About
About PFAS
decontamination, treatment and remediation
Cleanaway offers safe and sustainable waste solutions for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
We provide end-to-end waste management for PFAS-contaminated water, soil and other materials – from assessment and containment through to treatment and disposal. To ensure safety, compliance and environmental protection, our services are delivered in line with local and national regulations, and we provide full manifesting, labelling and transport documentation.
As one of Australia’s leading waste management providers, we have the expertise, specialised technology and national infrastructure to handle any type of PFAS-decontamination project. Our PFAS waste services are trusted by a wide range of industries and sectors including, emergency services and fire brigades, airports and defence facilities, construction and infrastructure projects as well as local councils.
PFAS-contaminated liquids
Includes firefighting foams, wastewater, leachate, and other liquids containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances requiring specialised treatment.
PFAS-contaminated solids
Covers soils, sludge, biosolids, and absorbent materials impacted by PFAS from industrial sites, fire training areas, or contaminated land.
Comprehensive
Understanding PFAS contamination
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used for decades in industrial and household products because of their resistance to heat, water and oil. While PFAS have now been phased out in many consumer products, they’re still found in materials like firefighting foam, aviation hydraulic fluid and fabric stain protection.
PFAS don’t break down easily and can travel long distances through air, water and soil – being detected in places as remote as Antarctica. Once released into the environment they can remain for decades, accumulating in groundwater, plants, animals and our own bodies. The persistence of PFAS has raised concerns about potential long-term risks to ecosystems, wildlife and human health, which is why it’s so critical to correctly identify, collect and treat these substances.
Service
Safeguards for PFAS waste collection
Cleanaway uses highly controlled collection methods to prevent the release and cross-contamination of PFAS waste. This includes:
Sealed and lined containers
Such as Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) and drums for liquid waste
Specialised tankers and vacuum trucks
For contaminated sludge, wastewater and firefighting foam
Environment Protection Agency (EPA)
Licensed hook-lift bins for contaminated soil and bulk solids
Dedicated containment protocols
For rags, PPE, absorbents and other soft wastes
Onsite segregation advice
To ensure non-PFAS waste streams are not cross-contaminated
Trained personnel
Who follow strict handling and PPE protocols under applicable health, safety and environment (HSE) guidelines
Process
How our PFAS waste services work
Details
Equipment and infrastructure for drum waste treatment and disposal
PFAS sampling and testing
Capabilities through accredited laboratory partnerships that provide fast and accurate analysis
Environment Protection Agency (EPA)
Licensed storage and processing facilities that are strategically located to manage PFAS across Australia in line with local regulations
Plasma arc technology
That destroys 99.99% of PFAS chemical compounds at a rate of 35–40 kg/hour, with no harmful emissions.
Thermal desorption treatment
Where heat evaporates PFAS contaminants so that the vapours can be either converted to carbon dioxide and water, or condensed and collected for disposal
Output
What happens to PFAS-contaminated waste
Water, soils, firefighting foams and other materials contaminated with PFAS undergo various treatments, including thermal destruction and specialised physicochemical treatment. These methods aim to break down the PFAS or remove them from the waste stream so that the treated materials can then be disposed of safely.
Our promise
Why choose Cleanaway
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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.
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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.
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Streamlined services
We offer a total waste management solution, providing you with seamless customer service, one invoice and consistent, reliable services.
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Nationwide service you can count on
With a vast national network of specialised facilities and one of the largest waste collection fleets on Australian roads, we deliver efficient and reliable service across most of Australia.