In industrial businesses, hazardous waste testing is a necessary part of the manufacturing process. It's your responsibility as a business owner to make sure that you're performing the right waste tests, and then dealing with the results in a timely manner.

There are a few things that you need to look for when choosing a waste testing service in your area. The first thing you need to do is determine what type of waste testing services you need. Most waste testing companies do one or more of the following types of testing:

1. Drain waste testing

2. Solid waste testing

3. Waste water testing

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for an industrial waste testing firm with an in-house lab

When choosing a company to work with, favor the ones that have a waste testing laboratory in-house that's capable of running a variety of tests on both solids and liquids. This not only ensures that you get your results in a timely manner, it can also be important if you need additional tests performed every few months to make sure that you're up to code. Companies that have to ship off their samples can take weeks to get the results, and you risk the chance of contamination or sample damage.

I recommend: Choose a waste testing service with their own lab. Summit Environmental has an in-house lab that can perform just about any test you need. It also has a designated room that can be used to perform mercury tests. Hukill Chemical is another company that offers in-house testing services and solutions.

Choose a waste testing company that has skilled staff members

When it comes time to deal with a waste issue, make sure that your field technician is skilled in diagnostics and can troubleshoot anything that comes her way. Some companies may specialize in just waste water, but could overlook possible solid wastes that are produced along the way. You want someone that understands that often, if the water is contaminated, the soil and air may also need treating.

I recommend: Find out the credentials of the company and technician that you're working with. The Environmental Quality Company is one such company that has experienced, licensed professionals every step of the way. Scientific Control Laboratories has several certifications for testing.

Pick a company that does more than just waste testing

There are many companies that can perform the necessary tests to find out if you're up to code, but not all companies have the expertise and ability to help you find a solution to your problem and keep it from recurring. It's best to find a company that can diagnose the problem and then clean up the mess so that you don't have to.

I recommend: Go with a waste testing service that will fix your problem quickly the first time. McCutcheon Enterprises can help you get the tests you need, fix the problems and then perform audits periodically to make sure that the problem hasn't returned. Clean Harbors is another full-service firm that can protect your interests and keep you up to code.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It's a good idea to schedule a waste test every few months, regardless of past problems or services.