

• Heavy fuel oil plants

• Diesel generators

• Emergency backup generators

Waste generated:

• Used fuel oil residues

• Oil-water separator sludge

• Contaminated absorbents

• Tank cleaning residues

• Boiler cleaning chemicals

• Equipment maintenance waste

Biomass & Waste-to-Energy Plants

Alternative fuel facilities:

• Wood waste combustion

• Agricultural waste

• Municipal solid waste combustion

• Landfill gas generation

Waste generated:

• Ash residues

• Boiler chemicals

• Equipment oils

• Maintenance waste

• Emissions control waste

Hydroelectric Facilities

Water power generation:

• Dams and reservoirs

• Run-of-river plants

• Pumped storage

Waste generated:

• Transformer oils (PCB concerns in older equipment)

• Hydraulic fluids

• Lubricating oils

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Generally minimal hazardous waste

Solar & Wind Facilities

Renewable energy generation:

• Photovoltaic solar arrays

• Concentrated solar power

• Wind turbines

Waste generated:

• Transformer oils

• Gearbox oils (wind)

• Heat transfer fluids (CSP)

• Panel cleaning chemicals (solar)

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Battery storage systems waste

• Generally minimal hazardous waste

Common Power Plant Waste Materials

Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR)

Types of CCR:

Fly Ash:

• Fine particulate matter from flue gas

• Captured by pollution control equipment

• Silica, alumina, iron oxide, calcium oxide

• May contain heavy metals (arsenic, selenium, mercury)

Bottom Ash:

• Coarse particles that fall to boiler bottom

• Slag-like material

• Quenched in water

• Similar composition to fly ash

Boiler Slag:

• Molten ash that solidifies

• From certain boiler types

• Glass-like material

FGD Materials:

• Gypsum (calcium sulfate) from scrubbers

• FGD sludge

• By-product of sulfur dioxide removal

CCR Rule Requirements:

• Proper disposal in CCR landfills

• Groundwater monitoring

• Liner requirements

• Closure and post-closure care

• Or beneficial use programs

Beneficial Use:

• Fly ash in concrete

• Gypsum in wallboard

• Road base and structural fill

• Must meet quality specifications

Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals

Water treatment waste:

Phosphates and Chelants:

• Scale and corrosion inhibitors

• pH buffers

• EDTA and other chelating agents

Oxygen Scavengers:

• Sodium sulfite

• Hydrazine (highly toxic - being phased out)

• Alternative organic scavengers

Alkalinity Chemicals:

• Sodium hydroxide

• Ammonia

• Morpholine

Waste characteristics:

• May be corrosive (high or low pH)

• Heavy metal content from system corrosion

• Disposal or wastewater treatment required

Cooling Water Treatment Chemicals

Cooling system waste:

Biocides:

• Chlorine and hypochlorite

• Bromine compounds

• Quaternary ammonium compounds

• Oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides

Scale and Corrosion Inhibitors:

• Phosphonates

• Polymers

• Zinc compounds

• Molybdate

Cooling Tower Blowdown:

• Concentrated minerals and treatment chemicals

• May exceed discharge limits

• Often requires treatment

Waste management:

• Cannot always be discharged

• May require neutralization

• Heavy metal content concerns

• Volume reduction needed

Transformer Oils & PCBs

Electrical equipment oils:

PCB Transformers (older equipment):

• Polychlorinated biphenyls (toxic, persistent)

• Strict EPA regulations (TSCA)

• Require specialized disposal

• Heavily regulated

Non-PCB Transformer Oil:

• Mineral oil-based

• May be recyclable as used oil

• Testing required to verify no PCB contamination

• Halogen content testing

Management:

• PCB transformers: TSCA disposal requirements

• Non-PCB oil: Used oil regulations or hazardous waste

• We coordinate all testing and disposal

Petroleum Products

Equipment lubricants and fuels:

Used Oils:

• Turbine oils

• Hydraulic oils

• Gear oils

• Compressor oils

• Engine oils

Waste Fuels:

• Diesel and fuel oil residues

• Tank bottom sludges

• Contaminated fuels

Management:

• Used oil recycling when possible

• Testing for contamination

• Proper characterization

• Beneficial reuse options

Mercury-Containing Equipment

Mercury devices in power plants:

Instruments:

• Mercury manometers

• Mercury switches

• Mercury relays

• Pressure gauges

• Temperature sensors

Lamps:

• Fluorescent lighting (extensive)

• High-intensity discharge lamps

• Mercury vapor lamps

Management:

• Universal waste programs

• Mercury recovery and recycling

• Proper containerization

• Documentation

Wastewater Treatment Residuals

Sludges and residues:

Chemical Precipitation Sludge:

• Heavy metals from wastewater treatment

• May be hazardous for metals (TCLP)

• Often high volume

• Dewatering and disposal required

Oil-Water Separator Sludge:

• Oil and grease with solids

• Often hazardous (ignitable or toxic)

• From equipment areas and storm water

Demineralizer Regeneration Waste:

• Acid and caustic regeneration solutions

• High dissolved solids

• Ion exchange resin replacement

Cleaning & Maintenance Waste

Operations and maintenance:

Solvents:

• Parts cleaning solvents

• Degreasers

• Equipment cleaning chemicals

• Paint thinners

Contaminated Materials:

• Shop rags and absorbents

• Spill cleanup materials

• Used filters

• Contaminated PPE

Paints and Coatings:

• Maintenance painting waste

• Coating removal waste

• Sandblasting waste

• Surface preparation materials

Asbestos-Containing Materials

From maintenance and demolition:

• Pipe insulation

• Boiler insulation

• Gaskets and packing

• Floor tiles and mastic

• Requires specialized disposal (beyond our scope but we can coordinate)

Power Plant Waste Regulations

EPA RCRA Regulations

Hazardous Waste:

• Power plants typically are Large Quantity Generators (LQG)

• 90-day accumulation limit

• Full RCRA compliance required

• EPA ID number required

• Contingency plans and training

Characteristic Waste:

• Ignitable (D001)

• Corrosive (D002)

• Reactive (D003)

• Toxic (D004-D011) - especially heavy metals

Waste Minimization:

• Required for LQGs

• Certification on manifests

• Documented efforts

Coal Combustion Residuals Rule

CCR Rule (40 CFR Part 257):

• Applies to CCR landfills and surface impoundments

• Location restrictions

• Structural integrity requirements

• Groundwater monitoring

• Corrective action

• Closure and post-closure care

• Record keeping and reporting

• Public website postings

We help with:

• Off-site CCR disposal

• Alternative disposal during closure

• Emergency CCR removal

Clean Water Act

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES):

• Wastewater discharge permits

• Effluent limitation guidelines (ELG)

• Steam Electric Power Generating ELG (2020 rule)

• Cooling water intake structures (316b)

Requirements:

• Cannot discharge hazardous waste

• Must meet permit limits

• Monitoring and reporting

• Best available technology (BAT)

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

PCB Regulations:

• PCB transformer disposal

• PCB-contaminated equipment

• Testing requirements

• Manifest requirements

• Storage requirements

We handle all PCB disposal compliance

State Regulations

Vary by state:

• State hazardous waste programs

• Additional requirements beyond federal

• Permit requirements

• Special waste designations

• Beneficial use programs for CCR

Decommissioning Regulations

Plant closure requirements:

• Decontamination and decommissioning plans

• Waste characterization

• Soil and groundwater remediation

• Final site closure

• Long-term monitoring

Our Power Plant Waste Services

Regular Scheduled Pickup

Routine waste collection:

• Monthly service for most plants

• Bi-weekly for high-volume waste

• Quarterly for minimal waste streams

• Custom schedules for your needs

We collect:

• Equipment maintenance waste

• Laboratory chemicals

• Cleaning and maintenance materials

• Contaminated shop materials

• Universal waste

Container programs with exchange service

Bulk Waste Management

Large volume waste:

• Tanker service for liquid waste

• Roll-off containers for solid waste

• Bulk ash disposal coordination

• Sludge removal and disposal

• Tank and pit cleanouts

Capabilities:

• 2,000-6,000 gallon tankers

• 20-40 yard roll-offs

• Specialized equipment

• High-volume capacity

PCB Transformer Disposal

Complete PCB services:

• PCB testing and analysis

• Transformer removal coordination

• Proper labeling and documentation

• TSCA-compliant disposal

• EPA manifest and certificates

• State notifications

We ensure full TSCA compliance

Used Oil Management

Oil recycling and disposal:

• Turbine oil recycling

• Hydraulic oil collection

• Transformer oil (non-PCB) management

• Used oil testing

• Beneficial reuse when possible

• Disposal when contaminated

Often free recycling for clean used oil

Universal Waste Programs

Comprehensive universal waste service:

• Fluorescent lamp recycling (large quantities)

• Battery collection (UPS, emergency lighting, equipment)

• Mercury device collection

• Ballast disposal

Simplified compliance for these materials

Wastewater Treatment Residuals

Sludge disposal:

• Chemical precipitation sludge

• Oil-water separator sludge

• Clarifier sludge

• Dewatering coordination

• Characterization and testing

• Proper disposal

Coal Ash Disposal

CCR disposal services:

• Emergency ash disposal during outages

• Alternative disposal during CCR landfill closure

• Transport to approved CCR facilities

• Documentation and tracking

• Beneficial use coordination when possible

Laboratory Waste

Power plant lab disposal:

• Laboratory chemicals and reagents

• Expired materials

• Analytical waste

• Quality control samples

• Lab pack services

• Proper segregation

Plant Decommissioning Support

For plant closures:

• Complete waste inventory and removal

• Equipment decontamination

• Soil remediation coordination

• Tank cleaning and disposal

• Asbestos coordination (subcontract)

• Complete site cleanup

• Final documentation

Emergency Response

24/7 emergency services:

• Spills and releases

• Equipment failures

• Tank ruptures

• Fire or storm damage cleanup

• Regulatory inspection response

• Urgent disposal needs

Waste Characterization

Complete testing and analysis:

• TCLP testing for metals

• Ignitability testing

• Corrosivity (pH) testing

• PCB analysis

• Proper waste code determination

• Disposal pathway selection

Power Plant Disposal Costs

Cost Factors:

• Type of waste

• Volume and frequency

• Hazardous characteristics

• Disposal method required

• Transportation distance

• Regulatory requirements

Note: Power plant waste disposal costs are highly variable. Contact us for specific pricing.

Typical Ranges:

Maintenance Waste:

• Used oil: Often FREE recycling (non-PCB, clean)

• Contaminated oil: $2-$6 per gallon

• Solvents: $5-$15 per gallon

• Shop rags and absorbents: $150-$500 per drum

Treatment Chemicals:

• Boiler chemicals: $3-$10 per gallon

• Cooling water chemicals: $2-$8 per gallon

• Wastewater treatment sludge: $200-$800 per ton

PCB Materials:

• PCB transformer oil: $5-$20 per gallon

• PCB transformers (complete): $2,000-$20,000+ per unit

• PCB-contaminated materials: $300-$1,500 per drum

Universal Waste:

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

• Batteries: Varies by type, lead-acid often free

Coal Ash (when disposal needed):

• Fly ash: $20-$80 per ton

• Bottom ash: $20-$80 per ton

• FGD materials: $15-$60 per ton

• Prices vary greatly by location and disposal facility

Bulk Services:

• Tanker service: Starting at $500-$2,000 per load plus disposal

• Roll-off service: $500-$3,000 per load plus disposal

Annual contracts and volume pricing available

Call (800) 582-4833 for customized pricing for your power plant

Best Practices for Power Plant Waste Management

Waste Minimization

Reduce generation:

• Optimize water treatment to reduce blowdown

• Extend oil life through filtration and monitoring

• Proper chemical dosing to minimize waste

• Process improvements

• Equipment upgrades

• Better maintenance practices

Segregation

Keep waste streams separate:

• PCB separate from non-PCB oils

• Used oil separate from contaminated oil

• Solvents separate from aqueous waste

• Universal waste properly segregated

• Allows beneficial reuse of clean streams

• Reduces disposal costs

Beneficial Use Programs

Maximize beneficial use:

• Fly ash to concrete industry

• Bottom ash for structural fill

• FGD gypsum to wallboard manufacturers

• Reduces disposal costs

• Environmental benefits

• May generate revenue

Characterization

Proper waste characterization:

• Regular testing programs

• Generator knowledge documentation

• TCLP testing for questionable waste

• Proper waste code assignment

• Ensures appropriate disposal

Training

Employee training programs:

• Waste handling procedures

• Segregation requirements

• Container labeling

• Spill response

• Regulatory requirements

• Annual refresher training

Record Keeping

Maintain complete records:

• All manifests (3+ years minimum)

• Disposal certificates

• Testing results

• Training records

• Inspection reports

• Beneficial use documentation

Compliance Monitoring

Ongoing compliance:

• Regular facility inspections

• Container labeling checks

• Accumulation time monitoring

• Regulatory updates

• Permit compliance

• Audit preparedness

Common Power Plant Scenarios

Coal-Fired Plant - Regular Service

A 600 MW coal plant generates equipment maintenance waste, laboratory chemicals, and universal waste requiring monthly disposal. Coal ash goes to beneficial use or on-site CCR landfill. We provide monthly pickup of non-CCR hazardous waste.

Monthly waste: 500-2,000 gallons + materials
Monthly cost: $3,000-$8,000

Natural Gas Combined Cycle Plant

A 400 MW CCGT plant generates minimal hazardous waste - primarily maintenance materials, used oil, and universal waste. We provide quarterly pickup service.

Quarterly waste: 200-500 gallons + materials
Quarterly cost: $1,500-$4,000

PCB Transformer Removal

A power plant is removing 10 PCB transformers during equipment upgrades. We provide complete PCB testing, removal coordination, transportation, and TSCA-compliant disposal with full documentation.

Project cost: $30,000-$100,000 depending on transformer sizes

Cooling Tower Blowdown Treatment

A plant generates 50,000 gallons quarterly of cooling tower blowdown that cannot be discharged due to high metals and treatment chemical content. We provide tanker service for removal and disposal.

Quarterly volume: 50,000 gallons
Quarterly cost: $25,000-$60,000

Plant Decommissioning

A 200 MW coal plant is being decommissioned. We provide comprehensive waste removal including all maintenance waste, laboratory chemicals, oils, PCB materials, cleaning chemicals, and support for CCR closure. Project spans 12-18 months.

Total project cost: $500,000-$2,000,000+

Why Power Plants Choose Us

Industry Experience

Over 30 years serving power generation facilities. We understand your operations, regulations, and challenges.

Large-Scale Capabilities

Equipment and capacity to handle power plant waste volumes. Not overwhelmed by your quantities.

Regulatory Expertise

Complete understanding of RCRA, CCR Rule, TSCA, Clean Water Act, and state regulations affecting power plants.

Reliable Service

Dependable scheduled service. We understand that waste backup can impact operations.

Emergency Response

24/7 availability for spills, releases, and urgent situations. Rapid response capability.

Complete Documentation

All manifests, certificates, and records required for your compliance and audit files.

Beneficial Use Coordination

Help maximize beneficial use of materials when possible to reduce disposal costs.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Competitive pricing with volume discounts. We work to minimize your costs while maintaining full compliance.

Getting Started

Initial Assessment

We'll evaluate:

• Current waste streams and quantities

• Existing waste management practices

• Compliance status

• Opportunities for cost reduction

• Beneficial use possibilities

• Segregation and handling procedures

Service Setup

We provide:

• Appropriate containers for each waste type

• Proper labels and documentation

• Written procedures

• Training materials

• Service schedules

• Emergency contact information

Ongoing Partnership

We work with your team:

• Environmental staff

• Operations personnel

• Maintenance department

• Laboratory

• Management

• Regulatory compliance team

Get Started with Power Plant Waste Services

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

What to have ready:

• Facility name and location

• Type of power plant (coal, gas, nuclear, etc.)

• Megawatt capacity

• Types of waste generated

• Approximate monthly/annual quantities

• Current disposal practices

• Any special concerns or needs

We'll provide:

• Free consultation and assessment

• Customized service plan

• Competitive pricing

• Container and equipment recommendations

• Written proposal

• Service agreement

Services available:

• Regular scheduled pickup

• Bulk waste management

• PCB transformer disposal

• Used oil management

• Universal waste programs

• Wastewater treatment residuals

• Coal ash disposal

• Laboratory waste

• Plant decommissioning support

• Emergency response

• Waste characterization

• Multi-unit and multi-site service

• Annual contract pricing

Serving power generation facilities nationwide, since 1992 - comprehensive waste management services that keep your plant compliant and operating efficiently

Let us handle your waste management so you can focus on reliable power generation