1954 – 1959

Ben Palmer Invents the Parts Washer

Ben Palmer invents the Parts Washer. The parts washer was a success from the start, and he decided in the early 1960’s not to sell his machine, but to lease it to the customer and service it by removing and replenishing the used solvent.

1968 – 1969

Chicago Rawhide acquires Safety-Kleen

1970

Safety-Kleen opens the first “Reclamation Plant”

1972 – 1973

100,000th Parts Washer

1974

Safety-Kleen spun off from Chicago Rawhide

1976

RCRA – Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

The early 1970’s began a new trend in environmental protection. The result was the 1976 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which introduced and defined the term “hazardous waste.” Four years later, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlined categories of hazardous waste, as well as appropriate methods of treatment and disposal for each category.

1978 – 1983

Initial Public Offering and Second Public Offering

1987

Safety-Kleen Oil Recovery Services Launched

1988

Safety-Kleen maintains record growth

In 1988, Safety-Kleen set a new growth record by increasing earnings more than 20 percent per year for 18 consecutive years.

1998

Safety-Kleen and Laidlaw merge

2000

Safety-Kleen files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

2003

Safety-Kleen successfully emerges from bankruptcy and completes relocation to Plano, TX

2004

New management team, led by Safety-Kleen President and CEO, Fred Florjancic, implements turnaround strategy

2005

After sustained revenue and EBITDA growth, Safety-Kleen obtains new financing

2006

Refinanced Sr. debt facility and completed $500 million re-capitalization. Received new, improved financial ratings (S&P: BB- and Moody’s: B1)

2008

Safety-Kleen Files Registration Statement For Proposed Initial Public Offering