Pioneering Customized Waste Management Solutions in the Midwest 

 VLS Environmental Solutions continues to set the benchmark in sustainable waste management by engineering innovative tools designed to address intricate industry needs. Among their standout equipment is a fleet of custom high-capacity trucks built for operational efficiency and tailored waste management services. These state-of-the-art trucks are not just built for compliance but designed with precision to tackle the diverse challenges faced by clients across the Midwest. 

According to Tom Held, General Manager of Waste Services, “We didn’t just build these trucks to do the job; we built them to do it exactly the way it needs to be done. Customization allowed us to move from one-size-fits-all solutions to precisely engineered equipment that leads the industry in innovation and dependability.” 

The Challenge 

Traditional high-vacuum (hi-vac) trucks often come with limitations. Off-the-shelf models constrain capacity, struggle in tight operating spaces, and require duplication of resources to handle larger jobs. “A hi-vac truck from the market can cost upwards of $600,000 to $700,000, and even with that, you’re stuck with limitations like hauling just 1,300 gallons before hitting DOT weight limits,” Held explained. These inefficiencies drive up costs and slow down project timelines. 

Given the competitive and time-sensitive nature of waste management projects, VLS faced the task of designing smarter, more versatile trucks to deliver quicker turnaround times, reduce project costs, and achieve higher compliance standards. 

The Solution 

Rather than relying on standard market offerings, VLS developed a fleet of fully customized trucks, leveraging its extensive field experience and dedication to sustainability and efficiencies. Held elaborated on the process, stating, “If we can’t source it, we build it. These trucks started as an idea sketched out on the side of a napkin, and after a year of engineering and fabrication, we had them operational.” 

Key features of these trucks include: 

The innovation doesn’t stop at design. The operational efficiency of these trucks means fewer trips and lower overall emissions, contributing to VLS’ sustainability initiatives. 

Real-World Application 

These one-of-a-kind trucks have already proven their mettle across multiple high-stakes projects in the Midwest. Recently, one truck was involved in a 13-day reactor cleaning project in St. Louis, logging 14-hour operational days and achieving exceptional performance. “One truck gets the job done where a competitor would need two. We’re maximizing efficiency and offering unparalleled capabilities,” Held noted. 

Another example highlighted the trucks tackling a grease trap system at the Wisconsin Center, which required handling a massive 28,000-gallon trap. With two trucks augmented by additional tankers, the project was completed efficiently, illustrating the equipment’s capacity and versatility. 

VLS’ ingenuity extended to more technical projects, such as cleaning hazardous chemical tanks containing volatile compounds like TDI (toluene diisocyanate). Held shared how their customized setups ensured complete compliance with VOC vapor mitigation while working under strict environmental regulations. “We encapsulated hazardous vapors with innovative solutions like CarbonX while leveraging ozone treatment for added safety. It was technical work, but we got the job done in two days,” he explained. 

Results 

The adoption of these custom-built trucks has delivered tangible impacts for VLS and its clients, including: 

“Since deploying these trucks, they’ve been in constant demand,” Held stated. “They’re daily runners, meeting high-pressure needs from grease trap maintenance to complex chemical cleanups. They embody what we stand for as a company.” 

Innovation in waste management can often stem from a simple but bold idea, as shown by VLS’ custom trucks. These vehicles embody the company’s mission to provide sustainable, adaptable, and cost-effective services. With their robust engineering and commitment to excellence, the VLS team are trailblazers and “out of the box” thinkers who to find the right solutions for our customers and our team. 

For a closer look at these cutting-edge trucks and their operations, contact the VLS team to learn more about how our innovations can meet your sustainability and compliance needs!