Hazardous Waste Program Manager

Approved is looking for a Hazardous Waste Program Manager to join our team.

Location:

Bridgeport, CT or Mt Vernon, NY

Employment Type:

Full-Time

About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on and highly motivated

Hazardous Waste Program Managerto build, lead, and manage our hazardous waste department. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced EHS professional who thrives in a role that blends strategic leadership with active, day-to-day operational involvement.

You will develop the program’s framework, implement compliant processes, and directly support daily hazardous waste handling activities. This isnota purely administrative or oversight position—your expertise will be applied in the field as well as in program design.

Key Responsibilities

• Build the organization’s hazardous waste program, including policies, workflows, documentation, and training materials.
• Establish short- and long-term program goals, KPIs, and compliance strategies.
• Manage and grow the hazardous waste team, ensuring alignment with regulatory and organizational standards.

Day-to-Day Operational Involvement

• Actively participate in daily hazardous waste handling, storage, labeling, and disposal activities.
• Conduct routine inspections of waste accumulation areas and ensure proper segregation and container management.
• Lead problem-solving efforts for operational challenges—working alongside staff, not just supervising.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations (e.g., RCRA, DOT, EPA, state and local requirements).
• Maintain and update required documentation, manifests, and reports.
• Serve as the primary point of contact during audits, inspections, or regulatory interactions.
• Train employees on hazardous waste procedures, emergency response, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste generation, improve sustainability, and optimize processes.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions.

Additional Responsibilities

• Travel regularly to the hospitals and healthcare facilities we service throughout the Northeastto conduct inspections, support daily operations, collaborate with onsite staff, and ensure regulatory compliance across all locations.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in hazardous waste management, EHS, or related operations.
• Strong knowledge of RCRA regulations and hazardous waste accumulation requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in bothprogram managementandhands-on operational work.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Hazardous waste or HAZWOPER certification (e.g., 40-hour HAZWOPER).
• Experience building or significantly improving a hazardous waste program.
• Supervisory or team leadership experience.

What We’re Looking For

We want someone who:

• Is excited to build something new from the ground up.
• Enjoys rolling up their sleeves and getting directly involved in operations.
• Leads by example and sets high standards for safety and compliance.
• Has strong problem-solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Communicates clearly across both technical and non-technical teams.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to create a high-impact program with full leadership support.
• Work in an environment that values safety, innovation, and professional growth.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

About Approved

Approved (Approved Storage & Waste Hauling, Inc.) is an industry-leading regulated waste management company serving healthcare facilities throughout the Northeast. Since 1996, Approved has provided professional, reliable, and environmentally sustainable medical waste management services, offering a comprehensive platform that includes medical waste disposal, reusable sharps programs, chemical and hazardous waste services, pharmaceutical waste, laboratory waste, and compliance training.

Approved is unique in the region because it owns and operates the only licensed medical waste transfer station in Westchester County, ensuring complete cradle‑to‑grave accountability. The company does not outsource transportation or handling—every driver and every step of the handling process is performed by Approved employees. This guarantees superior safety, transparency, and control over all waste streams.

The company is widely recognized for itshands-on customer service, straightforward pricing without hidden fees, and its environmentally responsible approach, including a zero‑landfill policy that diverts over 72 million pounds of medical waste from landfills every year.

With its expanding footprint, client‑focused service model, and vertically integrated operations,Approved is the fastest growing medical waste company in the Northeast, trusted by healthcare professionals for dependable service, regulatory expertise, and sustainable waste management solutions.