The Most Comprehensive and Proven PFAS Solution in North America
Clean Harbors' PFAS destruction surpasses EPA Standards. Partnering with the U.S. EPA and DOD, our study confirms we have the safest and most effective commercial-scale PFAS destruction process in North America.
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or "forever chemicals" are linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals. Clean Harbors conducted a PFAS incineration study in conjunction with the EPA and DOD in November of 2024. Results, which were reviewed by third-party experts, were issued in September of 2025 and included: Clean Harbors' RCRA-permitted, high-temperature incineration ensures safe and permanent thermal destruction of PFAS in its various forms. Along with that, destruction can be achieved cost effectively at commercial scale as well as 99.9999% effective in thermal destruction.
Key Highlights
Validated by EPA & Department of Defense
Joint study conducted November 2024 at Clean Harbors’ RCRA-permitted incinerator.
Exceeded All Emissions Requirements
Achieved complete PFAS destruction using the agency's most stringent standards — OTM-50 and Method 0010.
Ambient Air Emissions
Results were 2x to 8x lower than any state or federal limits.
Only Company to Meet Both Standards
No other destruction method or provider has achieved compliance with both EPA methods at commercial scale.
What Was Tested
AFFF Concentrate, PFOA PFOS, PFBA, PFDA, PFHxA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA (GenX) and other PFAS compounds
Validated by Third-Party Experts
- Dr. Melvin Keener, CRWI
- Dr. Jens Blotevogel, CSIRO
Both reviewed the data independently and supported the findings.
Why It Matters
PFAS has been linked to cancer, liver damage and immune disruption. Regulations are rapidly tightening — compliance matters more than ever. You need a partner with proven destruction, documented results and regulatory trust.
We excelled using the EPA's most stringent standards. These results confirm Clean Harbors is the leader in safe, scalable PFAS destruction.
- Eric Gerstenberg, Co-CEO, Clean Harbors
In hazardous waste disposal, there's Clean Harbors—then there's everyone else.
Clean Harbors is North America's leading hazardous incineration and thermal desorption provider. Clean Harbors operates ten hazardous waste incinerators and three thermal desorption units (TDUs). These state-of-the-art facilities have proven capabilities in managing RCRA, CERCLA, TSCA, DEA and PFAS classifications of waste, as well as chemically and physically challenging waste streams from a broad spectrum of industries.
Clean Harbors operates ten incinerators across North America. Combined, they represent more than 600,000 tons of incineration capacity per year, or 60% of the total available commercial incineration capacity in North America. More than enough capacity to handle your most demanding incineration needs.
Our incinerators are designed and permitted to handle a wide variety of hazardous waste profiles; our expansive reach and comprehensive transfer, storage and disposal facility (TSDF) network allow for alternative options for all of your incineration wastestreams.
PFAS Incineration: Part of Our Total PFAS Solution
Clean Harbors has been solving environmental challenges for over 45 years and we are continuing that commitment with our Total PFAS Solution. Our comprehensive program offers protective, innovative and sustainable solutions that are fully vetted and proven to stand up to the toughest compounds in the world, including PFAS.
True comprehensive service
Our PFAS services include:
• PFAS Sampling
• PFAS Analysis
• Drinking Water Solutions
• Industrial Water Solutions
• Soil Remediation
• AFFF Management
• Waste Transportation
• Disposal/Destruction
