County extends hazardous waste disposal contract
Mesa County will continue safely managing hazardous waste collected from residents and qualifying small businesses under a renewed contract with Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc.
On Feb. 10, 2026, the Mesa County Board of Commissioners approved a third contract amendment and one-year extension with Clean Harbors for hazardous waste disposal services, in an amount not to exceed $120,000. The extension allows the county to continue transporting and disposing of hazardous materials in compliance with state and federal regulations.
The contract supports operations at the county’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, which accepts materials such as paint, batteries, pesticides, mercury and other hazardous substances. The service is free for Mesa County residents and available to qualifying small businesses for a modest fee to help cover disposal costs.
Mesa County opened one of Colorado’s first hazardous waste collection facilities more than two decades ago to address a growing need for safe disposal options. Today, the facility receives more than 280,000 pounds of hazardous waste each year that requires specialized handling and off-site disposal.
Because different types of hazardous waste must be treated in different ways, materials may be sent to permitted incineration facilities, Subtitle C disposal facilities or approved recycling operations, depending on the waste stream. Regulations require “cradle-to-grave” tracking, meaning every step — from where the waste originates to its final disposal — must be documented.
Clean Harbors provides comprehensive tracking and reporting, enabling Mesa County to verify that hazardous materials are transported and disposed of properly and on required timelines. The company was originally selected through a competitive request for proposals in 2022 and brings more than 40 years of experience in household hazardous waste management.
The contract amendment represents the third of up to four allowable one-year renewals under the original agreement. County staff recommended approval based on Clean Harbors’ performance, regulatory compliance and ability to meet operational needs.
By extending the contract, Mesa County ensures residents and small businesses continue to have access to a safe, reliable way to dispose of hazardous materials — helping protect public health, groundwater and the environment.
