The company that operates an East Liverpool hazardous waste incinerator with a history of regulatory issues has added a device that executives say will improve efficiency and address capacity constraints.

Heritage Environmental Services has announced the installation of a new shredder at its hazardous waste incineration facility.

The shredder is designed to reduce the size and homogenize waste before incineration, creating a more consistent feed into the kiln, according to Heritage. This streamlines operations and allows for more efficient processing of containerized waste.

“The addition of this shredding unit represents a transformative step for our East Liverpool facility,” said Ernie Walker, president of Heritage. “It strengthens our capabilities and provides relief to the broader industry backlog. As waste generators across the country face mounting deadlines and strict regulations, we’re stepping up to ensure their needs are met quickly and responsibly.”

The company also cited improved safety and efficiency due to the mechanical shredding process, which minimizes manual waste handling and reduces potential employee exposure to hazardous materials. The shredder is housed in a standalone building and utilizes vertical feed technology.

“By adding this technology, Heritage is better positioned than ever to continue providing fast, reliable solutions for our customers,” said Barry Legg, senior vice president of business development. “Our team can now more efficiently handle large volumes of waste, offering much-needed relief to a national industry facing capacity challenges.”

Heritage said the new shredding capabilities will allow the East Liverpool facility to handle complex waste streams more efficiently and safely, leading to quicker processing times for customers.

The East Liverpool facility has a history of regulatory issues and community concerns. In 2023, the facility, then known as Heritage Thermal Services, was selected to incinerate contaminated soil from the train derailment in nearby East Palestine. The facility has been cited for air quality violations and faced lawsuits over emissions. A fire was reported at the facility in June 2022, though the company stated no hazardous waste was involved.