This article appeared in the October 2019 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

Regulations can feel like manufacturing’s most insurmountable burden. However, they ensure the health and safety of people and communities. Manufacturers who stay compliant with regulations enjoy lower costs, fewer legal issues and a greater community trust. Michigan is home to an amazing environment, yet there are conversations every day at the Capitol about sensitive issues like lead in drinking water, PFAS and air quality. Now, perhaps more than ever, it is essential that manufacturers of all sizes have access to professionals who can solve their transportation and waste disposal demands.

Heritage Crystal-Clean (HCC) is one such company. An MMA-endorsed industrial service provider, HCC helps manufacturers securely complete the cradle-to-grave cycle of waste products.

“Poor waste removal processes can ruin a business. You can do it right 999 times out of 1,000 and it’s the one time something goes wrong that will end up as a front page headline, result in litigation and do irreparable harm to your brand,” explained Edward Guglielmi, divisional vice president of sales for Heritage Crystal-Clean.

“Every customer is different — we’re a resource for the full breadth of companies out there,” said Guglielmi. “Some are Large Quantity Generators of waste materials that require highly regulated disposal processes and a dedicated strategy for transport. Others just need the occasional help with a drum or have a question they need answered.”

Environmental services offered by Heritage Crystal-Clean include: parts cleaning, waste drum disposal, vacuum services, used oil and oily water collection, antifreeze, absorbents, and aqueous filtration systems. With full-service locations in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Saginaw, a Battle Creek-based recycling center and scheduled runs through the U.P. every two weeks, HCC can be at any location in Michigan — usually within 24 hours.

“I think it’s safe to say that non-compliance is a top concern for people,” Guglielmi points out. “You see the reactions coming out of the Flint situation — these things strike at the heart of our communities. People want to know their local businesses are taking proper precautions, don’t cut corners and prioritize safe waste disposal.”

Manufacturers looking for the best solutions provider for their waste transportation and disposal needs should ask the right questions:

• How can I be proactive in waste disposal and not wait to react until after a violation occurs?
• What are the existing federal and state cradle- to-grave liability laws for the waste we generate?
• What needs to happen if our business doesn’t have a dedicated environment, health and safety specialist on hand?
• How can we get better at managing our regulated waste and stay compliant with all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Transportation regulations?
• Are we abiding by proper recordkeeping and documentation requirements?

Through HCC, MMA members can be assured of answers to all those questions and can receive ongoing on-site consultation, assessment, and strategy development assistance.

“Heritage is a safety-driven, collaborative company focusing on customer, community concerns and offering manufacturers a level of confidence that few can match,” said Guglielmi. “Waste disposal should never be an afterthought, but you shouldn’t feel like you have to take on the burden by yourself — that can be a ticket to disaster. Give us a call and let us help make sure your business is doing it the right way.”

Heritage Crystal-Clean is an MMA Premium Associate Member and has been an MMA member company since January 2009. Visit online: www.crystal-clean.com.