Hydrocarbon and hazardous vacuum loading

Efficient removal of wet and dry waste from hard-to-reach areas using high-powered vacuum trucks – ideal for industrial, construction and emergency applications.

about

About

Powerful waste removal for 
industrial and commercial sites

Cleanaway operates one of Australia’s most advanced fleets of licensed, hydrocarbon-rated and DG-compliant vacuum units for the recovery of liquids, sludges and dry products. Designed for refineries, energy assets and industrial facilities, these systems feature nitrogen-purged containment and mercury-compatible components for safe handling of hazardous and volatile materials.

Our units are equipped with integrated jetting systems for on-site cleaning and washdown, with recovered materials transported to our licensed treatment network including the Gap Ridge Processing Facility for mercury, NORM and hydrocarbon residues, ensuring compliant, sustainable and traceable recovery every time.

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These capabilities form part of Cleanaway’s integrated Industrial Services offering, strengthened through our integration with Contract Resources. 


Managing hazardous materials with confidence

Delivered using engineered systems and trained operators to meet strict safety, environmental and regulatory requirements across high-risk sites.

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Reducing exposure and downtime

By minimising manual handling and improving control over hazardous materials, we help customers reduce risk, improve productivity and maintain compliance.

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Expertise

Versatile wet and dry vacuum loading solutions


Cleanaway’s industrial vacuum trucks are EPA-licenced to remove a range of hazardous and non-hazardous liquid and solid waste streams, including:

Sludge, slurry and silt
Semi-solid waste from pits, bunds, tanks and drains
Powders and dry bulk waste
Dry waste from silos, ducts or industrial equipment
Contaminated materials
Contaminated soil, asbestos-contaminated debris (ACD), and PFAS-impacted waste (subject to handling requirements)
Wet and dry industrial waste
Clean-up from spills, blocked lines and tank residues
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Service

Vacuum loading applications 
across industries

Cleanaway’s extensive vacuum loading and waste removal services are trusted across a range of industries and commercial and industrial applications, including:

Manufacturing and heavy industry

Clearing bulk materials, maintenance cleaning liquids and waste slurry

Construction and infrastructure

Cleaning and waste disposal for silos, pits, containment areas and roadworks

Water and wastewater

Removing liquids, sludges and slurries from pump stations, interceptors and sewer lines

Energy and utilities

Tank cleaning, spill response and plant maintenance

Mining and resources

Removing hydrocarbons and cleaning pits, bunds and separators

Emergency response

24/7 spill containment and environmental remediation

Process

How Cleanaway’s vacuum loading services work

We handle everything from planning to reporting, making wet and dry waste removal a simple and hassle-free experience.

Site assessment and planning
Our team evaluates the waste type, volume and site access to select the right vacuum truck and crew. All operators are confined space and safety trained, with extensive experience in high-risk industrial settings.
Waste extraction
Using high-powered vacuum systems, waste is suctioned from confined or open areas directly into sealed tankers.
Transport and disposal
Waste is taken to EPA-licensed facilities for treatment, recycling or safe disposal, with full chain-of-custody documentation.
Compliance and reporting
We provide detailed waste tracking and compliance reporting to meet your environmental obligations.
 

Details

Technology and equipment

Cleanaway operates a modern fleet of environmental vacuum trucks, as well as vacuum loading units certified to handle Class 3, 5, 8 and 9 Dangerous Goods. Our vacuum loading equipment pumps liquids, sludges and powders at up to 3,000 litres per minute and up to 200 metres, with a capacity range of 3,000 to 10,000 litres.

Most vacuum units also employ a jetting lance to clean vessels and tanks after contents are removed or to wash down surfaces after spills. To ensure high performance and safety, our vacuum tankers and combination units are fitted with:

High-volume vacuum pumps for efficient suction

Sealed tanks for safe containment of hazardous or sensitive waste

Dual-purpose wet/dry systems

Units compliant with confined space entry and hazardous area standards

Rear-opening doors and tipping bodies for returning materials to the site if required

 

Output

What happens to waste

All waste collected via vacuum loading is securely contained and transported to Cleanaway’s EPA-licensed facilities. Wet waste streams such as sludge, slurries and oily water are treated to separate solids and liquids, with recovered materials reused where possible.


Dry waste such as dust, powders and debris is either recycled, processed for energy recovery, or disposed of in line with strict environmental regulations. Every load is tracked through chain-of-custody documentation, giving customers full compliance and traceability.

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Our promise

Why choose Cleanaway

  • A one-stop solution

    We offer an expansive range of services, custom waste solutions and expert support to meet the waste management and resource recovery needs of Australian businesses, councils and industries of any size. 

  • Optimised waste management solutions

    Our team of resource recovery professionals work closely with you to find the best waste management solution for your business, helping you achieve potential cost savings while working towards your sustainability goals.

  • Market-leading infrastructure

    Our licensed, state-of-the-art facilities enable safe, efficient waste processing and resource recovery at scale.

  • Making a sustainable future possible together

    We’re leading the way in sustainable waste management and resource recovery, helping Australia to transition to a circular economy and investing in lasting solutions for the benefit of Australians – now and into the future.