Hazardous Waste Disposal in South Carolina
Professional Hazardous Waste Management Services Throughout South Carolina
Businesses and institutions across South Carolina generate hazardous waste that requires proper disposal to meet EPA and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) regulations. From automotive manufacturing to aerospace, proper hazardous waste management is essential for compliance, safety, and environmental protection. Hazardous Waste Disposal provides expert waste management services throughout the Palmetto State.
Call (800) 582-4833 for South Carolina hazardous waste disposal services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
Hazardous Waste Services Across South Carolina
We provide comprehensive hazardous waste disposal services to businesses, industries, institutions, and organizations throughout South Carolina. Our services cover all major metropolitan areas and regions across the state, ensuring South Carolina businesses have access to reliable, compliant waste management solutions.
Major Service Areas in South Carolina
Upstate (Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson): Comprehensive hazardous waste services for automotive manufacturers, aerospace suppliers, textile operations, healthcare facilities, universities, and commercial businesses in South Carolina's most industrialized region. This area is home to major manufacturing operations including BMW and extensive automotive supply chain.
Midlands (Columbia Metro): Hazardous waste management for state government facilities, Fort Jackson military installation, universities, healthcare institutions, manufacturers, and commercial businesses in South Carolina's capital region.
Lowcountry (Charleston Metro): Waste disposal services for Boeing aerospace operations, port facilities, military installations, healthcare facilities, universities, tourism operations, and commercial businesses in the coastal region.
Pee Dee Region: Services for manufacturers, agricultural operations, healthcare facilities, and businesses in Florence, Darlington, and northeastern South Carolina.
Grand Strand (Myrtle Beach Area): Hazardous waste management for tourism operations, hotels, golf courses, commercial businesses, and coastal operations.
Other Service Areas: We provide hazardous waste disposal services throughout all 46 counties in South Carolina, including Rock Hill, Sumter, Hilton Head Island, Aiken, and all communities statewide.
South Carolina Industries We Serve
South Carolina's diverse economy includes automotive manufacturing, aerospace, textiles, agriculture, healthcare, education, military, and tourism. We provide specialized hazardous waste management services to all major industries operating throughout the state.
Automotive Manufacturing Industry
South Carolina has emerged as a major automotive manufacturing center with world-class operations:
BMW Manufacturing Co. (Spartanburg/Greer) is BMW's largest manufacturing facility globally, producing:
X-series vehicles (X3, X4, X5, X6, X7)
Employing over 11,000 people
Extensive manufacturing operations
BMW Spartanburg generates:
Paint and coating waste (automotive painting operations)
Metal finishing wastes
Spent solvents and degreasers
Adhesives and sealants
Welding materials and waste
Equipment maintenance waste
Contaminated materials
Universal waste
Volvo Cars (Charleston/Ridgeville) manufactures:
S60 sedans
All-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles
Advanced automotive manufacturing
Volvo generates similar automotive manufacturing waste including paints, coatings, metal finishing waste, and process chemicals.
Mercedes-Benz Vans (Charleston/Ladson) produces:
Sprinter vans
Manufacturing and assembly operations
Automotive Supply Chain: South Carolina has attracted hundreds of automotive suppliers supporting BMW, Volvo, and other automotive operations, generating:
Parts manufacturing waste
Machining and metalworking waste
Coating and finishing waste
Assembly process materials
Maintenance waste
Automotive suppliers include:
ZF (multiple facilities) - transmission components
Bosch (multiple facilities) - automotive systems
Michelin North America (headquarters in Greenville, manufacturing facilities) - tire production
Continental - automotive components
Magna - automotive parts
Gestamp - metal components
Hundreds of other tier suppliers
The automotive industry generates:
Paint booth waste and overspray
Powder coating waste
E-coat (electrocoating) waste
Metal finishing wastes
Cutting fluids and metalworking oils
Spent solvents and degreasers
Adhesives and sealants
Welding flux and materials
Hydraulic fluids
Contaminated materials
Universal waste
Aerospace Industry
South Carolina has significant aerospace operations:
Boeing South Carolina (Charleston/North Charleston) manufactures:
787 Dreamliner aircraft (final assembly and delivery)
Employing thousands in aerospace manufacturing
Advanced composite manufacturing
Boeing generates:
Composite materials waste: Carbon fiber materials, epoxy resins, catalysts, prepreg materials
Specialized aerospace coatings: Primers, topcoats, sealants, adhesives
Solvents and cleaners: For composite work and aircraft assembly
Surface preparation chemicals: For aluminum and composite bonding
Paint booth waste: From aircraft painting operations
Equipment maintenance waste: From manufacturing equipment
Universal waste: Including specialized lighting and electronics
Aerospace Supply Chain: Numerous aerospace suppliers support Boeing and other aerospace operations:
Spirit AeroSystems
GE Aviation
Collins Aerospace
Various component manufacturers
The aerospace industry requires specialized waste management due to the advanced materials and stringent quality requirements.
Textile Industry
While much declined from historic levels, South Carolina maintains textile operations:
Historic Significance: South Carolina was historically a major textile manufacturing center with hundreds of mills.
Current Operations: Remaining textile operations include:
Yarn and fabric production
Synthetic fibers
Technical textiles
Carpet manufacturing
Textile finishing operations
Milliken & Company (Spartanburg headquarters) is a major textile and chemical company with operations generating:
Textile dyes and pigments
Chemical process waste
Finishing chemicals
Treatment chemicals
Textile operations generate:
Dyes and pigments
Finishing chemicals
Process chemicals
Solvents
Cleaning agents
Equipment maintenance waste
Wastewater treatment sludges (may be regulated)
Military Installations and Defense
South Carolina has significant military presence:
Charleston Air Force Base (North Charleston) includes:
437th Airlift Wing (C-17 Globemaster III operations)
Joint Base Charleston
Air Mobility Command operations
Generates aviation fuels, aircraft maintenance waste, hydraulic fluids, solvents, and military operations materials.
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (Beaufort) is one of two Marine Corps recruit training installations, generating:
Facilities maintenance waste
Vehicle maintenance waste
Training operations materials
Equipment maintenance waste
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort operates F/A-18 aircraft, generating:
Aviation fuels and petroleum products
Aircraft maintenance chemicals
Hydraulic fluids
Solvents and degreasers
Universal waste
Fort Jackson (Columbia) is a major Army training installation, generating:
Vehicle and equipment maintenance waste
Facilities operations waste
Training materials
Shaw Air Force Base (Sumter) operates F-16 aircraft, generating aviation-related waste.
Naval Weapons Station Charleston and other military facilities throughout the state generate various regulated materials.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
South Carolina's healthcare system includes major medical centers:
Major Healthcare Systems:
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health (Charleston) includes:
MUSC Medical Center
MUSC Children's Hospital
Hollings Cancer Center
Academic medical center with research programs
Prisma Health (statewide system) includes:
Greenville Memorial Hospital
Richland Hospital (Columbia)
Baptist hospitals
Extensive healthcare network
Bon Secours St. Francis Health System (Greenville)
McLeod Health (Florence and regional facilities)
AnMed Health (Anderson)
Roper St. Francis Healthcare (Charleston)
Lexington Medical Center
Numerous other hospitals and medical facilities throughout the state
Healthcare facilities generate:
Pharmaceutical waste
Chemical disinfectants and sterilants
Laboratory chemicals
Chemotherapy waste (requiring specialized handling)
Formaldehyde from pathology
Xylene and other staining chemicals
Mercury-containing equipment
Universal waste
Regulated medical waste (managed under separate protocols)
Universities and Research Institutions
South Carolina's universities generate significant laboratory waste:
Clemson University (Clemson) is a major research university and land-grant institution with:
College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences
College of Science
Research programs across multiple disciplines
Extensive laboratories and research facilities
University of South Carolina (Columbia, with campuses statewide) includes:
School of Medicine (Columbia and Greenville)
College of Engineering and Computing
College of Arts and Sciences
Research programs
Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston) has extensive biomedical research programs.
The Citadel (Charleston) - military college with science programs
College of Charleston (Charleston) - liberal arts with science programs
Coastal Carolina University (Conway)
Winthrop University (Rock Hill)
Furman University (Greenville)
Bob Jones University (Greenville)
South Carolina State University (Orangeburg) - land-grant HBCU
Numerous other colleges and universities
These institutions generate:
Laboratory chemicals and reagents
Research waste
Spent solvents
Acids and bases
Heavy metal-containing materials
Biological waste
Universal waste
Maintenance chemicals
Teaching laboratory waste
Chemical Manufacturing
South Carolina has chemical manufacturing operations:
Specialty chemicals
Industrial chemicals
Polymers and plastics
Chemical processing
Chemical manufacturers generate process waste, off-specification products, spent catalysts, and various chemical waste streams.
Agriculture and Agribusiness
South Carolina agriculture includes:
Poultry: Major broiler chicken production (South Carolina is significant poultry state)
Cotton: Historic crop, still significant
Soybeans: Major crop
Corn: Grain production
Peanuts: Southern South Carolina
Peaches: "South Carolina peaches" are renowned
Tobacco: Declining but historic crop
Forestry: Timber and pulpwood
Agricultural operations generate:
Pesticides and herbicides
Fertilizers
Veterinary pharmaceuticals (particularly from poultry operations)
Equipment maintenance waste
Fuel and petroleum products
Used oils and hydraulic fluids
Antifreeze
Batteries
Contaminated containers
Tourism and Hospitality Industry
South Carolina's massive tourism industry includes:
Myrtle Beach/Grand Strand: One of the nation's premier beach destinations with:
Hundreds of hotels and resorts
Golf courses (over 100 in the area)
Restaurants and entertainment venues
Attractions and amusement facilities
Hilton Head Island: Upscale resort destination with hotels, golf courses, and vacation facilities
Charleston: Historic tourism, hotels, restaurants, cultural attractions
Other Tourist Areas: State parks, beaches, golf courses throughout the state
Tourism operations generate:
Cleaning chemicals
Pool maintenance chemicals
Golf course maintenance chemicals (pesticides, fertilizers, equipment maintenance)
Kitchen chemicals and degreasers
Pest control chemicals
Paint and maintenance materials
Universal waste
Used cooking oil
Automotive and Transportation Services
Auto repair shops, dealerships, truck stops, fleet maintenance facilities, and transportation companies throughout South Carolina generate:
Used motor oil
Antifreeze
Spent solvents and degreasers
Brake fluids and transmission fluids
Contaminated absorbents
Used oil filters
Paint and body shop waste
Batteries
Aerosol cans
Commercial and Retail Operations
Commercial businesses throughout South Carolina generate:
Maintenance chemicals
Cleaning products
Pest control materials
Fluorescent bulbs and ballasts
Batteries
Electronic waste
Paint and coatings
Aerosol cans
Types of Hazardous Waste We Handle in South Carolina
We manage all categories of hazardous waste generated by South Carolina businesses and institutions.
Automotive Manufacturing Waste
Paint and Coating Waste: Automotive paints, primers, clearcoats, powder coatings, E-coat materials, paint booth waste, overspray, filters, and contaminated materials from automotive painting operations.
Metal Finishing Wastes: Electroplating solutions, metal cleaning wastes, phosphate coating waste, chromate conversion coating waste, and materials contaminated with heavy metals.
Metalworking Waste: Cutting fluids, coolants, machining oils, grinding waste, and metalworking materials.
Adhesives and Sealants: Bonding agents, sealants, and related materials from automotive assembly.
Aerospace Manufacturing Waste
Composite Materials Waste: Carbon fiber materials, epoxy resins, catalysts, prepreg materials, and composite manufacturing waste from aircraft production.
Aerospace Coatings: Specialized primers, topcoats, sealants, and protective coatings designed for aircraft applications.
Surface Preparation Chemicals: Materials for preparing aluminum and composite surfaces for bonding and coating.
Chemical Waste Disposal
Spent Solvents: Acetone, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, xylene, toluene, MEK, mineral spirits, paint thinners, cleaning solvents, and other spent solvents from manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, laboratory, and maintenance operations.
Acids and Bases: Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, chromic acid, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and other corrosive materials from manufacturing, metal finishing, laboratory work, and industrial processes.
Laboratory Chemicals: Reagents, standards, expired chemicals, reaction by-products, and waste from university research, hospital laboratories, quality control, and educational laboratories.
Paint and Coatings: Oil-based paints, lacquers, varnishes, stains, epoxies, urethanes, and coating materials from manufacturing, maintenance, automotive, and construction operations.
Textile Industry Waste
Dyes and Pigments: Textile dyes, printing dyes, and coloring agents.
Finishing Chemicals: Fabric finishing chemicals, treatment agents, and specialty chemicals.
Process Chemicals: Materials from textile manufacturing and processing.
Petroleum Products and Oils
Used Oil: Waste motor oil, hydraulic fluids, transmission fluids, gear oils, cutting oils, and other petroleum-based lubricants from vehicles, equipment, manufacturing machinery, and aerospace operations.
Contaminated Fuel: Off-specification fuels, contaminated gasoline or diesel, and aviation fuels that cannot be used.
Oily Waste: Oil/water mixtures, petroleum-contaminated solids, and tank bottoms.
Universal Waste Management
Fluorescent Bulbs and Lamps: Mercury-containing lamps from commercial, industrial, institutional, manufacturing, and tourism facilities.
Batteries: Lead-acid batteries, rechargeable batteries, and other battery types from vehicles, equipment, emergency lighting, and electronics.
Electronic Waste: Computers, monitors, electronics, and circuit boards.
Mercury-Containing Equipment: Thermostats, switches, thermometers, and gauges.
Agricultural Chemicals
Pesticides: Insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and pest control chemicals from agriculture and golf course operations.
Fertilizers: Certain fertilizers and soil amendments that may be regulated.
Veterinary Pharmaceuticals: Animal medications from poultry and livestock operations.
Industrial and Manufacturing Waste
Metal Finishing Wastes: Electroplating solutions, spent baths, metal cleaning wastes, and materials contaminated with heavy metals.
Process Waste: Waste from manufacturing operations and industrial processes.
Contaminated Materials: Rags, wipes, absorbents, PPE, filters, and materials contaminated with hazardous chemicals.
South Carolina Hazardous Waste Regulations
South Carolina businesses must comply with both federal EPA regulations and state-specific requirements administered by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
SC DHEC Bureau of Land and Waste Management
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), specifically its Bureau of Land and Waste Management, administers the hazardous waste program in South Carolina. South Carolina is authorized by EPA to implement the federal hazardous waste program.
Generator Categories and Requirements
Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs) generate 100 kilograms or less of hazardous waste per month. VSQGs have reduced requirements but must ensure proper disposal.
Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) generate between 100 and 1,000 kilograms per month and must:
Obtain EPA ID Number from SC DHEC
Comply with waste management standards
Accumulate waste for no more than 180 days (or 270 days if more than 200 miles from disposal facility)
Use proper containers and labeling
Train employees
Use manifests for transportation
Maintain records for three years
The 270-day accumulation extension is available for qualifying SQGs.
Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) generate 1,000 kilograms or more per month and have the most stringent requirements including 90-day accumulation limits, contingency plans, personnel training, and biennial reporting.
South Carolina-Specific Requirements
South Carolina has specific requirements including:
State notification and reporting requirements
Fees for hazardous waste program activities
Integration with other state environmental programs
Specific requirements for certain waste types
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violations can result in civil penalties up to $25,000 per day per violation, criminal penalties for knowing violations, and corrective action orders. SC DHEC actively enforces hazardous waste regulations.
Our South Carolina Hazardous Waste Disposal Process
We provide streamlined, compliant hazardous waste management services throughout South Carolina.
Complete Service Process
Initial Consultation - Discuss waste management needs
Waste Characterization - Assist with proper identification and coding
Service Proposal - Provide transparent pricing and recommendations
Waste Packaging - Guide proper containerization and labeling
Waste Pickup - Coordinate transportation with licensed carriers
Waste Disposal - Ensure proper treatment at permitted facilities
Documentation - Provide manifests, certificates, and compliance records
Ongoing Support - Regular service and compliance assistance
Benefits of Working With Hazardous Waste Disposal in South Carolina
Regulatory Expertise
Our team stays current with EPA and SC DHEC requirements to ensure compliance.
Comprehensive Service Network
We have partnerships throughout South Carolina allowing us to serve clients from Greenville to Charleston, Myrtle Beach to Columbia, and everywhere in between.
Industry Experience
With operations since 1992, we understand the specific needs of:
Automotive manufacturers (BMW, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, suppliers)
Aerospace operations (Boeing, suppliers)
Healthcare facilities
Universities and research institutions
Textile operations
Military installations
Tourism operations
All other South Carolina industries
Transparent Pricing
Clear, competitive pricing with no hidden fees.
Safety First
We prioritize safety in all waste management activities.
Environmental Responsibility
Proper waste management protects South Carolina's environment including rivers, coastal waters, and natural areas.
Best Practices for South Carolina Hazardous Waste Generators
Maintain Proper Container Management
Use appropriate, compatible containers
Keep containers closed except when adding waste
Label properly with accumulation dates
Store with secondary containment where required
Inspect regularly
Implement Employee Training
Initial training for new employees
Annual refresher training
Document all training
Include emergency procedures
Provide role-specific training
Manage Accumulation Time Limits
Track time limits carefully (180/270 days for SQGs, 90 days for LQGs)
Mark accumulation start dates clearly
Schedule pickup before limits expire
Maintain documentation
Conduct Regular Inspections
Weekly inspections of accumulation areas
Use inspection checklists
Document findings
Correct deficiencies promptly
Minimize Waste Generation
Purchase only needed quantities
Use less hazardous alternatives
Implement process improvements
Recycle when appropriate
Track generation for reduction opportunities
Prepare for Inspections
Keep all required records organized
Ensure facilities are in compliance
Designate knowledgeable staff
Address violations promptly
Plan for Emergencies
Develop spill response procedures
Maintain spill response equipment
Train employees on emergency procedures
Post emergency contact information
Coordinate with local emergency responders
Maintain Required Records
EPA ID Number documentation
Hazardous waste determinations
Manifests (at least three years)
Training records
Inspection logs
Required reports to SC DHEC
Biennial reports (LQGs)
Geographic and Climate Considerations
Diverse Geography
Upstate: Piedmont region, rolling hills, industrial concentration
Midlands: Central region, state capital
Lowcountry: Coastal plain, Charleston area
Coast: Atlantic Ocean, beaches, ports
Climate Impacts
Hot, humid summers
Mild winters
Hurricane season (coastal vulnerability)
High humidity affecting storage
Tropical storm potential
Environmental Protection
Coastal waters and estuaries
Rivers and watersheds
Groundwater resources
Beaches and marine environment
Common South Carolina Hazardous Waste Questions
Q: How do I get an EPA ID Number in South Carolina? A: Contact SC DHEC's Bureau of Land and Waste Management or use EPA's online system.
Q: Can I qualify for the 270-day accumulation extension? A: Yes, if your SQG facility is more than 200 miles from the disposal facility.
Q: How do automotive manufacturers manage paint booth waste? A: Paint booth waste including overspray, filters, and contaminated materials must be properly characterized and managed as hazardous waste. We provide specialized services for automotive painting operations.
Q: What should I do if I have a spill? A: Contain if safe, protect personnel, evacuate if necessary. For reportable releases, contact the National Response Center (1-800-424-8802) and SC DHEC Emergency Response (1-888-481-0125).
Q: How long must I keep records? A: Manifests and hazardous waste records must be kept for at least three years.
Q: What are penalties for violations? A: Civil penalties up to $25,000 per day per violation, plus federal penalties. Compliance is always more cost-effective.
Industries With Specialized Needs
Automotive Manufacturing
Paint booth waste management
Metal finishing waste disposal
Composite materials (for electric vehicles)
High-volume coordination
Just-in-time waste services
Aerospace Operations
Composite materials waste
Specialized coatings disposal
Aviation chemicals
Aerospace-grade solvents
Military Installations
Aviation fuels and chemicals
Vehicle maintenance waste
Weapons system materials
DOD compliance requirements
Tourism and Golf Courses
Pool chemical management
Golf course pesticide disposal
Hotel maintenance waste
Seasonal service flexibility
Contact Hazardous Waste Disposal for South Carolina Services
Whether you're in Greenville, Spartanburg, Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or anywhere in South Carolina, we provide professional hazardous waste management services.
Phone: (800) 582-4833
Email: info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
Website: www.hazardouswastedisposal.com
Contact us for waste assessments, regulatory compliance guidance, scheduled pickup services, one-time cleanouts, emergency response, container supply, training support, and all hazardous and universal waste types.
Why Choose Hazardous Waste Disposal
Experience: Over 30 years since 1992
Compliance: Ensure all EPA and SC DHEC requirements are met
Nationwide Network: Serve clients throughout South Carolina and across the U.S.
Industry Knowledge: Understand automotive, aerospace, healthcare, universities, military, tourism, and all industries
Responsive Service: Prompt, professional responses
Transparent Pricing: Clear pricing with no hidden fees
Safety Focus: Prioritize safety in all operations
Environmental Protection: Committed to protecting South Carolina's environment
Let us handle your hazardous waste management so you can focus on your business. Contact us today at (800) 582-4833 or info@hazardouswastedisposal.com.