Company calls it a first-ever solution in the U.S.
VLS Environmental Solutions unveils a breakthrough in hazardous waste management with the launch of a patent-pending technology that enables the permanent disposal of elemental mercury. This is the first and only RCRA-compliant solution of its kind in the United States.
The company’s Texas Molecular facility in Deer Park now houses this technology, offering a long-awaited domestic solution for government and industrial entities grappling with mercury stockpiles since the Mercury Export Ban Act (MEBA) took effect in 2013. Under MEBA, U.S. exports of elemental mercury were banned, leaving industries without a permanent, regulatory-compliant disposal method.
“This is a watershed moment for mercury waste management,” says John Magee, CEO of VLS Environmental Solutions. “Our process provides the first true domestic solution for mercury disposal since the Mercury Export Ban Act took effect in 2013. Government agencies and industry stakeholders now have a viable, compliant option for final disposal.”
Addressing a regulatory gap
The Texas Molecular facility operates under full permits from both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The site’s existing infrastructure and permitted capacity allow for the safe treatment and disposal of elemental mercury in compliance with U.S. hazardous waste regulations.
Chris Lobue, executive vice president of hazardous waste, emphasizes the health and environmental risks posed by previous management methods. “Methods like indefinite long-term storage, or stabilization and landfill, just delay the problem and can pose potential serious risks,” he says. “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.”
Implications for industry and government
The technology targets key sectors such as mining, energy, and chemicals, as well as federal agencies managing legacy mercury reserves. It offers a compliance-focused alternative to the cost and complexity of long-term storage or export-restricted options.
“We’re proud to offer a solution that balances sustainability with compliance,” says Jimmy Bracher, vice president of hazardous waste sales. “This technology finally addresses a critical gap in disposal capabilities.”
Robert Wheatley, chief strategy officer, adds that the launch signals more than just progress. “This is more than a technological advancement. It’s a paradigm shift in mercury waste management,” he says. “Our solution enables industries to resolve mercury challenges domestically, creating both environmental and economic value.”
Milestone in environmental safety
Operating since 1981, the Deer Park facility is now the only site in the U.S. with this level of mercury waste management capability. For safety professionals, this development highlights an important shift in risk mitigation strategy for one of the most persistent and dangerous forms of hazardous waste.
“The impact of this technology goes beyond regulatory compliance,” says Keith Cordesman, President of VLS. “It’s about protecting ecosystems, advancing sustainable development, and guiding industries toward a future built on responsible innovation.”
Takeaway for Canadian safety professionals
While the facility operates in the United States, Canadian safety managers with cross-border operations or legacy mercury holdings should note the implications of this new disposal pathway. The advancement opens the door for international partnerships and may influence similar regulatory or technological developments within Canada.
