Hazardous Waste Disposal in South Dakota
Professional Hazardous Waste Management Services Throughout South Dakota
Businesses and institutions across South Dakota generate hazardous waste that requires proper disposal to meet EPA and South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) regulations. From agriculture to defense installations, proper hazardous waste management is essential for compliance, safety, and environmental protection. Hazardous Waste Disposal provides expert waste management services throughout the Mount Rushmore State.
Call (800) 582-4833 for South Dakota hazardous waste disposal services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
Hazardous Waste Services Across South Dakota
We provide comprehensive hazardous waste disposal services to businesses, industries, institutions, and organizations throughout South Dakota. Our services cover all major cities and regions across the state, ensuring South Dakota businesses have access to reliable, compliant waste management solutions.
Major Service Areas in South Dakota
Sioux Falls Metro Area: Comprehensive hazardous waste services for businesses, manufacturers, healthcare facilities, financial institutions, and commercial operations in South Dakota's largest city. Sioux Falls is the state's economic center with diverse industries.
Rapid City Area: Hazardous waste management for tourism support businesses, Ellsworth Air Force Base operations, healthcare facilities, manufacturers, and commercial businesses in Western South Dakota. Rapid City serves as the gateway to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore.
Aberdeen Region: Services for agricultural operations, manufacturers, healthcare facilities, and businesses in Northeastern South Dakota.
Brookings Area: Waste disposal for South Dakota State University, manufacturers, agricultural operations, and commercial businesses.
Watertown Region: Hazardous waste services for manufacturers, agricultural operations, and businesses in Eastern South Dakota.
Pierre Area: Services for state government facilities and businesses in the state capital.
Mitchell Region: Waste management for agricultural operations, ethanol production, and commercial businesses in Southeastern South Dakota.
Other Service Areas: We provide hazardous waste disposal services throughout all 66 counties in South Dakota, including Yankton, Huron, Vermillion, Spearfish, Sturgis, and all communities statewide.
South Dakota Industries We Serve
South Dakota's economy is heavily influenced by agriculture, food processing, tourism, defense, healthcare, and financial services. We provide specialized hazardous waste management services to all major industries operating throughout the state.
Agriculture and Agribusiness
Agriculture is fundamental to South Dakota's economy and identity. South Dakota is a major agricultural state producing:
Corn: South Dakota ranks among the top corn-producing states nationally with millions of acres planted. Corn is used for grain, silage, and ethanol production.
Soybeans: Major soybean production throughout eastern South Dakota.
Wheat: Significant wheat production, particularly spring wheat and winter wheat.
Cattle: South Dakota has one of the largest cattle inventories in the United States with extensive:
Cow-calf operations
Cattle ranching (particularly in western South Dakota)
Feedlot operations
Beef production
Hogs: Significant swine production operations.
Dairy: Dairy farming operations throughout the state.
Other Crops: Hay, sunflowers, oats, barley, and various other agricultural products.
Agricultural operations generate:
Pesticides and Herbicides: Large volumes of agricultural chemicals for crop production including herbicides for weed control, insecticides for pest management, and fungicides
Fertilizers: Crop nutrients and soil amendments
Veterinary Pharmaceuticals: Medications for cattle, hogs, dairy cattle, and other livestock including antibiotics, vaccines, parasiticides, and health products
Equipment Maintenance Waste: From tractors, combines, grain dryers, irrigation equipment, and agricultural machinery
Fuel and Petroleum Products: Diesel fuel, gasoline, and petroleum products for agricultural equipment
Used Motor Oil and Hydraulic Fluids: From agricultural equipment maintenance
Antifreeze: From equipment cooling systems
Batteries: From tractors, trucks, and equipment
Contaminated Containers: Pesticide containers, chemical containers, and rinse water
South Dakota agriculture operates on significant scale with many large farming operations requiring professional waste management services.
Food Processing Industry
South Dakota has substantial food processing operations closely tied to agriculture:
Meat Processing: South Dakota has significant meat processing including:
Beef processing plants
Pork processing facilities
Poultry processing
Meat packing operations
Smithfield Foods and other major processors operate facilities generating:
Cleaning chemicals and sanitizers
Refrigeration system chemicals (ammonia systems in many facilities)
Laboratory chemicals for quality control
Equipment maintenance waste
Process chemicals
Wastewater treatment chemicals
Ethanol Production: South Dakota has numerous ethanol plants processing corn into fuel ethanol. The state is a significant ethanol producer. Ethanol plants generate:
Process chemicals
Cleaning agents
Equipment maintenance waste
Laboratory chemicals
Boiler chemicals
Dairy Processing: Milk processing, cheese production, and dairy product manufacturing generating cleaning chemicals, sanitizers, and process chemicals.
Grain Processing: Grain milling, flour production, and other grain processing operations.
Food processing generates:
Cleaning chemicals and sanitizers (large volumes for food safety)
Refrigeration system waste
Laboratory chemicals
Equipment maintenance waste
Process chemicals
Boiler treatment chemicals
Ellsworth Air Force Base and Defense
Ellsworth Air Force Base (near Rapid City) is a major Air Force installation and significant economic driver for Western South Dakota:
28th Bomb Wing: Ellsworth is home to the B-1B Lancer bomber force, one of the Air Force's primary strategic bomber assets.
Mission: Strategic bombing, global strike capability, and various Air Force missions.
Economic Impact: Major employer in the Black Hills region with thousands of military and civilian personnel.
Ellsworth AFB generates:
Jet Fuel and Aviation Products: JP-8 and aviation fuels, aviation oils and lubricants
Aircraft Maintenance Waste: Hydraulic fluids, solvents and degreasers, paint stripping chemicals, aircraft cleaning agents, specialty aerospace chemicals
Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance Waste: Used motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluids, transmission fluids, spent solvents
Paint and Coating Waste: Aircraft paints, primers, protective coatings, facility maintenance paints
Universal Waste: Batteries, fluorescent bulbs, electronics, mercury-containing equipment
Various Military Operations Materials: Chemicals and materials specific to military operations
We work with contractors and vendors serving military installations to ensure proper waste management under both DOD and EPA regulations.
Mining Industry
South Dakota has historic and ongoing mining operations:
Gold Mining: The Black Hills region has rich gold mining history:
Homestake Mine (Lead) - historic deep underground gold mine, now closed but site of underground research facility
Ongoing exploration and small-scale operations
Legacy mine cleanup and environmental remediation
Other Minerals:
Limestone quarrying
Granite quarrying (including for Mount Rushmore)
Sand and gravel operations
Bentonite mining
Mining operations (active and legacy cleanup) generate:
Acids used in ore processing
Heavy metal-containing waste
Equipment maintenance waste
Used oils and lubricants
Hydraulic fluids
Solvents and degreasers
Explosives residues
Laboratory chemicals from ore analysis
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
South Dakota's healthcare system includes:
Major Healthcare Systems:
Sanford Health - major healthcare provider with:
Sanford USD Medical Center (Sioux Falls) - largest hospital in the state
Facilities throughout South Dakota
Regional referral center
Avera Health - extensive network including:
Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center (Sioux Falls)
Facilities throughout South Dakota and region
Monument Health (Rapid City area) - Western South Dakota healthcare
Brookings Health System
Watertown Regional Medical Center
Various regional hospitals and critical access hospitals 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 Educational Institutions
South Dakota's universities generate laboratory waste:
South Dakota State University (Brookings) is South Dakota's land-grant university with:
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
College of Engineering
College of Natural Sciences
Research programs in agriculture, engineering, and sciences
Agricultural experiment stations
SDSU generates laboratory chemicals, agricultural research waste, engineering research materials, and maintenance waste.
University of South Dakota (Vermillion) has:
Sanford School of Medicine
Sciences programs
Research activities
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (Rapid City) specializes in:
Engineering
Mining engineering
Geological sciences
Materials science
Research programs
Black Hills State University (Spearfish)
Dakota State University (Madison) - technology focus
Northern State University (Aberdeen)
These institutions generate:
Laboratory chemicals and reagents
Research waste
Spent solvents
Acids and bases
Heavy metal-containing materials
Biological waste
Universal waste
Maintenance chemicals
Tourism Industry
South Dakota's tourism industry is significant, particularly in the Black Hills:
Mount Rushmore National Memorial - iconic landmark attracting millions of visitors annually
Badlands National Park - geological wonder
Custer State Park - large state park with wildlife
Crazy Horse Memorial - ongoing mountain carving project
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally - massive annual event bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors
Deadwood - historic gaming and tourism
Numerous hotels, restaurants, attractions, campgrounds, and tourism businesses
Tourism operations generate:
Cleaning chemicals
Pool maintenance chemicals (at properties with pools)
Kitchen chemicals and degreasers
Pest control chemicals
Paint and maintenance materials
Universal waste
Used cooking oil
Equipment maintenance waste
Financial Services
Sioux Falls is a major center for financial services, particularly credit card operations:
Citibank (major operations)
Wells Fargo (credit card operations)
Various other financial institutions
Financial services operations generate:
Electronic waste from data centers and operations
Universal waste
Maintenance chemicals
Cleaning products
Automotive and Transportation Services
Auto repair shops, dealerships, truck stops, fleet maintenance facilities, and transportation companies throughout South Dakota generate:
Used motor oil (high volumes from agricultural and commercial fleets)
Antifreeze
Spent solvents and degreasers
Brake fluids and transmission fluids
Contaminated absorbents
Used oil filters
Paint and body shop waste
Batteries
Aerosol cans
Agricultural equipment maintenance generates significant volumes of automotive-type waste.
Commercial and Retail Operations
Commercial businesses throughout South Dakota 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 Dakota
We manage all categories of hazardous waste generated by South Dakota businesses and institutions.
Chemical Waste Disposal
Spent Solvents: Acetone, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, xylene, toluene, MEK, mineral spirits, paint thinners, cleaning solvents, and other spent solvents from agricultural operations, food processing, military operations, laboratory work, and maintenance activities.
Acids and Bases: Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and other corrosive materials from food processing, mining, laboratory work, and industrial processes.
Laboratory Chemicals: Reagents, standards, expired chemicals, reaction by-products, and waste from university research, hospital laboratories, food processing quality control, and educational laboratories.
Paint and Coatings: Oil-based paints, lacquers, varnishes, stains, epoxies, urethanes, aircraft paints, and coating materials from military operations, maintenance, automotive, and construction activities.
Agricultural Chemicals
Pesticides: Insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, and other pest control chemicals including both concentrate products and diluted application mixtures, as well as contaminated containers and rinse water. South Dakota agriculture uses large volumes of agricultural chemicals for extensive crop production.
Fertilizers: Certain fertilizers and soil amendments that may be regulated depending on composition and contamination.
Veterinary Pharmaceuticals: Animal medications and veterinary chemicals from cattle operations, hog production, dairy farms, and other livestock operations. South Dakota's large cattle inventory generates significant volumes of veterinary pharmaceutical waste.
Food Processing Waste
Cleaning Chemicals: Industrial cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants from meat processing, ethanol production, and food manufacturing.
Refrigeration Chemicals: Ammonia and other refrigerants from meat processing and cold storage facilities.
Process Chemicals: Various chemicals used in food processing operations.
Petroleum Products and Oils
Used Oil: Waste motor oil, hydraulic fluids, transmission fluids, gear oils, and other petroleum-based lubricants from agricultural equipment, vehicles, military operations, and industrial machinery. South Dakota generates significant used oil from extensive agricultural equipment operations.
Contaminated Fuel: Off-specification fuels, contaminated gasoline or diesel, aviation fuels, and other petroleum products.
Oily Waste: Oil/water mixtures, petroleum-contaminated solids, and tank bottoms.
Military and Aviation Waste
Jet Fuel Products: Waste aviation fuels and aviation petroleum products from Ellsworth AFB.
Aircraft Maintenance Chemicals: Hydraulic fluids, solvents, degreasers, and specialty aerospace chemicals.
Military Operations Materials: Various chemicals and materials from defense operations.
Universal Waste Management
Fluorescent Bulbs and Lamps: Linear fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent bulbs, high-intensity discharge lamps, and other mercury-containing lamps from commercial, industrial, agricultural, military, and institutional facilities.
Batteries: Lead-acid batteries (large volumes from agricultural equipment and vehicles), nickel-cadmium batteries, lithium batteries, and other battery types from equipment, emergency lighting, and electronics.
Electronic Waste: Computers, monitors, televisions, printers, circuit boards, and other electronic equipment from financial services, businesses, and institutions.
Mercury-Containing Equipment: Thermostats, switches, thermometers, gauges, and other devices containing elemental mercury.
Industrial and Manufacturing Waste
Metal Finishing Wastes: Metal cleaning wastes and materials from manufacturing operations.
Process Waste: Waste from food processing, ethanol production, and various industrial processes.
Contaminated Materials: Rags, wipes, absorbents, personal protective equipment, filters, and materials contaminated with hazardous chemicals.
South Dakota Hazardous Waste Regulations
South Dakota businesses must comply with both federal EPA regulations and state-specific requirements administered by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).
SD DANR Waste Management Program
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), specifically its Waste Management Program, administers the hazardous waste program in South Dakota. South Dakota 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 SD DANR
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 commonly available for South Dakota SQGs since much of the state is more than 200 miles from hazardous waste treatment facilities. Proper documentation of distance is required.
Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) generate 1,000 kilograms or more per month and have stringent requirements including 90-day accumulation limits, contingency plans, personnel training, and biennial reporting.
Satellite Accumulation
Generators may accumulate up to 55 gallons of hazardous waste or 1 quart of acutely hazardous waste at or near the point of generation before accumulation time limits begin. Containers must be kept closed, in good condition, compatible with waste, properly marked, and under operator control. Once full, containers must be moved to central accumulation within three days.
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. SD DANR enforces hazardous waste regulations.
Our South Dakota Hazardous Waste Disposal Process
We provide streamlined, compliant hazardous waste management services throughout South Dakota.
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 Dakota
Regulatory Expertise
Our team stays current with EPA and SD DANR requirements to ensure compliance.
Comprehensive Service Network
We have partnerships throughout South Dakota allowing us to serve clients from Sioux Falls to Rapid City, Aberdeen to the southern border.
Industry Experience
With operations since 1992, we understand the specific needs of:
Agricultural operations (large-scale farming and ranching)
Food processing (meat processing, ethanol production)
Military installations (Ellsworth AFB)
Healthcare facilities
Universities and research institutions
Tourism operations
All other South Dakota 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 Dakota's environment including the Missouri River, Black Hills, Badlands, prairie grasslands, and groundwater resources.
Best Practices for South Dakota Hazardous Waste Generators
Account for Remote Locations
Many South Dakota facilities are in rural areas:
Plan ahead for waste pickup given distances
Most facilities qualify for 270-day extension
Consolidate shipments when cost-effective
Maintain adequate storage capacity
Build relationships with reliable service providers
Maintain Proper Container Management
Use appropriate containers, keep closed except when adding waste, label properly, mark accumulation dates, store appropriately, and inspect regularly. Consider climate impacts on containers.
Implement Employee Training
Provide initial and annual refresher training, document training, include emergency procedures, and provide role-specific training.
Manage Accumulation Time Limits
Track time limits carefully, mark accumulation start dates, schedule pickup before limits expire, and maintain documentation. Most SQGs in South Dakota can use the 270-day extension.
Minimize Waste Generation
Purchase only needed quantities, use less hazardous alternatives, implement process improvements, recycle when appropriate, and track generation.
Prepare for Inspections
Keep records organized, ensure compliance, designate knowledgeable staff, address violations promptly, and maintain professional relationships with regulators.
Plan for Seasonal Variations
South Dakota agriculture has seasonal patterns:
Higher pesticide use during growing season
Equipment maintenance during off-season
Plan waste management around agricultural schedules
Geographic and Climate Considerations
Diverse Geography
Eastern South Dakota: Prairie, agricultural land, more populated
Western South Dakota: Black Hills, Badlands, ranching country, less populated
Missouri River: Divides the state, major water resource
Extreme Continental Climate
South Dakota has one of the most extreme climates:
Severe winters: Bitter cold, heavy snow in some areas, wind chill extremes
Hot summers: High temperatures, occasional extreme heat
Temperature range: Can exceed 100°F range annually in some locations
Low precipitation: Semi-arid in western regions
Severe weather: Tornadoes, blizzards, ice storms, hail
Climate impacts:
Cold weather affects container storage and materials
Heated storage often necessary in winter
Outdoor operations limited in extreme weather
Transportation affected by winter conditions
Planning for seasonal variations
Water Resource Protection
South Dakota's water resources:
Missouri River
Big Sioux River
James River
Numerous lakes and reservoirs
Ogallala Aquifer (western South Dakota)
Other groundwater aquifers
Proper hazardous waste management protects these resources.
Remote and Rural Nature
South Dakota has low population density:
Many facilities distant from services
Transportation distances significant
270-day extension commonly applicable
Emergency response may take longer
Planning and coordination important
Common South Dakota Hazardous Waste Questions
Q: How do I get an EPA ID Number in South Dakota? A: Contact SD DANR's Waste Management Program or use EPA's online system at epa.gov/hwgenerators.
Q: Can I qualify for the 270-day accumulation extension? A: Most South Dakota facilities qualify since disposal facilities are typically more than 200 miles away. Document the distance to your treatment facility.
Q: How do I handle large volumes of veterinary pharmaceuticals from cattle operations? A: Veterinary pharmaceuticals are hazardous waste and must be properly managed. We provide services for livestock operations with large volumes of animal medication waste.
Q: What about pesticide containers from agricultural operations? A: Triple-rinsed or pressure-washed pesticide containers that meet EPA's "empty container" requirements may not be hazardous waste. Non-rinsed containers are hazardous waste. Many agricultural chemical suppliers offer container recycling programs.
Q: How does winter weather affect hazardous waste management? A: Extreme cold can affect container integrity and waste characteristics. Indoor storage is often necessary. Plan ahead for potential weather delays in transportation.
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 SD DANR (605-773-3153).
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
Agricultural Operations
Large-scale farming and ranching requires:
Pesticide and veterinary pharmaceutical management
Equipment maintenance waste handling
Seasonal service coordination
Understanding of agricultural operations
Rural service availability
Food Processing
Meat processing and ethanol plants need:
Large-volume cleaning chemical management
Ammonia refrigeration system compliance
Process waste handling
Quality control laboratory waste
Military Installation
Ellsworth AFB requires:
Aviation fuel and chemical management
Aircraft maintenance waste
DOD compliance requirements
Security protocols
Contact Hazardous Waste Disposal for South Dakota Services
Whether you're in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, or anywhere in South Dakota, 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 SD DANR requirements are met
Nationwide Network: Serve clients throughout South Dakota and across the U.S.
Industry Knowledge: Understand agriculture, food processing, military, healthcare, universities, 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 Dakota'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.