VLS Environmental Solutions Launches Breakthrough Mercury Disposal Technology

DEER PARK, Texas, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- VLS Environmental Solutions, a leader in sustainable environmental management, has unveiled a revolutionary, patent-pending technology for the permanent disposal of elemental mercury. This technology is the first and only RCRA-compliant disposal option for elemental mercury in the United States. This innovative solution represents a significant milestone in hazardous waste management and a pivotal shift in how mercury waste should be managed.

Treatment and disposal of elemental mercury will occur at VLS' Texas Molecular RCRA permitted Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) in Deer Park, Texas. The state-of-the-art facility has the capacity and existing infrastructure to safely treat and dispose of elemental mercury in accordance with regulations and existing permits. VLS Texas Molecular is fully permitted by both the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to accept and dispose of mercury at this facility. This process ensures safe and permanent disposal, providing a definitive, compliant solution for a previously unresolved environmental challenge.

"This is a watershed moment for mercury waste management," said John Magee, CEO of VLS Environmental Solutions. "Our process provides the first true domestic solution for mercury disposal since the Mercury Export Ban Act (MEBA) took effect in 2013. Government agencies and industry stakeholders now have a viable, compliant option for final disposal."

Addressing a Long-Standing Industry Challenge

Signed into law in 2008, MEBA prohibited the export of elemental mercury beginning in 2013, leaving industry and government entities without a regulatory-compliant disposal option. VLS Texas Molecular's technical team has now resolved this predicament, eliminating the need for indefinite storage and reducing risks to public health and the environment.

"Methods like indefinite long-term storage, or stabilization and landfill, just delay the problem and can pose potential serious risks," said Chris Lobue, Executive Vice President of Hazardous Waste. "There is a reason stabilization and landfill of mercury above the water table isn't allowed under current EPA regulations. The elegance of the VLS solution is that it fits within existing regulations and uses a proven technology that was originally designed to protect drinking water sources."

Meeting the Needs of Key Stakeholders

Our solution directly supports the needs of the mining, energy, chemical, and other manufacturing sectors. It can also support the needs of federal agencies that are currently managing legacy mercury reserves. These agencies and industries are no longer burdened with large unnecessary costs associated with storing their elemental mercury stockpiles in perpetuity.

"We're proud to offer a solution that balances sustainability with compliance," said Jimmy Bracher, Vice President of Hazardous Waste Sales. "This technology finally addresses a critical gap in disposal capabilities."

"This is more than a technological advancement—it's a paradigm shift in mercury waste management," said Robert Wheatley, Chief Strategy Officer. "Our solution enables industries to resolve mercury challenges domestically, creating both environmental and economic value."

Leading the Industry Forward

Operating since 1981, the VLS Texas Molecular Deer Park facility is the only site in the nation equipped to deliver this level of mercury waste management. The company's commitment to environmental leadership is reflected in its record for regulatory compliance and its approach to safety.

"The impact of this technology goes beyond regulatory compliance," said Keith Cordesman, President of VLS. "It's about protecting ecosystems, advancing sustainable development, and guiding industries toward a future built on responsible innovation."

For more information on our elemental mercury solution, call our experts at (877) 861-8588 or email [email protected].

About VLS Environmental Solutions

VLS Environmental Solutions is a leading provider of environmental and sustainability services across North America. The company operates four divisions:

• Non-Hazardous Waste Services: Offers innovative solutions for landfill diversion, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration, ensuring efficient and sustainable waste processing.
  
  
• Hazardous Waste Services: Specializes in the management, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials using advanced technologies, like waste sequestration, and strict safety protocols to protect the environment and ensure compliance.
  
  
• Rail Services: Provides comprehensive railcar cleaning, light and heavy repair, and field services for railcars transporting chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, with a focus on safety and efficiency.
  
  
• Marine Services: Delivers advanced barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free services for chemical solvents and petroleum products, emphasizing environmental responsibility and operational excellence.

With over 1,500 employees across more than 50 locations, VLS is committed to delivering innovative, compliant, and sustainable solutions.

For more information about VLS, visit https://www.vlses.com/.

SOURCE VLS Environmental Solutions