Abandonment Removal Services

Abandoned industrial sites, mines, and oil fields create serious liability risks—from environmental contamination to safety hazards that threaten property owners with fines, lawsuits, and regulatory action. U.S. Waste Industries specializes in complete abandonment removal and site restoration, turning dangerous liabilities into clean, usable properties.

With over 30 years of experience in hazardous waste removal, confined space entry, and environmental remediation, we handle every aspect of abandonment projects—from initial site assessment and waste characterization to demolition, disposal, and final regulatory clearance.

Why Abandoned Sites Require Specialized Removal Services

Abandoned facilities don’t just sit idle—they deteriorate. Tanks corrode and leak. Chemical drums fail and spill. Structures collapse. Over time, these sites become environmental hazards and legal nightmares for property owners, lenders, and developers.

The risks include:

• Groundwater and soil contamination – Leaking tanks, drums, and pipelines release hazardous chemicals into the environment
• Structural collapse hazards – Deteriorating buildings, equipment, and storage systems pose injury risks to trespassers and workers
• Regulatory violations – Abandoned sites often violate EPA, state, and local environmental regulations, exposing owners to fines and enforcement actions
• Liability exposure – Property owners remain legally responsible for contamination and injuries, even if they didn’t cause the abandonment
• Decreased property value – Contaminated or hazardous sites cannot be sold, redeveloped, or financed until cleaned and certified

That’s why abandonment removal requires more than demolition crews—it requires OSHA HAZWOPER-trained professionals who understand hazardous materials, confined space entry, environmental regulations, and compliant disposal methods.

Our Abandonment Removal Process

Every abandoned site is different. Some involve simple debris removal. Others require hazardous waste management, tank cleaning, soil remediation, and extensive documentation. We tailor our approach to the site’s specific conditions and regulatory requirements.

Step 1: On-Site Assessment and Hazard Identification

While we can discuss project scope over the phone, nothing replaces a thorough on-site inspection. Our OSHA HAZWOPER-certified team evaluates:

• Structural integrity of buildings, tanks, and equipment
• Presence and condition of hazardous materials (chemicals, asbestos, PCBs, petroleum products)
• Soil and groundwater contamination
• Regulatory compliance status and permit requirements
• Access challenges and safety considerations

This assessment allows us to develop a detailed remediation plan, provide accurate cost estimates, and identify regulatory approvals needed before work begins.

Step 2: Waste Characterization and Removal

Abandoned sites often contain unknown materials—deteriorating drums, unlabeled containers, and forgotten chemical storage. We perform field testing and lab analysis to identify waste streams, then safely remove and dispose of all hazardous and non-hazardous materials in compliance with EPA and state regulations.

Our capabilities include:

• Hazardous waste disposal – RCRA-compliant removal and manifesting
• Tank cleaning and decommissioning – Confined space entry, hydroblasting, and safe removal
• Soil and groundwater remediation – Contamination cleanup and regulatory clearance
• Asbestos abatement – NESHAP-compliant removal from abandoned structures

Step 3: Demolition and Equipment Removal

Once hazardous materials are cleared, we handle demolition of dilapidated structures, removal of obsolete equipment, and site cleanup. Salvageable equipment can be recycled or sold to offset project costs. All debris is transported to approved disposal facilities.

Step 4: Site Restoration and Regulatory Clearance

The final step is restoring the site to a clean, safe, and compliant condition. This may involve soil stabilization, grading, and vegetation restoration. We provide complete documentation—including manifests, lab reports, and disposal certifications—to demonstrate regulatory compliance and support property redevelopment or resale.

Types of Abandoned Sites We Restore

U.S. Waste Industries has successfully restored a wide range of abandoned industrial, commercial, and energy sites, including:

Abandoned Industrial Facilities

Manufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities, and warehouses left vacant after closures or bankruptcies. These sites often contain process chemicals, heavy equipment, and contaminated structures requiring specialized handling.

Abandoned Mines

Coal, metal, and mineral mines with residual equipment, tailings, and environmental contamination. We manage mine reclamation, waste removal, and water treatment to restore land for future use.

Abandoned Oil Fields and Refineries

Decommissioned wells, storage tanks, pipelines, and processing equipment contaminated with petroleum products, drilling fluids, and production waste. We provide tank cleaning, soil remediation, and safe disposal of oilfield waste.

Abandoned Ponds and Lagoons

Industrial wastewater lagoons, settling basins, and sludge ponds left unmanaged after facility closures. We offer complete lagoon cleanout services, including dewatering, sludge removal, and liner replacement.

Abandoned Chemical Storage Sites

Drum yards, tank farms, and chemical warehouses with deteriorating containers, unknown materials, and contamination risks. We safely characterize, repackage, and dispose of all materials under EPA supervision.

Why Choose U.S. Waste Industries for Abandonment Removal

Abandoned site restoration isn’t just demolition—it’s environmental compliance, hazardous waste expertise, and accountability. Here’s what sets us apart:

• OSHA HAZWOPER-trained professionals – Our teams are certified for hazardous waste operations and emergency response, ensuring safe handling of unknown and dangerous materials
• Turnkey project management – One vendor handles assessment, waste removal, demolition, disposal, and regulatory clearance
• Nationwide service with local responsiveness – We operate across the Southeast and beyond, with the reach of a national provider and the accountability of a family-run company
• Complete documentation – Full manifests, lab reports, and disposal certifications for regulatory compliance and property transfer
• 24/7 availability – Call 800-669-9552 anytime to discuss emergency or planned abandonment projects

Real Results: Abandoned Site Case Study

One of our recent projects involved a two-acre foreclosed property in South Carolina littered with over 1,000 hazardous and non-hazardous waste containers. Working under EPA supervision, we characterized and repacked all materials, removed 55 truckloads of debris, and restored the site to clean condition in just 30 days. The property went from a liability to a marketable asset. Read the full case study here.

Industries and Clients We Serve

Our abandonment removal services support property owners, lenders, developers, and environmental consultants dealing with:

• Foreclosed industrial properties
• Brownfield redevelopment projects
• Decommissioned energy facilities (oil, gas, coal)
• Abandoned manufacturing and chemical plants
• Mine reclamation and closure projects
• EPA-supervised cleanup actions

Get Help with Your Abandoned Site Project

If you’re dealing with an abandoned facility, mine, oil field, or industrial site, U.S. Waste Industries can help. We provide complete site assessment, hazardous waste removal, demolition, and regulatory clearance—turning contaminated liabilities into clean, usable properties.

Call 800-669-9552 or contact us today to schedule an on-site assessment and discuss your abandonment removal needs. We’ll provide a clear scope of work, transparent pricing, and a realistic timeline backed by decades of experience.

U.S. Waste Industries: Compliance you can trust. Experts you can reach.