Environmental & Waste Compliance Services for the Aerospace Industry

Specialized Hazardous Waste Management for Aerospace Manufacturers, MROs, and Contractors

The aerospace industry operates under some of the strictest environmental regulations in the country. At Higgins Environmental, we help aerospace manufacturers, suppliers, and maintenance operations navigate these complex requirements with confidence. From hazardous waste disposal to compliance reporting, we provide turnkey environmental services designed to meet the unique regulatory demands of the aerospace sector.

We proudly serve aerospace facilities across Southern California, including defense contractors, OEMs, MROs, and parts suppliers who work with high-performance materials, specialty chemicals, and precision coatings.

Why Compliance Matters in the Aerospace Industry

Aerospace manufacturers and contractors are subject to a complex web of federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Non-compliance doesn’t just lead to fines — it can delay contracts, halt production, or jeopardize government partnerships.

Key compliance areas include:

  • RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) — Governs hazardous waste generation, storage, and disposal.
  • TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) — Regulates the use of certain chemicals like PFAS, PCBs, and new chemical formulations.
  • CAA (Clean Air Act) — Controls emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).
  • CWA (Clean Water Act) — Requires proper handling of wastewater and stormwater runoff.
  • DOT and EPA Waste Manifesting — Mandates documentation and cradle-to-grave tracking for regulated waste.
  • ITAR & EAR — May apply to how certain defense-related materials are stored and destroyed.
  • California DTSC & Local CUPA Oversight — Adds layers of state and regional regulation, including generator reporting, spill response planning, and onsite inspections.

Higgins Environmental helps you stay ahead of these requirements — with full-service waste management, documentation, and compliance support.

Aerospace Waste Streams We Handle

We specialize in the safe removal and disposal of waste materials commonly found in aerospace and defense manufacturing, including:

  • Solvents, acetone, MEK, and isopropyl alcohol
  • Paints, primers, coatings, and resins (including epoxy and polyurethanes)
  • Chrome and heavy metal-contaminated materials
  • Etchants, acids, and oxidizers
  • Waste from surface prep, cleaning, and degreasing processes
  • Spent oils, lubricants, and coolants
  • Contaminated absorbents and PPE
  • Off-spec or expired aerospace chemicals
  • Drummed or bulk liquid waste
  • Asbestos or lead-containing materials (with pre-approval)

We also offer lab packing for R&D facilities and product destruction for outdated or defective parts and materials.

Who We Serve

Higgins Environmental supports a wide range of aerospace operations throughout Southern California, including:

OEM and Tier 1 & 2 Manufacturers

  • Structural components
  • Fuel systems
  • Electrical assemblies

MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) Facilities

  • Aircraft maintenance hangars
  • Engine repair and teardown sites
  • Interior refurbishing operations

Aerospace Research & Development

  • Materials labs
  • Flight science test sites
  • Prototyping facilities

Defense Contractors & Government Suppliers

  • ITAR-compliant waste programs
  • Secure product destruction and reporting
  • DoD site compliance support

Why Aerospace Facilities Trust Higgins Environmental

  • Deep Experience in Aerospace Waste Regulations
  • Turnkey Compliance Support — Profiling, Labeling, Manifesting
  • Certified Hazardous Waste Hauler
  • EPA, DOT, DTSC, and Local CUPA Compliant
  • On-Site Pickup, Emergency Response, and Recurring Service Options
  • Certificates of Disposal Documentation

We understand the mission-critical nature of aerospace operations. Higgins Environmental delivers waste solutions that minimize disruption, maximize safety, and protect your compliance standing — all while adapting to the rigorous pace of aerospace and defense projects.

Ready to Simplify Compliance? Let’s Talk.

If you manage environmental compliance for an aerospace or defense facility, Higgins Environmental can help. We’ll create a custom waste management and disposal plan built around your production cycle, material streams, and regulatory obligations.

Call us at [Insert Phone Number] or contact us online to schedule a consultation or request a site-specific service quote.