Environmental compliance and sustainability aren’t competing priorities. They’re two sides of the same operational system, and the companies getting this right are building competitive advantages that extend far beyond simply checking the compliance box.

Industrial operations face increasing expectations. Regulators require documented compliance, investors demand measurable ESG performance, customers audit supplier environmental practices, and your workforce expects responsible operations. The businesses succeeding aren’t choosing between these priorities, they’re meeting all of them through integrated waste management systems that strengthen reliability, safety, and sustainability.

Crystal Clean partners with industrial operations to build waste management programs that satisfy both compliance requirements and sustainability objectives. Environmental management is structured properly, the same systems that ensure compliance also advance environmental goals and support safer, more efficient operations.

Understanding the EPA Hazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines

The EPA defines hazardous waste based on specific characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity. Identifying which wastes meet these criteria determines the required management approach throughout their lifecycle.

Industrial facilities generate spent solvents from parts cleaning, used oils from equipment maintenance, and chemical byproducts from production. Each waste stream requires specific management protocols, but the regulatory framework remains consistent across industries.

Waste Identification and Classification

The EPA’s hazardous waste lists categorize materials based on their source or properties. F-list and K-list wastes are hazardous because of how they’re generated. P-list and U-list wastes are specific chemical formulations. Characteristic wastes become hazardous when they exhibit certain properties through testing or generator knowledge.

Accurate classification determines your regulatory obligations. A metal fabricator generating spent cutting fluids needs different procedures than an automotive shop managing used oil. Both require proper characterization, but the specific requirements vary based on waste types and generation volumes. This is why standardized procedures supported from a reliable service partner matters.

Your generator status—determined by monthly waste volumes—establishes which regulations apply. Very Small Quantity Generators (100 kg or less monthly) have streamlined requirements. Small Quantity Generators (100-1,000 kg monthly) face moderate obligations. Large Quantity Generators (1,000+ kg monthly) must meet comprehensive standards, including 90-day storage limits, detailed emergency procedures, and regular reporting.

Waste management partners like Crystal Clean help facilities maintain generator status compliance with consistent scheduling, documentation support, and proper waste classification.

Storage, Labeling, and Containment

Proper storage prevents incidents and protects employees, facilities, and the environment while maintaining compliance. Containers must be compatible with waste contents, certain solvents degrade plastic, some acids corrode metal. Each container needs clear labeling showing “Hazardous Waste,” the accumulation start date, and contents description.

Accumulation time limits create planning requirements. Large quantity generators have 90 days. Small quantity generators have 180 days (or 270 days if shipping more than 200 miles). Exceeding these limits triggers different regulatory classifications with significantly more requirements.

Secondary containment systems provide backup protection if containers leak. Spill pallets, bermed areas, or containment structures must hold at least 10% of the total stored volume or the largest container’s volume, whichever is greater. This prevents waste from reaching soil or stormwater systems if primary containment fails.

Incompatible wastes require separation. Acids can’t be stored with bases. Oxidizers need isolation from organic materials. Proper segregation prevents reactions that could create safety hazards or compromise waste characterization.

Transportation and Disposal

Transportation requires manifest documentation that creates a paper trail from generation through final disposal. You originate the manifest with generator information, transporter details, designated facility information, and complete waste descriptions, including EPA codes and quantities.

Each party in the transportation chain signs the manifest, transferring custody at every handoff. The disposal facility returns the completed manifest confirming proper receipt. This documentation proves waste reached authorized facilities and was managed according to regulations, becoming a critical piece of tracking your compliance.

Federal law requires manifest retention for three years. Many states require longer periods. Electronic manifest systems streamline this recordkeeping while improving accuracy and retrieval capabilities.

Final disposal methods vary by waste characteristics. Some materials can be recycled or re-refined. Others require incineration or specialized treatment. Modern facilities can neutralize acids, recover valuable components from spent materials, and destroy persistent compounds through advanced treatment technologies.

Recordkeeping and Documentation

Beyond manifests, you must maintain waste characterization records showing classification decisions, inspection logs documenting storage area reviews, and training records proving personnel have received required instruction. Large Quantity Generators submit biennial reports summarizing waste generation and management methods.

These records serve compliance verification during inspections and provide data for sustainability reporting. Systematic documentation processes generate required records as part of normal operations rather than creating separate compliance exercises.

Top Sustainability Practices for Industrial Businesses

Sustainability practices that reduce environmental impact often strengthen compliance posture while improving operational efficiency. The following approaches create measurable benefits across multiple objectives.

1. Waste Minimization

Reducing waste generation eliminates disposal costs, decreases raw material consumption, and may lower your generator status classification. Process optimization often reveals significant opportunities. A metal fabricator modifying cutting patterns might reduce scrap by 15%. A printing operation switching ink formulations could cut spent solvent volumes by 30%.

Inventory management affects waste generation. Chemicals expiring before use become disposal problems. Raw materials degrading in storage must be discarded. Just-in-time inventory practices for materials with limited shelf life reduce waste while improving cash management.

Material substitution can eliminate hazardous waste streams entirely. Switching from solvent-based to aqueous cleaning removes hazardous spent solvents from your waste streams. Using alternative process chemicals may render the generated waste non-hazardous. Each substitution that eliminates hazardous waste removes associated compliance obligations and contributes to stronger sustainability reporting metrics.

2. Recycling and Reuse

Many waste streams traditionally sent to disposal can be recycled or reclaimed. Used oil can be re-refined into base oils that meet virgin product specifications, while producing 77% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than virgin production. Spent solvents can be distilled and reused. Used Antifreeze can be recovered for reuse.

The regulatory framework supports legitimate recycling. Materials genuinely being recycled often qualify for streamlined requirements compared to waste destined for disposal. However, recycling claims must be substantiated. Materials must actually be recovered and reused, not merely declared recyclable while going to landfills.

Closed-loop systems represent the most sophisticated recycling approach. Solvent recovery equipment distills spent solvent on-site and returns recovered material to production. Water treatment systems enable process water reuse. These systems eliminate disposal while reducing raw material purchases.

From a sustainability perspective, recycling demonstrates resource efficiency. From a compliance perspective, reducing hazardous waste generation may lower your generator status and associated regulatory requirements.

3. Energy Recovery Programs

When waste can’t be eliminated or recycled, energy recovery provides environmental benefits beyond landfilling. Certain waste streams with sufficient heating value can fuel industrial processes at facilities specifically permitted for this purpose.

This approach prevents materials from being sent to landfills while reducing fossil fuel consumption. Cement kilns, industrial boilers, and other permitted facilities can utilize appropriate waste streams as alternative fuels. The waste must meet compositional requirements and heating value standards, and receiving facilities must properly manage combustion residues.

Energy recovery isn’t appropriate for all wastes, but for streams with suitable characteristics, it provides measurable environmental benefits while maintaining regulatory compliance.

4. Water Conservation

Industrial water consumption creates both cost and environmental impact. Closed-loop water systems recirculate process water rather than discharging after single use. Treatment components remove contaminants so water meets process specifications for reuse.

This reduces freshwater consumption and the volume of wastewater discharged. Since wastewater management costs often depend on volume, conservation delivers direct economic benefits alongside environmental improvements and may simplify discharge-related compliance obligations.

Process modifications can dramatically reduce water needs. Equipment upgrades may achieve better results with less water. Operational changes might enable water reuse between process steps. Counter-current rinsing systems can reduce rinse water consumption by 90% compared to conventional methods.

From a sustainability reporting perspective, water reduction metrics demonstrate resource efficiency. From a compliance perspective, lower discharge volumes may reduce permitting requirements and monitoring obligations while supporting broader sustainability goals.

5. Sustainable Partnerships

Your waste management partners either support or undermine your sustainability objectives. Selecting partners who prioritize environmental performance helps you achieve goals extending beyond facility boundaries.

Evaluate potential partners on treatment methods and resource recovery capabilities. Do they actively pursue recycling options or default to disposal? Do they operate recovery facilities or only landfills? Can they provide data about the environmental benefits of their approaches?

Partner sustainability practices appear in your Scope 3 emissions calculations. The treatment methods they use directly affect your reported environmental footprint. Partners with lower-impact methods improve your sustainability metrics without requiring operational changes.

Geographic proximity reduces transportation emissions associated with waste management. When choosing between similar providers, closer facilities reduce your carbon footprint from logistics.

How Crystal Clean Supports Sustainable Compliance

Navigating the intersection of compliance and sustainability requires expertise many facilities don’t maintain in-house. Crystal Clean approaches waste management as an integrated system serving both regulatory requirements and environmental objectives.

Our service model addresses the complete waste lifecycle while creating documentation needed for compliance verification and sustainability reporting. The foundation starts with proper waste characterization, compliant storage and labeling, authorized transportation, and permitted treatment or disposal. This is all supported by trained sales and service representatives committed to safety and environmental stewardship.

Beyond baseline compliance, we optimize treatment methods for environmental performance. When waste can be recycled, we direct it to recovery facilities. When re-refining is possible, we process materials into reusable products. When advanced treatment technologies can destroy persistent compounds, we utilize facilities with those capabilities to ensure waste is managed in the most sustainable, compliant manner available.

Our nationwide network with local presence creates consistency across multi-site operations while adapting to state-specific requirements. Your procedures remain uniform, but implementation accounts for regional regulatory differences and local operational needs.

Our customer portal provides waste stream reporting that analyzes your wastes and tracks specific impacts on your carbon footprint. This data supports both compliance documentation and sustainability reporting requirements. Electronic systems track waste from pickup through final disposition, providing the records needed for audits and stakeholder reporting.

Because we operate our own permitted treatment, recovery, and recycling facilities, we provide more options than transportation-only vendors. This means greater flexibility in matching waste streams to optimal management methods, recycling when possible, advanced treatment when necessary, and disposal only when other options aren’t viable.

Our environmental specialists evaluate your facilities for waste minimization opportunities and process improvements. We monitor regulatory changes at state and federal levels, keeping you informed of upcoming changes that may impact your operations. This expertise supplements your internal capabilities without requiring you to maintain specialized knowledge across all environmental regulations and promoted proactive compliance.

Make Compliance Part of Your Sustainability Strategy

Environmental compliance and sustainability represent aligned outcomes from the same operational practices. When you implement waste minimization, you simultaneously reduce disposal costs, lower environmental impact, and potentially decrease regulatory obligations. When you select partners with resource recovery capabilities, you ensure compliance while improving emissions metrics that investors scrutinize.

Building this integrated approach requires treating waste management as strategic infrastructure. Select partners based on capabilities and expertise, not just price. Document practices to satisfy both regulatory agencies and sustainability auditors. View environmental performance as a competitive advantage rather than a cost of doing business.

The businesses succeeding at this integration recognize that operational decisions affect both compliance posture and sustainability performance. They’ve built systems that work consistently, selected partners whose capabilities match their needs, and treated environmental management as a strategic function.

Your waste management program deserves the same strategic attention you give other operational functions. The right approach, implemented consistently across your organization, becomes a strategic asset that protects operations, satisfies stakeholders, and advances environmental objectives while simplifying regulatory compliance.

Stay compliant, sustainable, and ahead of regulations. Partner with Crystal Clean today to build a customized waste management program that aligns with your environmental goals, strengthens operational performance, and supports a cleaner future.

Aqueous Chemistries: Safe, Sustainable, and Compliance-Friendly

Aqueous cleaners are water-based solutions formulated with detergents and other non-hazardous ingredients. They’re known for being:

• Safer for workers – Non-flammable and low toxicity
• Easier to manage – Often don’t count toward hazardous waste generator status
• Environmentally responsible – Lower VOCs and reduced regulatory risk
• Effective for general-purpose cleaning – Especially when combined with heat and agitation

Compliance Advantages

Federal and state regulations make aqueous chemistries especially attractive. Because many aqueous solutions are non-hazardous, used fluid may not require hazardous waste disposal, helping you maintain a lower EPA generator status. That means fewer regulations, lower disposal costs, and simplified recordkeeping.

Aqueous chemistries also typically have lower VOC content, making them a good fit for facilities operating in regions with strict air quality standards, such as California or New York.

Solvent Chemistries: High-Powered Performance with a Compliance Tradeoff

Solvent-based cleaners are hydrocarbon or chlorinated solutions that offer superior degreasing power, making them the go-to choice for:

• Removing heavy oils, tars, and carbon
• Precision cleaning on metal parts
• Applications where quick drying is needed
• Cleaning where water could cause corrosion or residue

Compliance Considerations

The downside? Many solvents are classified as hazardous waste after use. This affects your EPA generator status, triggers RCRA regulations, and may increase your disposal and reporting requirements. You’ll also need to follow OSHA standards for flammable materials and local air permits if VOC levels are high.

That said, if your facility is equipped to manage these requirements and needs top-tier cleaning strength, solvents still play a valuable role.

Choosing What’s Right for You

The best chemistry depends on your operational priorities:

• If your goal is to reduce waste, lower generator status, and stay ahead of regulations, aqueous solutions are likely your best bet.
• If your operation demands maximum cleaning power for high-contamination parts, solvent-based products may be worth the added compliance effort.

Many facilities benefit from a hybrid approach—using aqueous chemistries for general cleaning and solvents for targeted, heavy-duty jobs. Crystal Clean can help assess your needs and recommend the right mix of products and services for your operation.

Crystal Clean Can Help You Make the Switch

Whether you’re considering a switch to aqueous chemistries or looking to optimize your solvent program, Crystal Clean has the expertise, service, and product line to support your goals. We offer:

• Safer, high-performance aqueous solutions
• Non-chlorinated solvents with improved regulatory profiles
• Waste pickup, documentation, and disposal support
• Guidance on maintaining or lowering your EPA generator status

Let’s work together to create a cleaning program that fits your facility—and your compliance strategy.

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How APHIS Waste Must be Managed

Unlike ordinary garbage, APHIS waste cannot simply be placed in a dumpster and hauled away. Regulations require that it be collected and managed by trained professionals to ensure safety and compliance.

The standards include:

• Tight, covered, and leak-proof containers to prevent leakage or accidental exposure.
• Clearly marked receptacles labeled as regulated waste to avoid confusion with other trash streams.
• Final treatment by incineration or sterilization, ensuring that any potential pests, diseases, or contaminants are destroyed before disposal.

These requirements are not optional and are mandatory steps designed to protect agriculture and prevent the accidental introduction of invasive species or pathogens.

Why Professional Disposal Matters

Failing to comply with APHIS regulations can result in severe consequences, including fines, legal penalties, and environmental damage. Businesses that manage imported goods such as airlines, shipping companies, and logistics providers are especially at risk if proper waste practices are not followed.

By working with a trusted waste management provider, organizations gain:

• Peace of mind, knowing their operations meet government requirements.
• Regulatory compliance with USDA APHIS standards.
• Secure, reliable collection and disposal using approved methods.
• Reduced liability risks, protecting both brand reputation and the environment.

The Crystal Clean Advantage

At Crystal Clean, we provide a full-service solution for APHIS waste. From supplying compliant containers to transporting waste securely and ensuring final treatment by incineration or sterilization, our trained teams handle every step.

We know that compliance is more than a box to check, it’s about safeguarding agriculture, trade, and communities. By choosing Crystal Clean, businesses gain a partner that combines regulatory expertise with dependable service, helping them focus on operations while staying fully compliant.

Protect your business and community. Trust Crystal Clean for your regulated waste needs.

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The Equipment Behind the Process

Hydroblasting is powered by pumps capable of producing pressures up to 20,000 PSI. Depending on the project, equipment can range from handheld units to truck-mounted systems for large-scale work. Operators often use hydroblast guns connected to reinforced hoses, allowing them to adjust water pressure and direction with precision. For more complex or confined spaces, automated systems and robotic tools can take over — providing accuracy, consistency, and an added layer of safety by reducing the need for direct worker involvement.

Where Hydroblasting Makes a Difference

Few cleaning methods are as versatile as hydroblasting. Manufacturing facilities use it to clear residue from tanks, piping, and machinery. Construction and infrastructure projects rely on it for surface preparation, ensuring coatings adhere properly and repairs last longer. In some cases, hydroblasting is even used for controlled concrete removal, offering a quieter, dust-free alternative to jackhammers and other mechanical methods.

Because it can reach into small slots, ducts, and tubing, hydroblasting also excels at maintaining critical systems like heat exchangers and condensers. Routine services help prevent buildup that could otherwise reduce efficiency, cause downtime, or shorten equipment life.

Benefits Beyond Clean Surfaces

The advantages of hydroblasting go far beyond spotless equipment. It reduces the need for chemical cleaners, making it better for the environment and safer for employees. By capturing debris and controlling runoff, it also minimizes airborne particles that can harm air quality. And because it’s both fast and precise, hydroblasting helps reduce downtime, allowing operations to return to full capacity more quickly.

Partnering with Crystal Clean

At Crystal Clean, we view hydroblasting not just as a service, but as a way to help our customers protect their people, their assets, and their reputation. Our team combines advanced equipment with deep expertise to deliver results you can count on — whether it’s routine maintenance, surface preparation, or specialized cleaning challenges.

When you choose Crystal Clean, you’re choosing a partner committed to safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility. If you’re curious about how hydroblasting can benefit your facility, our team is here to share insights and create a solution tailored to your needs.

Let’s start the conversation — together, we’ll keep your operations clean, compliant, and running at their best.

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Matching Products to Performance and Profitability

Having the right antifreeze for every application means more than meeting OEM specifications; it streamlines service, reduces the number of SKUs needed on the shelf, and ensures the job is done right the first time.

Crystal Clean supports these needs not only with a complete antifreeze product line but also with closed-loop recycling services that restore used coolant to meet or exceed ASTM and OEM performance standards. This approach helps reduce waste, lower disposal costs, and protect the environment—while keeping your service operations running smoothly and profitably.

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Some career paths follow a straight line. Others take shape through ambition, adaptability, and a drive to succeed. For Jack Swartz, Branch Sales Manager in Milwaukee, the journey from Service Sales Representative (SSR) to BSM is a testament to what’s possible when you stay focused, stay hungry, and never settle for “no.”

Jack joined Crystal Clean in 2020 as an SSR at the Green Bay branch. By November 2024, he stepped into the BSM role in Milwaukee, ready to take on bigger responsibilities and lead from the front. With a growing team and customer base, his days are now faster paced and more demanding, but that’s exactly what motivates him.

“You’ve got to stay organized and on your toes. Things come at you fast, and customers count on you to solve problems quickly,” Jack said. “It’s not just about getting the sale; it’s about gaining their trust.”

Jack’s ability to read people, build relationships, and offer honest solutions has been key to his success. He’s a natural communicator who believes in being the kind of person others want to do business with. “Own your mistakes. Be honest. That’s how you build real trust with your customers,” he explained.

One of Jack’s most memorable wins came in March 2025, when he landed a major waste account with a large company in Wisconsin. What started with a parts washer service evolved into signing over 22 profiles for their waste disposal needs, a career defining moment that proved his strategy was working.

According to Regional Manager, Jeff Roche, “Jack is one of those mail room to the boardroom type individuals… Jack’s organized, structured and loves the preparation part of sales as much as the win.”

Divisional Vice President of Sales, Ed Guglielmi adds, “He’s self-motivated, intelligent, and aggressive in his prospecting. His commitment to research and asking the right questions has helped position him as one of the top sales performers in Division 1.”

What drives Jack? A mix of competitive spirit, problem solving, and a desire to support both his team and his family. Outside of work, he’s a proud Packers fan and supports his wife, who is studying diagnostic medical sonography full time.

Looking ahead, Jack hopes to see Crystal Clean invest in more TSDF facilities to create greater independence and pricing control. He sees every challenge as a chance to grow, personally and professionally, and continues to prove that persistence and preparation are a winning combination.

At Patriot’s Phoenix branch, Nicole Aguilar plays a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly. As Dispatch Manager, Nicole coordinates schedules, manages inventory, and ensures that every job is properly staffed and prepared. With nearly six years in the environmental services industry and five years with Patriot, she has worked her way up through multiple roles and understands first-hand what it takes to support a team in the field.

Nicole started her career with Patriot as a field technician, giving her firsthand experience of the demanding work our field teams handle every day. From there, she moved into the roles of Lead Technician, Foreman, and Emergency Response Supervisor, before stepping into her current role as Dispatch Manager. Having worked her way up in so many different positions, Nicole has a deep appreciation for the work each team member does and what it takes to support them.

A typical day for Nicole starts early with coffee and a focus on preparation. She makes sure crews have everything they need before heading out the door. That includes confirming they have the right supplies, enough personnel for the job, and all the required information to complete their work safely and efficiently. She also keeps a close eye on inventory, making sure chemicals, PPE, and other equipment are fully stocked and compliant. Regular walkthroughs of the warehouse help ensure everything is organized and ready for the next job.

Nicole believes her success comes from taking initiative and treating people fairly. As the oldest sibling in her family, she says she naturally stepped into leadership early in life. That mindset carries into her work today. She focuses on making sure responsibilities are shared evenly and that everyone on the team feels supported.

For Nicole, the team at the Phoenix branch is one of the best parts of the job. She describes the group as hardworking and always willing to help each other out, no matter the situation. That sense of teamwork is critical in an industry where every job can bring new challenges.

One memorable experience during her time with Patriot was attending On-site training in Bakersfield, where she was trained in how to use new equipment. The training was not only valuable from a technical standpoint but also gave her the opportunity to connect with colleagues from other branches and see how truly big of a team she is a part of.

Nicole credits Patriot with supporting her career growth by giving her opportunities to move into new roles and learn different aspects of the business. That trust and encouragement helped her continue developing professionally while staying close to the work she enjoys.

When offering advice to new employees, Nicole is honest about the realities of the job. There will be difficult days, she says, but the good days make the hard ones worthwhile. Maintaining a healthy work life balance and taking advantage of the quieter moments to reset can be just as valuable as working hard when the job demands it.

Safety is also a top priority for Nicole. The work our field reps perform can be dangerous, and she believes it is essential that every team member looks out for one another. Having a crew that trusts each other and works together safely is key to getting the job done right.

Nicole’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Area Manager Tobi Moore shared her appreciation for the impact she continues to have at the Phoenix branch:

“I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for Nicole’s exceptional work and dedication. Her contributions have not only met but exceeded expectations, and her professionalism has made a noticeable impact on our team’s success. Nicole’s ability to maintain a positive attitude during challenging situations and deliver consistently high-quality results sets a strong example for others. It’s clear that she approaches her work with both passion and precision, and that commitment inspires those around her. Nicole has played a key role strengthening client relationships and improving team efficiency, and her contributions are deeply valued. Thank you to Nicole for your hard work, dedication, and the positive energy you bring to our workplace.”

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys gardening and visiting local nurseries to add new plants to her collection, especially cacti and flowers. She also enjoys spending time with her family. Nicole and her husband, who owns an automotive shop, often work on cars together. They have two children, a 19-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter and enjoy attending conventions and spending time together whenever they can.

Looking ahead, Nicole hopes to see Patriot continue expanding into areas such as biohazard decontaminations, helping the company grow while providing important services to communities.

Nicole’s dedication, hands on experience, and commitment to supporting her team make her an important part of the Patriot Phoenix operation. Through organization, initiative, and a strong focus on teamwork, she helps ensure that every job starts with the preparation needed to succeed.

Leading From the Field, One Big Job at a Time

In the rugged terrain of the Southwest, there’s no mistaking the hustle of Nick Gonzales. As a Field Supervisor at the Las Vegas industrial services facility, Nick has been a driving force behind some of the most challenging and high-impact environmental projects under Crystal Clean’s Patriot Environmental subsidiary for nearly a decade. Whether he is coordinating a hydroblasting crew, leading a tank cleaning, or operating heavy equipment on a one-thousand-yard excavation site, Nick brings unmatched grit, experience, and leadership to every job.

With over 20 years in the environmental services industry, Nick’s journey began back in 2004 with hands-on field work at companies specializing in environmental response and industrial services. Nearly a decade ago, he brought that experience to Patriot. He continues to stay hands on, reliable, and laser focused. “I love what I do. The time flies because no two days are ever the same,” he says.

A One-Stop Shop in the Field

Nick’s daily routine includes a balance of planning and doing. He walks job sites, coordinates equipment, supports his technicians, and builds quotes alongside the sales team. He is the type of leader who thrives in the thick of the action. “I would not trade this for an office job,” he says with a smile. “I like staying hands on. That is where I belong.”

His ability to adapt to any situation has been key to his success. “You have got to be a one-stop shop,” he explains. “No matter what the job is, we get it done.”

One of his proudest moments came while leading a massive excavation project. As he recalls, “When you finish a job like that, you step back and realize something big was accomplished.”

Empowering Through Leadership and Safety

For Nick, leadership is about listening, preparing, and protecting. He creates an environment where every team member has a voice, especially during safety meetings. “I make sure everyone understands what we are doing, and I encourage people to speak up. When the team feels heard, they stay focused and safe.”

Safety is deeply personal to Nick. “The jobs we do are dangerous. If someone gets hurt, that is on me. I never want to carry that on my conscience. Safety is the most important part of every job we take on.”

He is also a strong believer in cross training. “It is not just about getting the job done. It is about teaching others how to do it the right way and safely. That is how we grow stronger as a team.”

Support, Growth, and Looking Ahead

Nick credits Patriot’s leadership for supporting his success in the field. “If I need equipment, I can get it. If something is going to help us do the job right, the company makes sure we have it. That kind of support means everything.”

As he looks to the future, Nick hopes to see Patriot and Crystal Clean expand its waste and water treatment capabilities. “We have the talent and the tools. The more we grow, the more we can achieve.”

He also offers sound advice to new employees. “Cross train, speak up, and stay alert. We are all here to help one another succeed and stay safe.”

Beyond the Job Site

Outside of work, Nick enjoys riding motorcycles both on and off the track. He also likes to travel when he gets the chance. His favorite places so far have been Ireland and Japan, both offering a change of pace and a break from the day-to-day.

Whether leading a complex mine cleanup or mentoring the next generation of field techs, Nick Gonzales is a steady force at Patriot. He is a leader who gets the job done, builds up his team, and always puts safety first.

Agreement to Serve as a Model for Future Collaborations to Create a National Network of TSDF Partnerships

DURHAM, N.C., Sept. 08, 2025 — 374Water Inc. (NASDAQ: SCWO) (“374Water”), a global leader in organic waste destruction technology and services for the municipal, federal, and industrial markets, today announced a Waste Destruction Services (“WDS”) collaboration agreement focused on PFAS eradication with Crystal Clean, a leading provider of environmental and waste management solutions to commercial, industrial, and government end-markets.

374Water will establish a full-service WDS operation to unlock significant revenue opportunities across municipal, federal, and industrial market verticals. Operations at one of Crystal Clean’s facilities will include its proprietary AirSCWO technology, pre- and post-treatment systems, and ancillary equipment. This agreement will allow 374Water to actively pursue large federal destruction contracts for Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (“AFFF”), granular activated carbon (“GAC”), ion exchange resin (“IEX”), and other PFAS contaminated wastes. 374Water will also pursue large municipal and industrial PFAS waste destruction contracts which are ideal for this facility. In addition, Crystal Clean and 374Water will actively market AirSCWO WDS to existing customers, who approve of the technology, and thereby secure additional waste streams for destruction.

During 2025, 374Water intends to establish its WDS operations focused on PFAS eradication, the WDS operations will initially utilize the AirSCWO 6 system, which has the potential, over time, to generate $3 million to $5 million in annual recurring revenue. 374Water may install a second AirSCWO 6 system in 2026 to meet increased client demand.

In addition, 374Water has begun to build its mobile AirSCWO fleet for onsite WDS for clients who prefer onsite destruction projects and operations. The company intends to build a fleet of mobile AirSCWO systems to meet specific customer needs.

“Crystal Clean is an ideal partner to enable our waste destruction services business to scale rapidly and support growing demand across a wide array of market verticals and waste streams,” said Chris Gannon, CEO of 374Water. “The combination of 374Water’s AirSCWO destruction technology and Crystal Clean’s experience collecting and concentrating PFAS waste streams unlocks significant potential revenue for both companies, including destruction contracts for Federal PFAS-contaminated waste streams. With Crystal Clean’s 25-plus years of experience as a leader in the environmental services market, we believe this partnership will empower us to unlock the massive PFAS waste destruction market.”

“At Crystal Clean, our vision is to protect the Earth’s resources by helping the business world run cleaner,” said Brian Recatto, President & CEO of Crystal Clean. “This partnership strengthens our position as a leader in the safe and effective removal of PFAS from the environment. By hosting 374Water’s super critical water oxidation system at one of our waste treatment facilities, we are bringing together proven PFAS destruction technology with our trusted operations to better support the evolving needs of government and industrial clients. This is a strategic move that builds upon our existing capabilities to concentrate PFAS waste, allowing for safe, efficient, and compliant destruction.”

About Crystal Clean

Crystal Clean provides environmental and industrial services to a wide range of customers including manufacturers, vehicle maintenance businesses, utilities, and government agencies. With a network of more than 120 environmental services branches, industrial service facilities, and waste treatment centers across the continental U.S., Crystal Clean provides tailored solutions that help customers manage their chemical, liquid, and solid waste streams while reducing regulatory burdens.

Crystal Clean’s service offerings include parts cleaning, containerized and bulk waste management, used oil collection and re-refining, vacuum wastewater services, emergency and spill response, industrial and field services, and antifreeze collection, recycling, and product sales.

To learn more about Crystal Clean, visit www.crystal-clean.com.

About 374Water

374Water Inc. (NASDAQ: SCWO) is a global industrial technology and services company providing innovative solutions addressing wastewater treatment and waste management issues within the municipal, federal and industrial markets. 374Water’s AirSCWO technology is designed to efficiently destroy and mineralize a broad spectrum of nonhazardous and hazardous organic wastes, producing safe dischargeable water streams, safe mineral effluent, safe vent gas, and recoverable heat energy. 374Water’s AirSCWO technology has the potential to assist its customers to meet discharge requirements, reduce or eliminate disposal costs, remove bottlenecks, and reduce litigation and other risks. 374Water continues to be a leader in innovative waste treatment solutions, dedicated to creating a greener future and eradicating harmful pollutants. Learn more by visiting www.374water.com.

Cautionary Language on Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this communication are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance, including statements relating to whether 374Water will be able to unlock revenue from its WDS operations, whether 374Water will be successful in obtaining federal, municipal and industrial waste destruction contracts, the timing for 374Water to launch WDS operations and 374Water’s ability to establish additional WDS operations, 374Water’s ability to scale its operations, demand for 374Water’s solutions, and 374Water’s ability to
destroy PFAS at scale, and 374Water’s future prospects and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause 374Water’s actual results, levels of activity, performance, or 374Water’s achievements or those of its industry to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words like “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “consider,” “predict,” “potential,” “feel,” or other comparable terminology. 374Water has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates, beliefs, and projections. While 374Water believes these expectations, assumptions, estimates, and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the 374Water’s control. These and other important factors, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” in 374Water’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, as well as 374Water’s subsequent filings with the SEC, may cause actual results, performance,
or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forwardlooking statements herein are made only as of the date they were first issued, and unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, 374Water disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

374Water Investor Relations and Media Contact
Chris Tyson
Executive Vice President
MZ North America
Direct: 949-491-8235
SCWO@mzgroup.us
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Crystal Clean Contact
Mike Ademe
Communications & Marketing Manager
mike.ademe@crystal-clean.com
224-281-1530

Hoffman Estates, IL — Crystal Clean today announced the launch of the SAFF®10, a compact and versatile addition to its turnkey 4never™ PFAS remediation solution. Designed to meet growing demand for space-efficient, high-performance treatment options, the SAFF®10 delivers powerful remediation capability in a small, sustainable package.

Manufactured by Australian environmental engineering firm EPOC Enviro, the SAFF®10 joins Crystal Clean’s growing portfolio of SAFF® technologies. It is ideally suited for projects with limited site access, intermittent water flow, or lower volume throughput.

Surface Active Foam Fractionation (SAFF®) is a patented, nature-inspired technology that uses air bubbles to separate and remove more than 99% of targeted PFAS compounds. This sustainable process enables treated water to be safely discharged or reused, supporting regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship.

“Every PFAS challenge is unique, and effective remediation requires flexibility,” said Brian Recatto, President & CEO of Crystal Clean. “The SAFF®10 is a compact, go-anywhere system that brings the power of SAFF® technology to smaller or space-limited sites that may not have the needs for a large-scale remediation technology on-site.”

With a footprint just under 8 by 16 feet, the SAFF®10 can be installed in compact areas such as maintenance areas or plant rooms, or mounted on a trailer for rapid deployment. It offers the same trusted SAFF® process for effective PFAS removal, providing a proven and effective solution in a smaller, more flexible format.

The SAFF®10 can process up to 45 gallons per minute and includes both primary and secondary foam fractionation for superior PFAS capture.

It’s an ideal technology for remediating target PFAS contaminants in any number of applications including landfill leachates, groundwater, industrial effluent, mobile and fixed extinguishing system decontamination, spill incident event waters, and more.

First developed in 2015, SAFF® technology has now successfully treated nearly 400 million gallons of PFAS-impacted water globally. Crystal Clean currently operates a PFAS treatment facility in Michigan and is expanding SAFF® treatment capabilities across multiple U.S. wastewater treatment locations.

Crystal Clean is an exclusive distributor of SAFF technology in the United States. For more information about Crystal Clean and it’s 4never™ PFAS remediation solution, visit https://www.crystal-clean.com/renewable-solution/pfas-solution-4never/.  

About Crystal Clean

Crystal Clean provides environmental and industrial services to manufacturers and other industrial businesses, utilities and governmental entities, and vehicle maintenance businesses. Their service programs include parts cleaning, regulated containerized and bulk waste management, used oil collection and re-refining, wastewater vacuum, emergency and spill response, industrial and field services, and waste antifreeze collection, recycling and product sales. These services help customers manage their used chemicals and liquid and solid wastes, while also helping to minimize their regulatory burdens.

About EPOC Enviro

EPOC Enviro is an award-winning Australian environmental engineering firm. The EPOC acronym stands for ‘Emerging Pollutants of Concern’.  

Their mission is to develop and implement clever and practical engineering solutions on a global scale to permanently remove PFAS and other emerging contaminants from the environment.   

EPOC Enviro has successfully pioneered separation and concentration of PFAS contaminants from impacted waters into a single step using their patented Surface-Active Foam Fractionation technology. This solution rapidly removes criteria PFAS compounds including long and short chain contaminants, generally down to the limits of reporting. It’s a clean, cost effective and sustainable process.

What is PFAS? 

PFAS are a family of synthetic compounds widely used globally to make products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water.

PFAS compounds break down very slowly over time and are recognised as an ‘emerging contaminant’ with widespread concerns about their characteristics of persistence, bioaccumulation, toxicity and impacts on human health. 

Contacts

Crystal Clean
Mike Ademe
Communications & Marketing Manager
mike.ademe@crystal-clean.com
224-281-1530