Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Environmental Services in Texas and Florida
Southwaste Disposal has been a trusted leader in liquid waste management since 1948, dedicated to saving water and protecting the environment through innovative, sustainable solutions. Our comprehensive services include grease trap maintenance, septic system pumping, hydro jetting, and vacuum truck operations, tailored to meet the needs of restaurants, car washes, schools, and industrial facilities. With specialized expertise in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, our team of certified technicians ensures operational efficiency while safeguarding environmental health. Proudly serving Texas and Florida markets from our Houston headquarters, we combine decades of industry experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver reliable, eco-friendly waste processing solutions. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 24/7 emergency response capabilities and industry-leading recycling initiatives, including brown grease recovery and biofuels feedstock development.As stewards of environmental responsibility, we maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies and prioritize sustainable waste-to-energy practices. With a diverse fleet and state-of-the-art processing facilities, we provide customized service plans that ensure continuous compliance and operational continuity for our clients. Our team of seasoned professionals - from master plumbers to waste management specialists - brings unparalleled expertise to every project. Recognized for achieving 1 million hours without a lost-time injury, we maintain an unwavering focus on safety and quality across all operations. From routine maintenance to complex waste management challenges, we deliver consistent, dependable service that protects both our clients' interests and the environment.
Services
Grease Trap Services
Grit Trap Cleaning
Commercial Septic Pumping
Vacuum Truck Services
Hydro Jetting
Lint Trap Maintenance
Lift Station Maintenance
Plumbing Repairs
Liquid Waste Disposal
Brown Grease Recycling
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- Certified master plumbers with specialized grease trap expertise
- 24/7 emergency response with rapid service deployment
- Comprehensive compliance with TCEQ and Florida DEP regulations
- State-of-the-art fleet with vacuum trucks ranging 800-7,000 gallons
- Industry-leading safety record with 1 million hours without lost-time injury
Associations and certifications
- TCEQ
- Florida DEP
What people say
Prompt emergency response
Regulatory experts
Reliable service
Professional technicians
Eco-friendly solutions
Services
Grease Trap Services
Southwaste Disposal provides comprehensive grease trap maintenance including cleaning, repair, and regulatory compliance services for restaurants and commercial kitchens. Our trained technicians use high-pressure 3,000 psi water systems to thoroughly clean traps after evacuation, ensuring complete removal of FOG (fats, oils, grease) buildup. We maintain detailed service records and coordinate with local enforcement agencies to guarantee compliance with municipal ordinances. With 24/7 emergency response capabilities and scheduled maintenance programs, we prevent costly blockages and regulatory violations while maintaining kitchen operations continuity through prompt, professional service.
Commercial Septic Pumping
Our commercial septic services include tank pumping, inspection, and maintenance for businesses operating outside municipal sewer systems. Specializing in large-scale septic systems for restaurants, schools, and hotels, we use specialized equipment to safely remove septage while maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. Our technicians inspect all baffles and tank components during service visits and offer scheduled maintenance programs to prevent system failures. With expertise in both routine pumping and emergency overflow response, we ensure reliable operation of septic systems across Texas and Florida while providing detailed compliance documentation for regulatory inspections.
Hydro Jetting Services
Southwaste's hydro jetting services use high-pressure water systems to clear stubborn blockages in sewer lines and drainage systems. Our equipment reaches pressures up to 3,000 psi to effectively remove grease buildup, mineral deposits, and other obstructions from commercial plumbing. This non-invasive method safely clears lines without damaging pipes, making it ideal for preventive maintenance. Our trained technicians assess each situation to determine optimal cleaning frequency, typically recommending bi-annual service for trunk lines. The service includes both incoming and outgoing line cleaning, with optional branch line treatment to maintain complete system efficiency.
Vacuum Truck Services
We operate one of the largest and most diverse fleets in the industry, featuring vacuum trucks ranging from 800 to 7,000 gallons capacity. Our vacuum services handle non-hazardous liquids including biosolids, industrial sludge, and wastewater from grease traps, grit traps, and septic tanks. With specialized equipment like skid-mounted units and trailer-mounted pumps, we address both routine and emergency needs across commercial and industrial sectors. Our drivers are trained in proper waste disposal procedures, ensuring all materials are transported and processed following environmental regulations at our state-permitted facilities.
Grit Trap Cleaning
Specialized grit trap services are available for car washes, automotive shops, and industrial facilities where sand and particulate removal is critical. Our technicians use advanced pumping systems and hydro excavation techniques to completely remove accumulated grit that can damage plumbing and treatment systems. Regular maintenance prevents costly backups while maintaining compliance with local ordinances. We offer scheduled service programs with detailed documentation and provide emergency response for trap overflows. Our expertise extends to both small automotive shop traps and large industrial grit removal systems across our Texas and Florida service areas.
People
Ryan Wurgler
Chief Executive Officer
With over 30 years of environmental services leadership experience, Ryan Wurgler leads WRM's strategic operations. Formerly with Stericycle Environmental and Waste Management, he has managed organizations with $700M+ revenue and 2,100+ employees. He holds a BS in Business Administration from North Dakota State University and drives the company's growth strategy while maintaining operational excellence across all service lines.
Michael Costello
Chief Operating Officer
Michael Costello oversees daily operations with 20+ years in environmental and industrial services leadership. Former CEO of Otto Environmental Systems, he specializes in operational efficiency improvements and lean process implementation. He brings expertise from managing $160M+ businesses and holds a degree in Heavy Equipment Management from American Training Institute, focusing on fleet optimization and service delivery excellence.
Ed Hickman
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer Ed Hickman has guided WRM's financial strategy since 2016. With prior private equity experience at Relativity Capital, he manages $100M+ budgets and drives strategic acquisitions. Holds MBA from Georgetown and BS in Finance from University of Colorado, specializing in capital allocation and financial growth strategies for the company's expanding service portfolio.
John Palermo
Vice President of Environmental, Health, and Safety
Environmental Health & Safety leader John Palermo has over 20 years developing injury-free workplace programs for Fortune 500 companies. Certified Safety Professional with master's in Occupational Health Engineering, he oversees safety compliance across all operations. His Injury Free Environment initiative has significantly reduced workplace incidents while maintaining strict regulatory adherence across the company's diverse service offerings.
Richard Hernandez
Senior Vice President of Plumbing Solutions
With 13 years at WRM and prior Waste Management experience, Richard Hernandez leads plumbing solutions. Former UPS Director of Sales and Marketing, he combines operations expertise with customer relationship management. Holds BBA in Marketing from University of Texas and drives the company's plumbing service expansion while maintaining technical excellence in grease trap repair and maintenance.
Questions
What environmental certifications does Southwaste hold?
We are fully permitted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for waste hauling and processing.
Do you service residential properties?
No, we exclusively provide commercial and industrial waste management services in Texas and Florida.
What makes your grease trap service unique?
Our master plumbers use 3,000 psi hydro jetting and maintain compliance documentation for all regulatory inspections.
How quickly can you respond to emergencies?
We guarantee 24/7 emergency response with prioritized service for contracted customers.
What sustainability initiatives do you implement?
We operate a brown grease recovery system converting waste to biofuels and maintain a diverse fleet for efficient waste processing.
What areas do you service?
We serve commercial clients throughout Texas (Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth) and Florida (Orlando and surrounding areas).
