Clean Harbors sustainability achievements drive growth in 2024
Clean Harbors, Inc., a leading environmental and industrial services provider in North America, has announced robust performance results and significant sustainability milestones for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2024.
The company’s two key segments—Environmental Services and Safety-Kleen Sustainability Solutions (SKSS)—demonstrated resilience and growth. The Environmental Services division, which manages hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal, leveraged an extensive network of over 100 waste facilities. This year, the division expanded its capacity with the launch of a new hazardous waste incinerator in Kimball, Nebraska, capable of processing 70,000 tonnes annually.
In the SKSS segment, Clean Harbors maintained its position as the largest recycler of used oil in North America. Collecting 253 million gallons of used oil in 2024, the company re-refined this feedstock into 249 million gallons of new base oils and lubricants. This process helped avoid the creation of approximately 2.4 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gases—equivalent to removing 550,000 gasoline-powered cars from the road for a year.
“Our focus is to deliver sustainable solutions that support our customers’ environmental goals,” said Co-CEO Michael L. Battles. “By expanding our incineration capacity and enhancing oil re-refining capabilities, we are reducing environmental impact while driving business growth.”
Used oil re-refining segment and financial performance
The SKSS segment plays a pivotal role in Clean Harbors’ financial success. In 2024, the segment generated substantial revenue by producing high-quality base oils and lubricants from recycled used oil, meeting increasing market demand for sustainable products. The company’s oil re-refining operations contributed significantly to overall profitability, with strong margins driven by cost-effective collection and production processes. Additionally, strategic partnerships with automotive and industrial sectors have bolstered sales of Performance Plus® branded lubricants, further solidifying Clean Harbors’ position in the circular economy.
The segment’s financial performance was supported by stable collection volumes and favourable market pricing, despite fluctuations in commodity costs. Clean Harbors’ focus on operational efficiency and optimised logistics enabled it to maintain competitive pricing while ensuring high product quality. The company’s decision to idle production at its Newark, California re-refinery helped streamline operations, reducing fixed costs and enhancing overall profitability.
The company’s commitment to workplace safety continued to be a cornerstone of its operations. For the third consecutive year, Clean Harbors achieved a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) below 1.0, with a record-low Days Away, Restricted Activity and Transfer Rate (DART) of 0.27.
Clean Harbors’ strategic acquisitions in 2024 further strengthened its market presence. The acquisition of HEPACO for USD392.2 million expanded the company’s emergency response services, while the purchase of Noble Oil Services, Inc. enhanced SKSS’s oil collection capabilities in the southeastern United States.
As part of its sustainability efforts, Clean Harbors published its third Sustainability Report in August 2024, aligning with the Global Reporting Initiative framework. The company also received industry recognition, including the Sustainability Partnership Game Changer Award from the National Waste and Recycling Association and inclusion in Corporate Knights’ Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations.
Looking ahead, Clean Harbors aims to continue leveraging advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotic process automation, to enhance efficiency and environmental performance. With its integrated network of assets and a skilled workforce, the company is poised to support the evolving sustainability needs of its diverse customer base.
