Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology

Clean Harbors leverages its expertise, vast equipment inventory and manpower to provide cost-saving environmental management services for Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology companies.

From waste disposal and laboratory chemical packing, to on-site environmental cleaning services and emergency response, Clean Harbors offers a variety of services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients maintain regulatory compliance and manage waste.

We safely and routinely handle consumer products that need to be discarded due to shelf life expiration or damage. Our specialists collect, sort, package, manifest, transport and dispose of these products to prevent them from re-entering the consumer market. 

Clean Harbors also provides site closure services including decontamination, decommissioning, demolition and material/soil remediation. We can also fabricate and construct integrated remediation systems to meet site-specific cleanup needs. 

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry Services We Provide

  • CleanPack® Laboratory Chemical Packing
  • Cylinder and Compressed Gas Management
  • DEA Controlled Substance Management
  • Decontamination
  • Emergency Response
  • InSite Services
  • Reactive Material Services
  • Reuse, Recycling and Reclamation
  • Waste Disposal Services
  • Chemical Solvent Recycling
  • Remediation Services 

 

Subpart P: Important information your company should know about the EPA’s Hazardous Waste Management Rule

Subpart P: Important information your company should know about the EPA’s Hazardous Waste Management Rule

Overview

Subpart P is a new group of healthcare specific regulations covering hazardous waste pharmaceuticals generated at healthcare facilities. The EPA now recognizes that healthcare is fundamentally different from other industries that generate hazardous waste. Their regulations have been updated to reflect that change.

Who does this new rule affect?

These new regulations apply, but are not limited to

  • hospitals
  • pharmacies
  • clinics
  • veterinary hospitals or clinics
  • wholesale distributors or retailers
  • Pyrophoric, gases, aerosol, unknown, reactive, explosive and shock-sensitive materials 
  • Ethers, THF, dioxane and sodium azide

What does the EPA consider ‘pharmaceutical’?

  • prescription medication
  • OTC (over the counter) drugs
  • dietary supplements
  • compounded drugs
  • investigational drugs
  • personal protective equipment (PPE) contaminated with pharmaceutical waste
  • clean-up material from pharmaceutical spills
  • any item for which the FDA requires a “drug Fact” sheet

When do these rules become effective?

For the moment, current Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) rules are enforced. Although Subpart P Rule is final, it will not become effective until six months after publication in the Federal Register. Individual States are required to adopt the rule, but they will have the ability to make changes. Actual rules and effective dates will differ by state.

Clean Harbors will continue to closely monitor these regulatory changes. For more information and updates, consult our Subpart P FAQs as well as this link.

CleanPack® Laboratory Chemical Packing

CleanPack® Laboratory Chemical Packing

Overview

 Our chemists access a database with more than 150,000 unique chemicals for laboratory chemical packing.
Our chemists access a database with more than 150,000 unique chemicals for laboratory chemical packing.

Clean Harbors proprietary CleanPack Laboratory Chemical Packing services provide proper recognition, handling, packaging, transportation and disposal of laboratory chemicals. We also perform laboratory relocations, closures and cleanouts.

Clean Harbors can manage virtually any chemical found in a laboratory environment including:

  • RCRA and non-RCRA chemicals
  • TSCA, DEA, radioactive, mixed waste and universal waste 
  • Biological and etiological chemicals
  • Compressed gas and cylinders 
  • Toxic, flammable, oxidizer, organic peroxide and corrosive materials 
  • Pyrophoric, gases, aerosol, unknown, reactive, explosive and shock-sensitive materials 
  • Ethers, THF, dioxane and sodium azide

Compliance

Throughout the chemical packing and disposal process, our skilled chemists help ensure your compliance with the latest EPA, DOT, TDG and Environment Canada regulations and record-keeping. 

Download Fact Sheet (CleanPack® Lab Chemical Packing​)

Cylinder and Compressed Gas Management

Cylinder and Compressed Gas Management

Overview

 We are the only company in North America able to provide complete management of all types of compressed gas cylinders.
We are the only company in North America able to provide complete management of all types of compressed gas cylinders.

Clean Harbors provides safe, cost-effective Cylinder and Compressed Gas Management and disposal. 

Clean Harbors highly trained specialists―who meet rigid personnel qualifications―handle all types of cylinder projects from the removal of a single lecture bottle to large-scale, multi-phase cylinder remediation efforts. We manage a wide range of liquefied, non-liquefied and dissolved gases, including hydrogen cyanide, anhydrous hydrogen cyanide (HCN), tetrafluorohydrazine (TFH), pentaborane and incompatible mixtures. And we have the unique ability to design and manufacture custom compressed gas cylinder equipment to meet your needs.

Download Cylinder and Compressed Gas Management Services Brochure 

Specialized Equipment and Expertise 

Using state-of-the-art personal protective, project and safety equipment, our experts evaluate your situation and safely package and remove cylinders from your site. When materials are potentially unsafe to ship, Clean Harbors will mobilize a team of cylinder specialists to your location where they can:

  • Contain leaking or damaged cylinders
  • Test and identify unknown materials 
  • Manage both portable and fixed tanks
  • Handle inherently unstable and high-hazard cylinders

Safety Training 

All of our specialists undergo Compressed Gas Emergency Response Training (CGERT) certification, a rigorous technical course that provides advanced training on industrial and specialty gas emergency response. 

DEA Controlled Substance Management

DEA Controlled Substance Management

Overview

 We own and operate the only RCRA Incinerator in North America approved as a DEA Reverse Distributor.
We own and operate the only RCRA Incinerator in North America approved as a DEA Reverse Distributor.

Clean Harbors provides secure transportation and destruction of all types of DEA controlled substances including off-spec, out-of-date and returned products.

Transporting DEA controlled substances with Clean Harbors could not be simpler. Our personnel complete the required transfer paperwork, and our Company-owned trucks deliver the substances to our facilities for disposal. Afterward, we provide a Certificate of Destruction certifying the proper disposal of each controlled substance shipment. We also provide the following security provisions:

  • Shipment tracking
  • On-site vaulting at our Aragonite, Utah, facility
  • Witness destruction

DEA-Approved Reverse Distributor

Clean Harbors is the only RCRA Incinerator in North America that is also approved as a DEA Reverse Distributor. As such, Clean Harbors assumes full chain-of-custody ownership of Schedule I-V controlled substances from the pickup at the customer’s site to transportation and complete destruction. Our experts ensure:

  • Product security
  • Documentation and reporting to required federal agencies
  • Accurate segregation of hazardous and non-hazardous drugs 
  • Material ownership continuity 

Clean Harbors DEA Registration Number:  RC0331049

Decontamination

Decontamination

Overview

 We have performed thousands of decontamination and facility closures from small single buildings to multi-building expansive facilities that require decontamination for mercury, lead, PCB and other contaminants.
We have performed thousands of decontamination and facility closures from small single buildings to multi-building expansive facilities that require decontamination for mercury, lead, PCB and other contaminants.

Clean Harbors offers Decontamination services for a wide range of circumstances by removing, neutralizing or destroying any harmful substance. 

Whether you operate an oil refinery, a processing plant, a medical lab or any type of industrial facility, decontamination is critical to safe and efficient plant management. Clean Harbors has the technical expertise, manpower and equipment to decontaminate all sizes and types of facilities and waste. We provide Decontamination services for:

  • Heavy metals and chemicals 
  • PCBs and oil 
  • Individual chemical tanks and large plating tanks
  • RCRA closure of hazardous waste storage areas
  • Animal waste matter and rodents
  • Biohazards and pathogens (such as avian influenza)

Download Fact Sheet (Decontamination Services)

Proven Techniques

  • Manual scraping and use of high-efficiency particulate air filter vacuums 
  • Decontamination with bleach or other specialty chemical solutions 
  • Pressure washing 
  • Use of HEPA-negative air machines 

When the health of your staff and function of your business depend on thorough, expert decontamination, contact Clean Harbors. 

Emergency Response

Emergency Response

Overview

 </a> Clean Harbors responds to more than 4,500 emergencies each year.
Clean Harbors responds to more than 13,000 emergencies each year.

With more than 100 response locations in North America, Clean Harbors has the manpower, equipment and technical expertise to manage any size environmental emergency on land or water.

When evaluating emergency response companies, know that Clean Harbors can rapidly deploy experienced, fully certified workers to meet the needs of any incident in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico.

  • Emergency spill clean up
  • Over-the-road incidents 
  • Punctured lines 
  • Tank overflows 
  • Leaking drums 
  • Saddle tank spills 
  • Large pipeline ruptures 
  • Mercury spills
  • Biological and infectious materials 
  • Ship groundings 
  • Tanker truck rollovers 
  • Chemical and hazardous material spills 
  • Oil spills
  • Hurricane, earthquake and storm damage 
  • Emergency lab packs
  • Homeland security and terrorist attack responses
  • Releases in warehouses and distribution centers
  • Excavation of buried drums and cylinders

Download Clean Harbors Emergency Response Resource Book for US
Download Clean Harbors Emergency Response Resource Book for Canada (English)
Download Clean Harbors Emergency Response Resource Book for Canada (French)
Download Emergency Response Brochure
Download Fact Sheet (Emergency Response Services)
Download Fact Sheet (Emergency Operations Center)
Download Fact Sheet (Bird Flu Rapid Response Services)

Rapid Response and Containment

Varying by the response, spills typically can be contained within the first few hours, with minimal remediation in the next 48 hours. Clean Harbors works under all local, state and federal guidelines (EPA, OSHA, USCG, etc.) when performing containment and cleanup. Waste for off-site disposal is packaged and prepared for shipment to a waste treatment and disposal facility. 

Emergency Preparedness

Clean Harbors Emergency Response experts can provide guidance on emergency management, operations, planning, logistics and more. Our Standby Emergency Response Coverage ensures that you have the necessary coverage and response in the event of an environmental emergency.

Oil Spill Removal Organization (OSRO)

Under the U.S. Coast Guard’s OSRO Classification Program, Clean Harbors holds Captain of the Port ratings for facilities and vessels in 56 ports throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. 

Emergency Operations Center

Clean Harbors operates an Emergency Operations Center where duty operators certified in DOT and RCRA can help you 24/7. One number, one call: 800.645.8265

InSite Services®

InSite Services®

Overview

Clean Harbors InSite Services is a branded on-site/in-plant service delivery program through which we provide a full range of environmental, industrial and waste management offerings. This signature program is built on safety, quality, efficiency and integrity—and has been offered by Clean Harbors for over 20 years.

By leveraging Clean Harbors expertise and capabilities, our on-site staffs are dedicated to developing the safest, most cost-effective solutions to service customers’ needs. This includes collecting and packaging waste materials, managing satellite accumulation areas, cleaning in-plant locations and running RCRA treatment processes.

One Source. More Resources.

A Clean Harbors InSite partnership delivers process improvement and cost savings opportunities, thus allowing you to maximize your profitability by focusing on your core business needs. 

InSite Services We Provide

  • Chemical waste pickup
  • Solvent can management
  • Laboratory inspections
  • SAA inspections
  • Administrative support
  • Safety equipment inspections
  • Biohazard container management
  • Radiological services
  • Laboratory cleaning
  • Laboratory moves
  • Bulk storage tank management
  • Consolidation and lab packing
Reactive Material Services

Reactive Material Services

Overview

 We work with many universities and colleges throughout the country.
We work with many universities and colleges throughout the country.

Clean Harbors provides a wide array of Reactive Material Services to ensure secure chemical management and safe disposal of unstable and explosive materials.

Clean Harbors has extensive experience working with unstable and shock-sensitive materials, as well as managing disposal of explosives and materials restricted from transportation. With a vast transportation fleet and permitted transfer storage and disposal facilities throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, we provide turnkey reactive material services. 

Reactive Material Services require specialized expertise and diverse techniques to ensure safety and compliance. Clean Harbors deploys multiple approaches to fulfill these goals.

Download Fact Sheet (Reactive Material Services​)

Container Evaluation 

Clean Harbors has standard operating procedures for the proper identification and evaluation of shock-sensitive, peroxidizable and unknown reactive materials. We follow strict evaluation criteria including age, storage conditions, exposure, contamination and stability.

Chemical Stabilization 

Clean Harbors understands the disadvantages of controlled detonation and has developed sound chemical stabilization techniques that enable us to manage the following types of potentially unstable materials (along with others on a case-by-case basis):

  • Peroxide-forming compounds 
  • Temperature-sensitive compounds 
  • Organic peroxides 
  • Shock-sensitive compounds 
  • Multi-nitrated compounds 
  • Azides

Remote Container Opening Procedures 

Our Reactive Material specialists take every precaution and limit the handling of hazardous and potentially unstable materials. We use specially designed equipment for all reactive remediation and stabilization projects, including pneumatically driven machinery that can remotely open a container.

Engineering Controls and Personal Protective Equipment 

Our state-of-the-art engineering controls include devices such as:

  • Trailer-mounted blast deflection units
  • Portable remote openers with bomb blanket and safety circle
  • Custom-designed remote drum openers
  • ATF Type III Blasters day boxes

Our personal protective equipment protects our employees from high heat, flames and explosions and includes:

  • Fire proximity suits
  • Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) protective search suits
  • Riot helmet, Kevlar® vest, and Nomex® coveralls (standard issue)

Unknown Compound Fingerprint Analysis

Our CleanPack® chemists provide fingerprint analysis for unknown compounds within lab pack-sized containers provided that the materials pass our safety evaluation. If these materials fail the evaluation and are suspected to be shock-sensitive, unstable or reactive, they must be remotely opened and tested before packaging.

Reuse, Recycling and Reclamation

Reuse, Recycling and Reclamation

Overview

Clean Harbors can help your company more effectively and efficiently manage your waste management needs through recycling.

Clean Harbors Recycling and Reuse Program provides a comprehensive step-by-step approach that evaluates your R&D and manufacturing operations and identifies opportunities for efficient waste management. Whether a waste stream or production by-product is sold "as is," recycled or reused, your costs and possible liabilities can be significantly reduced.

Download Chemical Recycling & Reuse Program Brochure

Our comprehensive program will:

  • Reduce waste disposal costs 
  • Minimize waste governed by RCRA regulations, lowering your taxes and annual fees 
  • Create a positive impact on data reported on your TRI reports 
  • Reduce the burden and associated costs of regulatory reporting 
  • Pursue potential buyers of your waste stream 
  • Preserve your reputation as an environmentally safe company by allowing you to publicize new waste minimization programs 
  • Share best practices with other locations within your company to maximize value and achieve their sustainability goals
     

We help you:

  • Identify and quantify chemical recycling and reuse options, as well as potential end markets 
  • Interpret and provide guidance regarding regulations 
  • Conduct waste process review and manage logistics 
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive waste management program
Waste Disposal Services

Waste Disposal Services

Overview

Waste Disposal

Clean Harbors Waste Disposal Services provide the widest range of treatment and disposal options in the industry for all of your hazardous and non-hazardous waste. 

Unmatched in North America, our facilities provide services for all of the United States, Canada, northern Mexico and Puerto Rico. We handle drum and bulk hazardous waste in liquid, solid, semi-solid, sludge and gas forms.

When choosing a hazardous waste disposal company, your disposal needs are our business. We’ll work hard for your business.

One Call Handles All of Your Hazardous Waste Disposal Needs

Organizing multiple vendors is costly, time-consuming and it can leave gaps in your hazardous waste program that increase your risk or leave you open to problems with compliance.

Employing the most advanced technologies, we provide a single source for all of your hazardous waste disposal needs, making the entire process easier, safer and more cost-effective. From PCBs to cyanides and explosives, our hazardous waste removal services handle it all through a highly coordinated truck, rail and ship transportation network.

Chemical and Solvent Recycling

Chemical and Solvent Recycling

Overview

 Our Chicago, Illinois, recycling facility has six distillation columns, one liquid-to-liquid extractor and one mole sieve dryer.
Our Chicago, Illinois, recycling facility has six distillation columns, one liquid-to-liquid extractor and one mole sieve dryer.

Recycling and reusing chemical solvents can be an economical alternative for your business, and Clean Harbors can give you that option. 

With strategically located recycling facilities, we can recycle used solvents to your specifications and return them to you. If disposal is your preference, we can take your used solvents and recycle them to our own specifications.

Our flexible operations—combined with chemical knowledge and engineering expertise—bring advanced solutions to the challenges of separation and purification. 

  • During the recovery process, components of the solvent/chemical streams are isolated and purified to high-quality product specifications.
  • Clean Harbors Recycling Services employees are experts in recycling and tolling. All processing meets strict local, state and federal regulations and customer requirements.

We understand the importance of providing a product without cross-contamination, and we consistently deliver quality products.

Recycling Facility Locations

*Rail served

Best Demonstrated Available Technology (BDAT)

  • Supports corporate sustainability goals

Download Fact Sheet (Solvent Recycling Services)
Download Fact Sheet (Solvents for Recycling)

Product Specifications

Clean Harbors offers high quality recovered products.

Download Product Specifications (Recovered Acetone)
Download Product Specifications (Recovered Dimethyl Formamide)
Download Product Specifications (Recovered Ethyl Acetate)
Download Product Specifications (Recovered Isopropyl Alcohol azeotrope)
Download Product Specifications (Recovered Isopropyl Alcohol Industrial Grade)
Download Product Specifications (Recovered Methyl Ethyl Ketone)
Download Product Specifications (Recovered Methylene Chloride)
Download Product Specifications (Recovered n-Methyl Pyrrolidone Industrial Grade)

Remediation Services

Remediation Services

Overview

 Clean Harbors can manage your remediation project from start to finish.
Clean Harbors can manage your remediation project from start to finish.

Clean Harbors Remediation Services handle large-scale, complex site cleanup projects and environmental construction needs for the public and private sectors. We can remediate any location to meet corporate or regulatory cleanup requirements.

Clean Harbors provides comprehensive on-site Remediation Services for a plant or facility expansion, an idled facility or a decommissioned process. If you are closing a process, a building or an expansive facility in order to sell the property, remediating a brownfield or repurposing property, Clean Harbors has the solution.

  • Coke oven dismantlement and closure 
  • Landfill construction, capping and collection systems
  • In situ, ex situ treatment 
  • Soil solidification, stabilization 
  • Excavation and disposal 
  • Decontamination, decommissioning, demolition 
  • Integrated remediation systems construction and management 
  • Hazardous and special waste management
  • Manufactured gas plant remediation 
  • Mining site remediation 
  • Groundwater remediation
  • Sediments remediation
  • Remedial systems configurations for site-specific cleanup criteria
  • Refinery projects

Whatever your remediation needs, Clean Harbors has the manpower, enviromental equipment and expertise to not only get the job done but also exceed expectations.