Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. Announces Investment in Battery Recycling Partner Retriev

04/19/2022 | Comment

ELGIN, IL April 19, 2022 — Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. (Nasdaq: HCCI), a leading provider of parts cleaning, hazardous and non-hazardous waste services, used oil re-refining, antifreeze recycling and field services primarily focused on small and mid-sized customers, today announced an investment in its battery recycling partner, HBR Retriev Holdco, LLC (Retriev), through its operating subsidiary, Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC (HCC).

Retriev is an integrated battery recycling platform that includes the operations of Heritage Battery Recycling, Retriev Technologies, and Battery Solutions. Retriev is the only complete service provider for lithium and cross-chemistry in the industry, offering battery-centric logistics, collection program solutions and second-life applications. This investment, together with the logistics services agreement HCC executed with Retriev earlier this year, positions HCC to further capitalize on the opportunity to provide comprehensive collection and recycling services to businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The circular battery supply chain is complex. Ensuring a robust network of battery-centric logistics focused on safety and compliance are critical to the success of this sector. HCC’s strategic locations will support Retriev’s growing demand in end-of-life battery collection and logistics.

“We are very excited with this investment as we believe it provides a great opportunity for our shareholders to benefit further from the growing electrification of our economy,” said Brian Recatto, President and CEO, HCC. “We believe this puts us in a great position to assist our current customers and future generations in achieving their sustainability goals.”

About Heritage-Crystal Clean

Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. provides parts cleaning, used oil re-refining, and hazardous and non-hazardous waste services primarily to small and mid-sized manufacturers and other industrial businesses as well as customers in the vehicle maintenance sector. Our service programs include parts cleaning, containerized waste management, used oil collection and re-refining, wastewater vacuum, waste antifreeze collection, recycling and product sales, and field services. These services help our customers manage their used chemicals and liquid and solid wastes, while also helping to minimize their regulatory burdens. Our customers include small-to-medium sized manufacturers, such as metal product fabricators and printers, and other industrial businesses as well as businesses involved in vehicle maintenance operations, such as car dealerships, automotive repair shops, and trucking firms. Through our used oil re-refining program during fiscal 2021, we recycled approximately 66 million gallons of used oil into high quality lubricating base oil, and we are a supplier to firms that produce and market finished lubricants. Through our antifreeze program during fiscal 2021 we recycled approximately 3.9 million gallons of spent antifreeze which was used to produce a full line of virgin-quality antifreeze products. Through our parts cleaning program during fiscal 2021 we recycled 2 million gallons of used solvent into virgin-quality solvent to be used again by our customers. In addition, we sold 0.5 million gallons of used solvent into the reuse market. Through our containerized waste program during fiscal 2021 we collected 21 thousand tons of regulated waste which was sent for energy recovery. Through our wastewater vacuum services program during fiscal 2021 we treated approximately 49 million gallons of wastewater. Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. is headquartered in Elgin, Illinois, and operates through 91 branches serving approximately 95,000 customer locations.

About Retriev Technologies  

Retriev, the recognized leader in battery management and recycling, has been at the forefront of safe and responsible recycling technology for decades, processing lithium batteries for over 30 years. Retriev utilizes a patented hydrometallurgical process which recovers critical materials necessary for the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries that are used to power our world. Retriev’s reputation is built on research, knowledge, compliance and responsible battery recycling and management services. For more information, visit www.retrievtech.com.

Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. and Battelle to Collaborate on PFAS Destruction for Wastewater

03/29/2022 | Comment

ELGIN, IL and COLUMBUS, Ohio (March 29, 2022)— Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. (NASDAQ: HCCI) and Battelle  will join forces to tackle one of today’s most formidable environmental challenges—the removal and destruction of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from wastewater.

Battelle has chosen Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. (Crystal Clean) as its partner to use, market and service Battelle’s PFAS destruction technology for commercial applications. Crystal Clean will use these key technologies in its own wastewater treatment plants and at third party landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and other commercial applications.  Crystal Clean also will work collaboratively with Battelle for use of the technology at other sites and for other applications.

Battelle’s PFAS Annihilator™ uses supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) to destroy PFAS in industrial wastewater, landfill leachate and other contaminated water. This is a market-leading solution for PFAS removal and destruction at waste processing facilities.

“PFAS properties are unique—they are oil and water repellent, temperature resistant, and friction reducing—making them extremely difficult to remove,” said Battelle PFAS Program Director Amy Dindal. “Unlike other treatment methods that can relocate the PFAS, like incineration or filtering, Battelle’s Annihilator™ breaks the carbon-fluorine bond and destroys PFAS.”

For Crystal Clean CEO Brian Recatto, the necessity to add PFAS destruction capabilities for his company came from his customers. “We are taking calls all the time asking if we can help to get rid of PFAS,” he said. “We are a leader in wastewater treatment, and we need to implement fast, large-scale solutions so we can address this critical issue to prevent harm to human health or the environment. We look forward to working closely with Battelle experts to market and implement this game changing technology.”

The implementation of this PFAS destruction solution is timely given the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s intention defined by its PFAS strategic roadmap to undertake rulemaking to restrict PFAS discharges from industrial sources.

About Heritage-Crystal Clean

Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. provides parts cleaning, used oil re-refining, and hazardous and non-hazardous waste services primarily to small and mid-sized manufacturers and other industrial businesses as well as customers in the vehicle maintenance sector. Our service programs include parts cleaning, containerized waste management, used oil collection and re-refining, wastewater vacuum, waste antifreeze collection, recycling and product sales, and field services. These services help our customers manage their used chemicals and liquid and solid wastes, while also helping to minimize their regulatory burdens. Our customers include small-to-medium sized manufacturers, such as metal product fabricators and printers, and other industrial businesses as well as businesses involved in vehicle maintenance operations, such as car dealerships, automotive repair shops, and trucking firms. Through our used oil re-refining program during fiscal 2021, we recycled approximately 66 million gallons of used oil into high quality lubricating base oil, and we are a supplier to firms that produce and market finished lubricants. Through our antifreeze program during fiscal 2021 we recycled approximately 3.9 million gallons of spent antifreeze which was used to produce a full line of virgin-quality antifreeze products. Through our parts cleaning program during fiscal 2021 we recycled 2 million gallons of used solvent into virgin-quality solvent to be used again by our customers. In addition, we sold 0.5 million gallons of used solvent into the reuse market. Through our containerized waste program during fiscal 2021 we collected 21 thousand tons of regulated waste which was sent for energy recovery. Through our wastewater vacuum services program during fiscal 2021 we treated approximately 49 million gallons of wastewater. Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. is headquartered in Elgin, Illinois, and operates through 91 branches serving approximately 95,000 customer locations.

About Battelle  

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org. 

Media Contacts
Mark DeVita (847) 783-5358 mark.devita@crystal-clean.com
Katy Delaney (614) 424-7208 delaneyk@battelle.org
T.R. Massey (614) 424-5544 masseytr@battelle.org

Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. Announces Record 2021 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Financial Results

03/02/2022 | Comment

ELGIN, IL., March 2, 2022 — Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. (Nasdaq: HCCI), a leading provider of parts cleaning, hazardous and non-hazardous waste services, used oil re-refining, antifreeze recycling and field services primarily focused on small and mid-sized customers, today announced results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 and for the full fiscal year, which ended January 1, 2022. To view the financial results for the fourth quarter and full year, please visit our financial releases page.

The company will host a conference call on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 9:30 AM Central Time, during which management will give a presentation focusing on the Company’s operations and financial results.

Interested parties can listen to the audio webcast available through our company website, https://crystal-clean.com/investor-relations/, and can participate on the call by dialing (833) 772-0398. After dialing the number, you will be required to provide the following passcode before being joined to the conference call: 7483238.

You can also register for the online webcast by clicking this link.

Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. to Present at the 24th Annual Needham Virtual Growth Conference on January 11th

01/03/2022 | Comment

Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. (Nasdaq:HCCI) announced that Mark DeVita, CFO, will present at the 24th Annual Needham Virtual Growth Conference on Tuesday, January 11,2022. Heritage-Crystal Clean’s presentation is scheduled to begin at 11:30 am EST.

The presentation will be webcast live and may be accessed at the following link, https://wsw.com/webcast/needham116/hcci/2208998.

Employee Spotlight – Michael Chavira

02/16/2022 | Comment

In our industry, we see a lot of movement on the road. Crystal Clean operates a fleet of more than 900 vehicles, ranging from light duty vans and pick-up trucks to class 8 tractors and straight trucks. And that’s not even counting the number of third-party transportation firms that support our operations. A majority of these vehicles are out on the road each day moving the materials we collect and deliver from one point to another. From customer locations to branches, hubs, operating facilities, and waste disposal sites, things are always moving at Crystal Clean.

With all that said, it comes as no surprise that our transportation and logistics team truly is doing work that keeps our company running. One member of this integral team is Michael Chavira, our Senior Logistics Specialist. He has been with Crystal Clean for five years and has worked within transportation and logistics for more than 20 years.

Michael’s day starts off early in the morning going through emails with transportation requests from across the company. He primarily handles requests related to Crystal Clean’s Indianapolis and Shreveport hubs, scheduling for the re-refinery, and supports the Battle Creek and Wooddale antifreeze facilities as well. Throughout the day, he is on the phone and sending emails to provide transportation updates, scheduling large customer pickups, and coordinating any emergency services needed.

“I initially fell into this type of role earlier on in my career and since then it all fell into place and I got hooked on this type of work,” Michael shared. “It’s always kept me busy and engaged and I’ve gotten a great comfort level with this work over the years.”

The logistics team can see anywhere from 100 to 200 requests a day split between the three of them, so it’s safe to say they work in a fast-paced environment each day. In addition to our own internal logistics operations, they also manage the third-party transportation companies who support our needs. There is a delicate balance of trying to keep all parties involved happy when it comes to logistics, while also ensuring that everyone receives exactly what they need at the right time so no one is overwhelmed with too many pieces moving at once.

“One of my goals I have is to do my job so well that people don’t notice when an issue arises because we handle it and find a solution quickly,” Michael said. “We have a good team in my department and the way everyone steps up helps us run like a well-oiled machine. If one of us fails we all fail, so we take our work seriously and we all are prepared to help wherever we need extra support.”

The way Michael handles himself in high-pressure situations has been a key characteristic to his success in his work. He shared that he has always been good at working with different kinds of people and juggling different situations as he addresses them to make sure everyone is happy.

“Michael has been great to work with in the field and he always gets the job done,” said Alan Spiller, Dayton Branch Manager. “Even when he’s faced with a challenging situation, he always has a great sense of humor and is willing to work with myself and other branch managers to get a problem solved quickly.”

Michael shared that he’s enjoyed his time at Crystal Clean and the people he gets to work with. He says it’s been a night-and-day difference between previous places he’s worked, where people genuinely care about one another and everyone pitches in the get the job done the right way. This has him excited about what the future holds for his career and the company. “The kind of work we do is exciting, and I like seeing how we continue to expand into the recycling and renewable energy side of things,” Michael said. “The world is continuing to look for new ways to manage the waste we collect and it’s encouraging to see how sustainability continues to be a focus of our company.”

Employee Spotlight – Dustin Gotreaux

12/14/2021 | Comment

Sunrise this time a year is typically just around 7 a.m., but there are some early birds who like to already have some time working under their belt before the sun peeks over the horizon. They already have their coffee in hand, going over their list of things to do for the day or checking in with co-workers. Dustin Gotreaux, Crystal Clean’s Branch Sales Manager (BSM) for the Baton Rouge, LA branch is one of those early birds that starts his day nice and early.

Dustin has been a member of the Crystal Clean team since 2007 and has held a few different positions leading up to his current role. He became the BSM at the branch in 2018 and had previously spent two years as an Environmental Solutions Partner (ESP) and 10 years before that as a sales and service representative. With all that time on a truck and working together with customers, it’s safe to say Dustin knows a thing or two when it comes to the environmental services industry.

“I feel like I have one of the best jobs as a BSM,” Dustin shared. “I have the freedom to go out, meet people, and grow the business. Plus, I can still hop on a truck and help out if needed.”

Each day is anything but typical for Dustin as a BSM. He usually arrives at the branch around 6 a.m. and starts going through emails while also checking in with sales and service representative to see what they need before he gets ready to hit the road himself. He has a goal to visit about 10 customers and prospects each day and lines up his week of appointments each Monday. And while it may sound like these visits would all be similar, Dustin shared that each visit has its own unique spin that keeps things interesting. The kind of people he meets at each customer keeps things different and lively, and he enjoys the opportunity his role as BSM gives him to meet new people and learn more about them.

“I’ve known Dustin for his whole career at Crystal Clean and he has really settled into his role as a BSM,” Baton Rouge Branch Manager Bill Bumm said. “He’s able to adapt well and is very persistent whenever he faces challenges. As a BSM, he’s very good at asking questions, keeping things fun, and breaking the ice with customer visits and cold calls. The way he handles himself helps all parties relax and be engaged in the conversation.”

Dustin hasn’t always been this confident, and in fact he shared that he used to be very shy. However, after a bit of time cold calling customers and prospects, he’s built up his confidence over the years. It’s his positive attitude and focus on what’s ahead that has made a difference and helps him frame each day as a new opportunity to try again.

“Always be looking forward at the future,” he shared. “Don’t dwell on the past. Otherwise, you can get stuck in the same mindset and things will keep going that way. There’s always a new day to try again.”

This forward-looking mindset is something that Dustin feels has helped lead to his success. He also decided early on to make the job a bit more personal and get involved with his co-workers. He’s found that this mindset has helped him become more invested not just in the business, but the relationships with his co-workers as well. This had led to better relationships around the branch and opportunities to support sales and service representatives with their questions as they continue to learn the industry.

Being at Crystal Clean for more than a decade, Dustin has seen a lot of changes happen in both the company and his career. He’s always felt challenged in his roles and has felt supported to try new things and move into new positions during his career. As he continues to work with Crystal Clean, he’s excited about what the future holds for the company. “In the future, I’d like to see us to process all the waste streams we collect,” he said. “We’ll be able to become the end-all solutions for our customers’ waste and won’t have to depend on other businesses to support our waste disposal and recovery operations. That’s why the recent acquisitions that grow our internal capabilities have me excited.”

Crystal Clean Expands Technical and Field Services Capabilities with Acquisition of AET Environmental

11/18/2021 | Comment

Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC (Crystal Clean), a leading provider of parts cleaning, used oil re-refining, and hazardous and non-hazardous waste services primarily focused on small and mid-sized customers, acquired AET Environmental, based in Denver, CO, on September 30, 2021.

“We are excited to have AET Environmental join the Crystal Clean family,” Crystal Clean President & CEO Brian Recatto said. “Their tremendous amount of technical experience and capabilities has been critical to their long-term success, and we will lean on their expertise as we continue to expand our technical and field services capabilities across the company.”

AET Environmental was founded in 1993 and specializes in hazardous and industrial waste disposal, in-plant support and remediation, as well as training and compliance assistance. They operate four locations in the western and southern United States and serve customers within manufacturing, agriculture, engineering, medical and industrial laboratories, and more. AET Environmental will continue to do business under the same name, now as a Heritage-Crystal Clean company.

“We are excited to support Crystal Clean in realizing their vision of helping the business world run cleaner,” said Frank Virginia, General Manager of AET Environmental. “We look forward to sharing our expertise with the Crystal Clean team and expanding Crystal Clean’s footprint in the environmental and technical services markets.”

Heritage-Crystal Clean was founded in 1999 and operates a network of more than 90 service branches across the nation and multiple waste recovery centers, including an oil re-refinery, regional antifreeze recovery centers, and several wastewater treatment facilities. Crystal Clean offers the wide range of services needed to protect the environment and create a brighter, sustainable future.

Crystal Clean Acquires Raider Environmental Services

11/11/2021 | Comment

Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC (Crystal Clean), a leading provider of parts cleaning, used oil re-refining, and hazardous and non-hazardous waste services primarily focused on small and mid-sized customers, acquired Raider Environmental Services, based in the Miami-Dade area of Florida, on September 14, 2021. The acquisition of Raider Environmental adds two locations to the Crystal Clean network of facilities, including a new wastewater treatment facility, in southern Florida.

“This acquisition is another strategic step for us as we continue to increase our internal waste disposal capabilities,” Crystal Clean President & CEO Brian Recatto said. “Crystal Clean now has an additional wastewater treatment facility with non-hazardous waste solidification capabilities, which will serve as an internal offload site for vacuum and bulk wastewater as we continue to expand our retail industrial waste marketing presence.”

Raider Environmental Services was founded in 2001 and has the capabilities for wastewater collection and treatment, emergency response, and hazardous and non-hazardous waste management. The company also has expertise in the unique waste management process required by the marine industry to decontaminate, transport, and safely recycle/dispose of any industrial waste produced by the cruise industry. Raider Environmental will be transitioning to doing business under the Crystal Clean name.

Heritage-Crystal Clean was founded in 1999 and operates a network of 90 service branches across the nation and multiple waste recovery centers, including an oil re-refinery, regional antifreeze recovery centers, and several wastewater treatment facilities. Crystal Clean offers the wide range of services needed to protect the environment and create a brighter, sustainable future.

Crystal Clean Announces Acquisition of Coles Environmental

10/25/2021 | Comment

Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC (Crystal Clean), a leading provider of parts cleaning, used oil re-refining, and hazardous and non-hazardous waste services primarily focused on small and mid-sized customers, acquired Coles Environmental, based in Bakersfield, CA, on August 24, 2021.

“With this acquisition, Crystal Clean continues to strengthen its position in the western United States,” Crystal Clean President & CEO Brian Recatto said. “Coles Environmental has the capabilities and permits to process and consolidate a wide range of California hazardous and industrial non-hazardous materials, allowing us to continue growing our customer base and offer first class, sustainability-minded services.”

Coles Environmental was founded in 1988 and operates a state and federally permitted facility, offering environmental services, testing, and treatment for bulk solids, liquids, and containerized wastes. The facility will be integrated into Crystal Clean as a waste processing facility and distribution hub for many of the company’s products and services. The location will improve Crystal Clean’s route density, distribution cost structure, and efficiency. Coles Environmental will be transitioning to doing business under the Crystal Clean name.

“Joining the Crystal Clean network of branches is an exciting next step,” said Bryan Hill, General Manager of Coles Environmental. “Customers will continue to receive the same great service from the same great people, now with the support of Crystal Clean’s nationwide network and wide range of services to offer customers throughout California.”

Heritage-Crystal Clean was founded in 1999 and operates a network of more than 85 service branches across the nation and multiple waste recovery centers, including an oil re-refinery, regional antifreeze recovery centers, and several wastewater treatment facilities. Crystal Clean offers the wide range of services needed to protect the environment and create a brighter, sustainable future.

Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. Announces Record 2021 Third Quarter Results

10/20/2021 |

ELGIN, IL, October 20, 2021 —  Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. (Nasdaq: HCCI), a leading provider of parts cleaning, used oil re-refining, and hazardous and non-hazardous waste services primarily focused on small and mid-sized customers, today announced results for the third quarter which ended September 11, 2021.

The company hosted a conference call on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 9:30 AM Central Time, during which management gave a presentation focusing on the Company’s operations and financial results. 

To view the financial results of the third quarter of 2021, please visit our financial releases page.