Who is Ohio's #1 Hazardous Waste Producer?

PAULDING COUNTY, OH - Ohio's industrial landscape has long been known for its economic contributions, but it also plays a significant role in generating hazardous waste. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), several Ohio companies are among the top producers of hazardous waste in the state. The list may surprise you, showcasing a mix of large manufacturers, service providers, and chemical processing plants.

Top Hazardous Waste Generators in Ohio:

1. Systech Environmental Corporation (Paulding, OH)
2. Heritage Thermal Services Inc. (East Liverpool, OH)
3. Chemtron Corp. (Avon, OH)
4. Austin Powder Co. (McArthur, OH)
5. Ross Incineration Services Inc. (Grafton, OH)
6. Vibrantz Color Solutions Inc. (Ashtabula, OH)
7. Worthington Steel (Delta, OH)
8. Worthington Steel (Monroe, OH)
9. Amazon.com Services LLC - CLE3 (Euclid, OH)
10. Amazon.com Services LLC - PCW1 (Rossford, OH)
11. VWR Chemicals LLC (Solon, OH)
12. Alfrebro LLC (Monroe, OH)
13. Lanxess Corporation Plant 2 (Chardon, OH)
14. BASF Corporation Beachwood (Beachwood, OH)
15. BASF Corporation Greenville (Greenville, OH)

Among these, Systech Environmental Corporation stands out as the largest generator, producing approximately 89,813.8 tons of hazardous waste annually. This facility, located at 11397 County Road 176 in Paulding, Ohio, is a key player in the state's waste management operations, with a focus on both hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials, including biomass, plastics, rubber, and scrap tires.

Systech Environmental Corporation: Operations and Impact

Systech Environmental Corporation has been operational since 1979 and plays a critical role in waste management across various sectors. The facility is permitted to handle a large capacity of waste, including bulk storage and non-bulk storage for drums and totes. The site processes a wide range of materials, from consumer goods to industrial by-products, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

The facility operates with a permitted Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) status, meaning it is authorized to manage hazardous waste at large volumes, with a storage capacity exceeding 900,000 gallons for regulated materials. This large-scale operation underscores the essential role Systech plays in handling Ohio's hazardous waste.

Regulatory Oversight and Compliance

The facility is subject to regular inspections and operates under an EPA-issued hazardous waste management permit. This permit, granted in February 2015, sets stringent requirements for air emissions and equipment leaks, making sure the plant adheres to the latest environmental standards. The facility's operations are critical not only for waste management but also for ensuring that the surrounding community and environment are protected from potential hazards associated with hazardous waste.

Recent Controversy in the Region

While Systech’s operations are fully regulated, Ohio's waste management practices have faced growing scrutiny. A significant recent issue arose when the U.S. government halted the shipment of hazardous waste from Ohio to Michigan following a court decision. This decision was prompted by concerns over the environmental risks posed by these waste shipments. The U.S. EPA’s action has sparked debate over Ohio’s role in managing its hazardous waste and the interstate transfer of such materials. Critics argue that the state should enhance its capacity to manage waste locally rather than sending it across state lines to facilities with less stringent oversight.

The decision has highlighted the ongoing challenges in hazardous waste management and the need for more rigorous controls to prevent environmental contamination. As companies like Systech Environmental continue to manage large quantities of hazardous waste, the call for transparency, responsibility, and stringent enforcement of environmental standards grows louder.

Ohio's industrial activities, while vital to the economy, generate significant volumes of hazardous waste. Companies like Systech Environmental Corporation are central to managing these materials, yet their role also raises questions about the long-term environmental impact. The recent court ruling on hazardous waste shipments adds to the growing conversation about how Ohio handles its hazardous waste and whether additional regulatory measures are needed to protect both public health and the environment.

While Ohio continues to be a major producer of hazardous waste, the state's top generators, including Systech Environmental Corporation, must operate with transparency and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. The state's ongoing efforts to balance industrial growth with environmental protection will be crucial in the years ahead.