Wastewater & Contaminated Liquids Disposal Services
Industrial Wastewater Treatment & Disposal for Businesses Nationwide
Industrial wastewater and contaminated liquids require specialized treatment and disposal to comply with EPA regulations and protect water resources. From manufacturing process water to contaminated rinse solutions, Hazardous Waste Disposal provides expert wastewater disposal services for industries nationwide.
Call (800) 582-4833 for wastewater disposal services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
What is Industrial Wastewater?
Industrial wastewater includes any water-based liquid contaminated through industrial processes, operations, or contact with hazardous materials. These liquids cannot be discharged to municipal sewers or waterways without treatment and require specialized disposal methods.
Common Types:
Process wastewater from manufacturing
Equipment cleaning and rinse water
Parts washer water
Floor wash and cleanup water
Contaminated stormwater
Tank and vessel cleanout water
Cooling tower blowdown
Boiler blowdown
Oily water separator contents
Paint booth water
Metal finishing rinse water
Laboratory wastewater
Why Proper Disposal is Required:
Clean Water Act regulations
EPA pretreatment standards
Municipal sewer discharge prohibitions
Toxic pollutant limits
Heavy metal restrictions
pH requirements
Environmental protection
Permit violations can result in severe penalties
Types of Contaminated Liquids We Handle
Petroleum-Contaminated Water
Oil/Water Mixtures:
Parts washer water
Equipment wash water
Floor wash water
Parking lot runoff
Garage floor drains
Service station water
Oily water separator contents
Contaminants: Used oil, hydraulic oil, grease, gasoline, diesel
Typical Sources: Auto shops, manufacturing, transportation facilities
Metal-Contaminated Wastewater
Heavy Metal Solutions:
Electroplating rinse water
Metal finishing wastewater
Pickling solutions
Passivation rinse water
Anodizing wastewater
Chrome plating rinse water
Nickel plating solutions
Contaminants: Chromium, nickel, zinc, cadmium, lead, copper, silver
Typical Sources: Metal finishing shops, plating facilities, manufacturing
Regulations: Subject to strict discharge limits due to toxicity
Solvent-Contaminated Water
Mixed Solvent/Water:
Parts washer with water-soluble solvents
Degreasing wastewater
Equipment cleaning water
Paint booth water
Surface preparation rinse water
Contaminants: Mineral spirits, acetone, MEK, toluene, alcohols
Typical Sources: Manufacturing, painting operations, maintenance facilities
Paint & Coating Wastewater
Paint-Contaminated Water:
Spray booth water
Paint equipment wash water
Powder coating wastewater
Screen printing wastewater
Ink wash water
Contaminants: Paint solids, pigments, resins, solvents, heavy metals
Typical Sources: Auto body shops, industrial painting, printing facilities
Coolant & Cutting Fluid Waste
Metalworking Fluids:
Spent coolant
Cutting oil emulsions
Grinding fluid
Machining coolant
Contaminated cutting fluids
Contaminants: Petroleum products, metalworking additives, tramp oils, metal fines
Typical Sources: Machine shops, manufacturing facilities
Chemical Process Wastewater
Manufacturing Process Water:
Batch reactor washout
Equipment cleaning water
Process equipment rinse water
Spill cleanup water
Production area washdown
Contaminants: Varies by process - acids, bases, organics, metals
Typical Sources: Chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical production
Laboratory Wastewater
Lab Sink Waste:
Analytical equipment rinse water
Glassware wash water
Buffer solutions
Dilute acids and bases
Sample preparation waste
Contaminants: Various chemicals at low concentrations
Typical Sources: Laboratories, research facilities, hospitals
Cooling Tower & Boiler Water
HVAC System Water:
Cooling tower blowdown
Boiler blowdown
Closed-loop system water
Chiller water
Contaminants: Treatment chemicals, corrosion inhibitors, biocides, minerals
Typical Sources: Industrial facilities, commercial buildings, power plants
Contaminated Stormwater
Runoff Water:
Industrial yard runoff
Loading dock runoff
Equipment storage area runoff
Parking area stormwater
Spill-contaminated rainwater
Contaminants: Oils, metals, chemicals from industrial operations
Regulations: Subject to NPDES stormwater permits
Industries That Generate Industrial Wastewater
Manufacturing
Metal fabrication
Plastics manufacturing
Chemical production
Food processing
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Electronics assembly
Automotive
Auto repair and service
Auto body and paint shops
Car dealerships
Fleet maintenance
Truck repair facilities
Metal Finishing
Electroplating facilities
Anodizing operations
Powder coating shops
Metal treatment facilities
Jewelry manufacturing
Printing & Graphics
Commercial printing
Screen printing
Flexographic printing
Gravure printing
Sign manufacturing
Maintenance Operations
Industrial maintenance facilities
Building maintenance
Equipment repair shops
Aviation maintenance
Marine vessel maintenance
Other Industries
Laboratories (industrial, medical, academic)
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Power generation
Mining and extraction
Construction equipment operations
Wastewater Regulations
Federal Clean Water Act
Key Provisions:
Prohibits discharge of pollutants to waters without permit
Establishes pretreatment standards for industrial discharges to POTWs
Sets technology-based effluent limits
Defines priority pollutants
NPDES Permits:
Required for direct discharge to waterways
Stormwater discharge permits
Numeric discharge limits
Monitoring and reporting requirements
Pretreatment Standards:
Categorical standards by industry
Local limits set by POTWs (municipal treatment plants)
Prohibited discharge standards
Monitoring requirements
EPA Hazardous Waste Rules
Wastewater may be hazardous waste if:
Contains listed hazardous wastes
Exhibits hazardous characteristics (ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic)
Fails TCLP testing for heavy metals or organics
Contains F-listed or K-listed waste codes
Generator Requirements:
Determine if wastewater is hazardous
Obtain EPA ID number if SQG or LQG
Follow accumulation time limits
Use proper manifests for disposal
Maintain records
Local Sewer Discharge Limits
Typical Prohibited Discharges:
pH outside 5.0-11.0 range
Oil and grease exceeding limits
Heavy metals above local limits
Flammable or explosive materials
Toxic pollutants at harmful levels
Materials that cause interference
Consequences of Violations:
Fines and penalties ($10,000-$50,000+ per violation)
Permit revocation
Facility closure
Criminal prosecution for knowing violations
Cleanup costs
State Requirements
States often have stricter standards than federal:
California - stringent water quality standards
Texas - industrial wastewater permits
Florida - groundwater protection rules
New York - additional discharge requirements
Our Wastewater Disposal Services
Containerized Wastewater Collection
For smaller quantities:
We provide DOT-approved drums (30, 55-gallon)
Pickup on your schedule (weekly, monthly, quarterly)
All transportation and disposal included
Complete manifests and documentation
Best for:
Facilities generating <500 gallons/month
Batch processes
Periodic equipment cleanout
Small manufacturers
Bulk Liquid Collection
For larger volumes:
Tanker truck service
Pump-out of tanks, sumps, and separators
Direct loading from your equipment
Scheduled or on-call service
Best for:
High-volume generators
Ongoing process wastewater
Tank cleanouts
Large accumulations
Wastewater Characterization
We provide:
Sampling and analysis
EPA waste code determination
TCLP testing if needed
Process knowledge documentation
Proper classification for disposal
Why it's important:
Determines disposal method
Ensures regulatory compliance
Affects disposal cost
Required for proper manifesting
Treatment & Disposal Coordination
Disposal Methods:
Permitted industrial wastewater treatment facilities
Incineration (for certain organic-laden wastewater)
Fuel blending (for high-BTU water)
Solidification/stabilization (for metal-laden water)
Recycling when possible
We handle:
Selection of appropriate disposal facility
Transportation logistics
All regulatory documentation
Disposal certification
Emergency Services
24/7 availability for:
Spills and releases
Tank overflows
Process upsets
Regulatory inspections
Urgent compliance needs
Tank & Sump Cleanout
Complete cleanout services:
Pump-out of underground and above-ground tanks
Oil/water separator cleaning
Grease trap service
Sump cleaning
Equipment decontamination
Proper Storage & Handling
Storage Containers
Appropriate containers:
DOT-approved steel or poly drums
IBCs (intermediate bulk containers)
Dedicated storage tanks
Compatible with waste characteristics
Requirements:
Good condition, no leaks
Properly sealed
Correct capacity
Secondary containment if needed
Labeling Requirements
All containers must be labeled:
"Wastewater" or "Contaminated Water"
Description of contamination
EPA waste codes if hazardous
Accumulation start date
Generator information
Hazard warnings (Corrosive, Toxic, etc.)
Secondary Containment
Required for:
Quantities >55 gallons
Storage near drains or waterways
Indoor storage in some cases
Per local regulations
Specifications:
Capacity of 110% largest container
Impermeable to stored liquid
No drains
Protected from weather if outdoor
Accumulation Time Limits
If wastewater is hazardous waste:
LQG: 90 days maximum
SQG: 180 days (270 if >200 miles to disposal)
VSQG: Can accumulate up to 2,200 lbs (about 275 gallons)
Best practice: Don't let wastewater sit - schedule regular pickup
Wastewater Disposal Costs
Cost Factors:
Type and level of contamination
Volume generated
Required disposal method
Testing/characterization needs
Transportation distance
Pickup frequency
Service type (drums vs. bulk)
Typical Cost Ranges:
Lightly Contaminated:
Oily water (low oil content): $0.50-$2.00 per gallon
Parts washer water: $1-$3 per gallon
Floor wash water: $1-$2.50 per gallon
Moderately Contaminated:
Heavy oil/water mixtures: $2-$5 per gallon
Solvent-contaminated water: $3-$7 per gallon
Paint booth water: $3-$6 per gallon
Heavily Contaminated:
Heavy metal plating wastewater: $5-$12 per gallon
Strong acid/base wastewater: $4-$10 per gallon
Highly contaminated process water: $6-$15 per gallon
Specialized:
Spent coolant/cutting fluids: $2-$5 per gallon
F-listed wastewater: $5-$15 per gallon
Lab wastewater: $3-$8 per gallon
Bulk Service:
Tanker load (4,000-6,000 gallons): $0.75-$3.00 per gallon
Volume discounts available
Regular scheduled service rates
Additional Costs:
Characterization/testing: $200-$800 per sample
Emergency service premium: 50-100% additional
Tank pump-out service: $500-$2,000 per tank
Minimum charges typically $150-$300 per pickup
Call (800) 582-4833 for accurate pricing for your wastewater
Wastewater Minimization Strategies
Source Reduction
Reduce wastewater generation:
Use high-pressure low-volume cleaning
Implement dry cleaning methods where possible
Install flow restrictors
Fix leaks promptly
Optimize processes to reduce water use
Segregation
Keep clean and contaminated water separate:
Segregate process water from rinse water
Keep different waste streams separate
Prevent clean stormwater contamination
Separate highly contaminated from lightly contaminated
Benefits:
Reduces disposal costs
May allow some water to discharge legally
Enables recycling of some streams
Recycling & Reuse
Opportunities:
Rinse water cascading (use once, rinse again)
Cooling water recirculation
Evaporation and reuse of process water
Filtration and reuse systems
Treatment Options
On-site treatment may be cost-effective:
Oil/water separators
pH neutralization systems
Chemical precipitation
Filtration systems
Evaporation units
When it makes sense:
High volumes
Regular generation
Treatable to discharge limits
Space and capital available
Common Wastewater Scenarios
Auto Repair Shop
A 5-bay auto shop generates 100 gallons monthly of parts washer water and floor wash water. We provide monthly pickup service with two 55-gallon drums and complete manifest documentation. Cost: $200-$400/month.
Metal Plating Facility
A chrome plating shop generates 500 gallons monthly of rinse water contaminated with chromium, nickel, and cyanide. We provide weekly bulk pickup with tanker service and proper hazardous waste manifesting. Cost: $3,000-$5,000/month.
Manufacturing Plant
A manufacturing facility generates 200 gallons weekly of solvent-contaminated process water from equipment cleaning. We provide bi-weekly drum pickup service with proper characterization and disposal. Cost: $800-$1,500/month.
Paint Shop
An industrial painting facility generates 300 gallons monthly of spray booth water contaminated with paint solids and solvents. We provide monthly pickup with specialized paint waste disposal. Cost: $900-$1,800/month.
Machine Shop
A machine shop has 1,000 gallons of spent coolant that needs disposal from a system changeover. We provide one-time bulk pickup with tanker service. Cost: $2,000-$4,000.
Why Choose Us for Wastewater Disposal
Regulatory Expertise
We understand EPA, Clean Water Act, and state regulations. We ensure your wastewater disposal meets all requirements.
Flexible Service Options
From small drum pickup to bulk tanker service, we scale to your needs.
Complete Documentation
All manifests, disposal certificates, and compliance records provided.
Multiple Disposal Outlets
We work with permitted wastewater treatment facilities nationwide to find the most cost-effective solution.
Emergency Response
24/7 availability for urgent wastewater issues.
Transparent Pricing
Clear upfront pricing with no hidden fees. You know the cost before service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I discharge wastewater to the sanitary sewer? A: Only if it meets local pretreatment standards and you have proper permits. Most industrial wastewater requires treatment or disposal. Contact your local POTW to determine discharge limits.
Q: How do I know if my wastewater is hazardous waste? A: It depends on what it's contaminated with. We can help characterize your wastewater through testing or process knowledge to determine if it's hazardous.
Q: What's the difference between contaminated water and hazardous waste? A: All hazardous waste wastewater is contaminated water, but not all contaminated water is hazardous waste. Hazardous waste meets specific EPA criteria.
Q: Can wastewater be recycled? A: Some wastewater can be treated and recycled for certain uses. We can discuss recycling options for your specific situation.
Q: How should I store wastewater? A: In proper containers (drums, tanks) with secondary containment, labeled correctly, and protected from weather. Don't exceed accumulation time limits.
Q: What if I have a tank full of old wastewater? A: We provide tank pump-out services with proper characterization and disposal. We can handle tanks of any size.
Q: Can I mix different types of wastewater? A: Only if compatible. Never mix acids and bases, oxidizers and organics, or cyanide and acids. Mixing incompatible wastes is dangerous and may be illegal.
Q: How often should wastewater be picked up? A: Depends on generation rate and accumulation limits. High-volume: weekly or bi-weekly. Medium: monthly. Low volume: quarterly. Don't exceed regulatory time limits.
Q: What happens to wastewater after pickup? A: It goes to permitted wastewater treatment facilities for treatment, or to appropriate disposal facilities for incineration or other approved methods.
Q: Do you provide emergency response for wastewater spills? A: Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency response for wastewater spills and releases.
Wastewater Compliance Checklist
Know Your Requirements
☐ Determine if wastewater is hazardous
☐ Know your generator category
☐ Understand local discharge limits
☐ Review permit requirements
Proper Management
☐ Store in appropriate containers
☐ Label all containers correctly
☐ Provide secondary containment
☐ Track accumulation dates
☐ Don't exceed time limits
Documentation
☐ Maintain characterization records
☐ Keep disposal manifests (3+ years)
☐ Retain certificates of disposal
☐ Document training
☐ Track generation quantities
Best Practices
☐ Minimize wastewater generation
☐ Segregate waste streams
☐ Schedule regular pickup
☐ Train employees
☐ Maintain equipment to prevent spills
Get Started with Wastewater Disposal
Call (800) 582-4833 or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
What to have ready:
Type of wastewater or contamination
Approximate volume (monthly or total)
Current storage situation
Source of wastewater (process description)
Previous characterization data if available
Desired pickup frequency
We'll provide:
Free quote for your wastewater
Characterization assistance if needed
Appropriate containers or bulk service
Pickup scheduling
All manifests and documentation
Regulatory compliance guidance
Disposal certificates
Services available:
Drum pickup (30, 55-gallon)
Bulk tanker service
IBC tote collection
Tank pump-out
Emergency response
On-site sampling and testing
Serving businesses nationwide, since 1992 - expert wastewater disposal with complete regulatory compliance
Environmental Protection: Proper wastewater disposal protects our water resources and keeps your facility in compliance. Never discharge contaminated water without proper treatment and permits.