US Ecology 10-Q 7 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	2-May-14
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'US ECOLOGY, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000742126	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	21,551,223
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$77,918	$73,940
Receivables, net	41,678	43,636
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,832	3,612
Deferred income taxes	659	1,340
Total current assets	123,087	122,528
Property and equipment, net	116,419	114,859
Restricted cash and investments	4,111	4,097
Intangible assets, net	35,187	36,832
Goodwill	20,941	21,693
Other assets	411	547
Total assets	300,156	300,556
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	4,605	7,277
Deferred revenue	7,458	8,870
Accrued liabilities	7,962	8,691
Accrued salaries and benefits	4,872	6,957
Income taxes payable	5,113	4,428
Current portion of closure and post-closure obligations	916	949
Total current liabilities	30,926	37,172
Long-term closure and post-closure obligations	19,552	16,519
Other long-term liabilities	58	69
Unrecognized tax benefits	483	480
Deferred income taxes	13,213	14,778
Total liabilities	64,232	69,018
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Common stock $0.01 par value, 50,000 authorized; 21,548 and 21,538 shares issued, respectively	215	215
Additional paid-in capital	163,275	162,830
Retained earnings	76,085	70,597
Treasury stock, at cost, 18 and 19 shares , respectively	-387	-319
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,264	-1,785
Total stockholders' equity	235,924	231,538
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$300,156	$300,556

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000	50,000
Common stock, shares issued	21,548	21,538
Treasury stock, shares	18	19

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS	'	'
Revenue	$53,354	$42,899
Direct operating costs	22,621	21,084
Transportation costs	8,613	6,433
Gross profit	22,120	15,382
Selling, general and administrative expenses	6,636	5,726
Operating income	15,484	9,656
Other income (expense):	'	'
Interest income	44	5
Interest expense	-86	-221
Foreign currency gain (loss)	-940	-938
Other	86	97
Total other income (expense)	-896	-1,057
Income before income taxes	14,588	8,599
Income tax expense	5,227	3,193
Net income	$9,361	$5,406
Earnings per share:	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.44	$0.30
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.43	$0.29
Shares used in earnings per share calculation:	'	'
Basic (in shares)	21,475	18,320
Diluted (in shares)	21,586	18,407
Dividends paid per share (in dollars per share)	$0.18	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'	'
Net income	$9,361	$5,406
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	-1,479	-750
Comprehensive income	$7,882	$4,656

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$9,361	$5,406
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	3,839	3,439
Amortization of intangible assets	352	367
Accretion of closure and post-closure obligations	330	307
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss	1,452	1,057
Deferred income taxes	-460	-716
Share-based compensation expense	270	146
Unrecognized tax benefits	3	3
Net (gain) loss on sale of property and equipment	8	-41
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables	1,259	1,473
Other assets	882	732
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-2,142	-556
Deferred revenue	-1,164	1,269
Accrued salaries and benefits	-1,994	-3,106
Income taxes payable	783	3,528
Closure and post-closure obligations	-114	-1,043
Net cash provided by operating activities	12,665	12,265
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-4,775	-6,752
Purchases of restricted cash and investments	-14	'
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	6	52
Net cash used in investing activities	-4,783	-6,700
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Dividends paid	-3,874	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	174	1,050
Payments on reducing revolving line of credit	'	-4,000
Deferred financing costs paid	'	-177
Other	-65	2
Net cash used in financing activities	-3,765	-3,125
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	-139	-49
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	3,978	2,391
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	73,940	2,120
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	77,918	4,511
Supplemental Disclosures	'	'
Income taxes paid, net of receipts	4,934	378
Interest paid	40	184
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Closure and post-closure retirement asset	2,863	'
Capital expenditures in accounts payable	419	1,645
Restricted stock issued from treasury shares	$118	$629

GENERAL

GENERAL	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
GENERAL	'
GENERAL	'
	NOTE 1.                    GENERAL
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of US Ecology, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances have been eliminated.  Throughout these financial statements words such as “we,” “us,” “our,” “US Ecology” and the “Company” refer to US Ecology, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the results of the Company for the periods presented. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. The results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.
	The Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2013 has been derived from the Company’s audited Consolidated Balance Sheet as of that date.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements. As it relates to estimates and assumptions in amortization rates and environmental obligations, significant engineering, operations and accounting judgments are required. We review these estimates and assumptions no less than annually. In many circumstances, the ultimate outcome of these estimates and assumptions will not be known for decades into the future. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions due to changes in applicable regulations, changes in future operational plans and inherent imprecision associated with estimating environmental impacts far into the future.
	Restricted Cash and Investments
	Restricted cash and investments of $4.1 million at March 31, 2014 and 2013 represent funds held in third-party managed trust accounts as collateral for our financial assurance obligations for post-closure activities at our non-operating facilities.  These funds are invested in fixed-income U.S. Treasury and government agency securities and money market accounts.  The balances are adjusted monthly to fair market value based on quoted prices in active markets for identical or similar assets.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'
	NOTE 2.                    ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), comprised entirely of foreign currency translation adjustments, consisted of the following:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	$s in thousands	2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	(1,785	)	$	628
	Foreign currency translation gain (loss) in other comprehensive income	(1,479		)	(750		)
	Balance, end of period	$	(3,264	)	$	(122	)

CONCENTRATIONS_AND_CREDIT_RISK

CONCENTRATIONS AND CREDIT RISK	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
CONCENTRATIONS AND CREDIT RISK	'
CONCENTRATIONS AND CREDIT RISK	'
	NOTE 3.                    CONCENTRATIONS AND CREDIT RISK
	Major Customers
	Revenue from a single customer accounted for 11% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014. No customer accounted for more than 10% of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
	Receivables from a single customer accounted for approximately 16% of total trade receivables as of March 31, 2014.  No other customer accounted for more than 10% of total trade receivables as of March 31, 2014. A single customer accounted for approximately 16% of total trade receivables as of December 31, 2013.
	Credit Risk Concentration
	We maintain most of our cash with nationally recognized financial institutions like Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”). Substantially all balances are uninsured and are not used as collateral for other obligations. Concentrations of credit risk on accounts receivable are believed to be limited due to the number, diversification and character of the obligors and our credit evaluation process.

RECEIVABLES

RECEIVABLES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
RECEIVABLES	'
RECEIVABLES	'
	NOTE 4.                    RECEIVABLES
	Receivables consisted of the following:
		March 31,			December 31,
	$s in thousands	2014			2013
	Trade	$	39,012		$	42,055
	Unbilled revenue	1,678			1,296
	Other	1,381			810
	Total receivables	42,071			44,161
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(393		)	(525		)
	Receivables, net	$	41,678		$	43,636

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'
	NOTE 5.                   PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
	Property and equipment consisted of the following:
		March 31,			December 31,
	$s in thousands	2014			2013
	Cell development costs	$	81,004		$	77,348
	Land and improvements	17,967			18,073
	Buildings and improvements	58,515			59,101
	Railcars	17,375			17,375
	Vehicles and other equipment	43,847			42,859
	Construction in progress	7,292			6,784
	Total property and equipment	226,000			221,540
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(109,581		)	(106,681		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	116,419		$	114,859
	Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $3.8 million and $3.4 million, respectively.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	NOTE 6.                    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized using defined hierarchical levels directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair value measurements, as follows:
	Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
	Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable;
	Level 3 - Unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists, requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions that market participants would use to value the asset or liability.
	The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash and investments, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
	The Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of our Restricted cash and investments as follows:
		March 31, 2014
		Quoted Prices in		Other Observable		Unobservable
		Active Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	$s in thousands	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
	Assets:
	Fixed-income securities (1)	$	399	$	3,611	$	—	$	4,010
	Money market funds (2)	$	101	$	—	$	—	$	101
	Total	$	500	$	3,611	$	—	$	4,111
		December 31, 2013
		Quoted Prices in		Other Observable		Unobservable
		Active Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	$s in thousands	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
	Assets:
	Fixed-income securities (1)	$	399	$	3,607	$	—	$	4,006
	Money market funds (2)	$	91	$	—	$	—	$	91
	Total	$	490	$	3,607	$	—	$	4,097
	(1) We invest a portion of our Restricted cash and investments in fixed-income securities, including U.S. Treasury and U.S. agency securities. We measure the fair value of U.S. Treasury securities using quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. We measure the fair value of U.S. agency securities using observable market activity for similar assets. The fair value of our fixed-income securities approximates our cost basis in the investments.
	(2) We invest a portion of our Restricted cash and investments in money market funds. We measure the fair value of these money market fund investments using quoted prices for identical assets in active markets.

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	NOTE 7.                    GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Goodwill and intangible assets as of March 31, 2014, were the result of our acquisitions of U.S. Ecology Michigan,Inc. on May 31, 2012 and Stablex Canada Inc. (“Stablex”) on October 31, 2010.  Prior to the acquisition of Stablex, the Company had no goodwill and intangible assets.  All goodwill has been assigned to the Operating Disposal Facilities reporting segment.  Changes in goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2014 consisted of the following:
	$s in thousands	Goodwill
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	21,693
	Foreign currency translation	(752		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	20,941
	Intangible assets consisted of the following:
	$s in thousands	March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Amortizing intangible assets:
	Developed software	$	317		$	329
	Database	90			94
	Customer relationships	4,863			5,005
	Technology - Formulae and processes	8,235			8,551
	Permits, licenses and lease	25,294			26,264
	Non-compete agreements	20			20
	Total amortizing intangible assets	38,819			40,263
	Accumulated amortization	(4,536		)	(4,341		)
	Nonamortizing intangible assets:
	Permits and licenses	750			750
	Tradename	154			160
	Total intangible assets, net	$	35,187		$	36,832
	Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $352,000 and $367,000, respectively.

DEBT

DEBT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
DEBT	'
DEBT	'
	NOTE 8.                    DEBT
	On October 29, 2010, we entered a credit agreement with Wells Fargo which, as amended, provides for an aggregate commitment from Wells Fargo of $95.0 million (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement provides for a $20.0 million revolving line of credit (the “Revolving Line of Credit”) with a maturity date of November 1, 2015 and a $75.0 million reducing revolving line of credit (the “Reducing Revolving Line of Credit”) with a maturity date of November 1, 2015.
	Revolving Line of Credit
	The Revolving Line of Credit provides up to $20.0 million in revolving credit loans or letters of credit for working capital needs (the “Commitment Amount”).  Under the Revolving Line of Credit, revolving loans are available based on the Prime Rate or the LIBOR, at the Company’s option, plus an applicable margin which is determined according to a pricing grid under which the interest rate decreases or increases based on our ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). At March 31, 2014, the effective interest rate on the Revolving Line of Credit was 1.40%. Interest only payments are due either monthly or on the last day of any interest period, as applicable. At March 31, 2014, there were no borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Line of Credit.  The availability under the Revolving Line of Credit was $19.7 million with $257,000 of the line of credit issued in the form of a standby letter of credit utilized as collateral for closure and post-closure financial assurance.
	Reducing Revolving Line of Credit
	The Reducing Revolving Line of Credit provides an initial commitment amount of $75.0 million (the “Reducing Revolving Commitment Amount”).  The Reducing Revolving Commitment Amount is reduced by $2.8 million on the last day of each March, June, September and December beginning March 31, 2013, continuing through November 1, 2015. Under the Reducing Revolving Line of Credit revolving loans are available based on the Prime Rate or LIBOR, at the Company’s option, plus an applicable margin, which is determined according to a pricing grid under which the interest rate decreases or increases based on our ratio of funded debt to EBITDA. At March 31, 2014, the effective interest rate of the Reducing Revolving Line of Credit was 1.40%.  Interest only payments are due either monthly or on the last day of any interest period, as applicable.  At March 31, 2014, there were no borrowings outstanding on the Reducing Revolving Line of Credit with $61.1 million available for additional borrowings.
	In addition to standard fees, origination fees and commitment fees apply to the average daily unused portion of the Commitment Amount and the Reducing Revolving Commitment Amount. The Credit Agreement contains certain quarterly financial covenants, including a maximum funded debt ratio, a maximum fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum required tangible net worth and a minimum current ratio. We may only declare quarterly or annual dividends if on the date of declaration, no event of default has occurred and no other event or condition has occurred that would constitute default due to the payment of the dividend. Obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by US Ecology and all of its subsidiaries.
	At March 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants in the Credit Agreement.

CLOSURE_AND_POSTCLOSURE_OBLIGA

CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS	'
CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS	'
	NOTE 9.                    CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS
	Our accrued closure and post-closure obligations represent the expected future costs, including corrective actions, associated with closure and post-closure of our operating and non-operating disposal facilities. Liabilities are recorded when work is probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. We perform periodic reviews of both non-operating and operating facilities and revise accruals for estimated closure and post-closure, remediation or other costs as necessary. Recorded liabilities are based on our best estimates of current costs and are updated periodically to include the effects of existing technology, presently enacted laws and regulations, inflation and other economic factors.
	Changes to reported closure and post-closure obligations consisted of the following:
		Three Months Ended
	$s in thousands	March 31, 2014
	Closure and post-closure obligations, beginning of period	$	17,468
	Accretion expense	330
	Payments	(114		)
	Adjustments	2,863
	Currency translation	(79		)
	Closure and post-closure obligations, end of period	20,468
	Less current portion	(916		)
	Long-term portion	$	19,552

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
INCOME TAXES	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	NOTE 10.             INCOME TAXES
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, there were no material changes to our unrecognized tax benefits disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. We anticipate that within the next twelve months the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease due to the expiration of statutes of limitations.
	Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was 35.8%, down from 37.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2014 reflects a higher proportion of earnings from our Canadian operations, which are taxed at a lower corporate tax rate.
	We file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service as well as income tax returns in various states and Canada. We may be subject to examination by taxing authorities in the U.S. and Canada for tax years 2010 through 2013. Additionally, we may be subject to examinations by various state and local taxing jurisdictions for tax years 2009 through 2013.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES.	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	NOTE 11.             COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings
	In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in judicial and administrative proceedings involving federal, state, provincial or local governmental authorities, including regulatory agencies that oversee and enforce compliance with permits. Fines or penalties may be assessed by our regulators for non-compliance.  Actions may also be brought by individuals or groups in connection with permitting of planned facilities, modification or alleged violations of existing permits, or alleged damages suffered from exposure to hazardous substances purportedly released from our operated sites, as well as other litigation. We maintain insurance intended to cover property and damage claims asserted as a result of our operations. Periodically, management reviews and may establish reserves for legal and administrative matters, or other fees expected to be incurred in relation to these matters.
	In 2012, we settled allegations by the United States Environment Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) that the thermal recycling operation at our Robstown, Texas facility did not comply with certain rules and regulations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (“RCRA”). As part of the settlement, we agreed to pay a civil penalty and to submit an application to the State of Texas for a RCRA Subpart X permit.  The Company and the thermal recycling unit’s owner-operator also agreed to a set of interim operating conditions that allow the facility to continue providing recycling services to customers until the RCRA Subpart X permit is issued.
	In connection with this matter, in June 2013 the U.S. EPA asserted various related technical compliance and permitting violations of the Clean Air Act of 1970. Negotiations on the merits of a proposed settlement are ongoing with the U.S. EPA. We recognized a charge of $238,000 during the second quarter of 2013 in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations related to this pending enforcement matter.
	Other than as disclosed above, we are not currently a party to any material pending legal proceedings and are not aware of any other claims that could, individually or in the aggregate, have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
	NOTE 12.             EARNINGS PER SHARE
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	$s and shares in thousands, except per share	2014				2013
	amounts	Basic		Diluted		Basic		Diluted
	Net income	9,361		$	9,361	$	5,406	$	5,406
	Weighted average basic shares outstanding	21,475		21,475		18,320		18,320
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock			111				87
	Weighted average diluted shares outstanding			21,586				18,407
	Earnings per share	$	0.44	$	0.43	$	0.3	$	0.29
	Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation			36				221

EQUITY

EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
EQUITY	'
EQUITY	'
	NOTE 13.             EQUITY
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, option holders exercised 10,208 options with a weighted-average exercise price of $17.01 per option. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 4,860 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with net share settlement of employee equity awards at an average cost of $38.22 per share and issued 5,625 shares of restricted stock from our treasury stock at an average cost of $21.01 per share.

OPERATING_SEGMENTS

OPERATING SEGMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
OPERATING SEGMENTS	'
OPERATING SEGMENTS	'
	NOTE 14.             OPERATING SEGMENTS
	We operate within two segments, Operating Disposal Facilities and Non-Operating Disposal Facilities. These segments reflect our internal reporting structure and nature of services offered. The Operating Disposal Facility segment represents disposal facilities accepting hazardous and radioactive waste. The Non-Operating Disposal Facility segment represents facilities which are not accepting hazardous and/or radioactive waste or formerly proposed new facilities.
	Income taxes are assigned to Corporate, but all other items are included in the segment where they originated. Inter-company transactions have been eliminated from the segment information and are not significant between segments.
	Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is shown in the following tables:
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands)	Operating		Non-			Corporate			Total
		Disposal		Operating
		Facilities		Disposal
				Facilities
	Revenue - Treatment and disposal	$	44,942	$	5		$	—		$	44,947
	Revenue - Transportation services	8,407		—			—			8,407
	Total revenue	53,349		5			—			53,354
	Direct operating costs	22,571		50			—			22,621
	Transportation costs	8,613		—			—			8,613
	Gross profit (loss)	22,165		(45		)	—			22,120
	Selling, general & administrative expense	2,599		—			4,037			6,636
	Operating income (loss)	19,566		(45		)	(4,037		)	15,484
	Interest income (expense), net	3		—			(45		)	(42		)
	Foreign currency gain (loss)	380		—			(1,320		)	(940		)
	Other income	84		2			—			86
	Income (loss) before income taxes	20,033		(43		)	(5,402		)	14,588
	Income tax expense	—		—			5,227			5,227
	Net income (loss)	$	20,033	$	(43	)	$	(10,629	)	$	9,361
	Depreciation, amortization & accretion	$	4,459	$	48		$	14		$	4,521
	Capital expenditures	$	4,550	$	43		$	182		$	4,775
	Total assets	$	155,032	$	117		$	145,007		$	300,156
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 (in thousands)	Operating		Non-			Corporate			Total
		Disposal		Operating
		Facilities		Disposal
				Facilities
	Revenue - Treatment and disposal	$	36,340	$	4		$	—		$	36,344
	Revenue - Transportation services	6,555		—			—			6,555
	Total revenue	42,895		4			—			42,899
	Direct operating costs	21,031		53			—			21,084
	Transportation costs	6,433		—			—			6,433
	Gross profit (loss)	15,431		(49		)	—			15,382
	Selling, general & administrative expense	2,646		—			3,080			5,726
	Operating income (loss)	12,785		(49		)	(3,080		)	9,656
	Interest income (expense), net	4		—			(220		)	(216		)
	Foreign currency gain (loss)	112		—			(1,050		)	(938		)
	Other income	95		2			—			97
	Income (loss) before income taxes	12,996		(47		)	(4,350		)	8,599
	Income tax expense	—		—			3,193			3,193
	Net income (loss)	$	12,996	$	(47	)	$	(7,543	)	$	5,406
	Depreciation, amortization & accretion	$	4,051	$	52		$	10		$	4,113
	Capital expenditures	$	6,726	$	—		$	26		$	6,752
	Total assets	$	211,620	$	86		$	8,240		$	219,946
	Revenue, Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets Outside of the United States
	We provide services in the United States and Canada. Revenues by geographic location where the underlying services were performed consisted of the following:
	Geographic disclosure
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	$s in thousands	2014		2013
	United States	$	37,270	$	31,398
	Canada	16,084		11,501
	Total revenue	$	53,354	$	42,899
	Long-lived assets, comprised of property and equipment and intangible assets net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, by geographic location consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
	$s in thousands	2014		2013
	United States	$	88,803	$	86,175
	Canada	62,803		65,516
	Total long-lived assets	$	151,606	$	151,691

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	'
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	'
	NOTE 15.             SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	Quarterly Dividend
	On April 1, 2014, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per common share to stockholders of record on April 21, 2014. The dividend was paid using cash on hand on April 28, 2014 in an aggregate amount of $3.9 million.
	Proposed Business Acquisition
	On April 7, 2014, the Company announced that it has entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement to acquire EQ — The Environmental Quality Company (“EQ”). EQ is a comprehensive waste solutions provider with facilities throughout the Eastern United States offering a broad line of environmental services including treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes, recycling, field and industrial services and total waste management.  EQ’s facilities include one hazardous waste permitted landfill located outside of Detroit, Michigan, 13 waste treatment and recycling facilities and 21 dedicated service centers.
	The transaction, valued at $465.0 million, is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2014 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including a purchase price adjustment based on the amount of working capital at closing. The total purchase price will be financed using a combination of cash on hand and committed debt financing, consisting of a new $540.0 million credit facility comprised of a $415.0 million 7-year Term Loan and a $125.0 million 5-year Revolving Credit Facility. In connection with the transaction, the Company executed a debt commitment letter with affiliates of Wells Fargo and Credit Suisse pursuant to which Wells Fargo and Credit Suisse committed to act as Joint Arrangers for the new credit facility. The debt commitment is subject to customary terms and conditions, including the negotiation of the terms of the new definitive credit agreement.

GENERAL_Policies

GENERAL (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
GENERAL	'
Basis of presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of US Ecology, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances have been eliminated.  Throughout these financial statements words such as “we,” “us,” “our,” “US Ecology” and the “Company” refer to US Ecology, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the results of the Company for the periods presented. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. The results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.
	The Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2013 has been derived from the Company’s audited Consolidated Balance Sheet as of that date.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that we use in the preparation of our financial statements. As it relates to estimates and assumptions in amortization rates and environmental obligations, significant engineering, operations and accounting judgments are required. We review these estimates and assumptions no less than annually. In many circumstances, the ultimate outcome of these estimates and assumptions will not be known for decades into the future. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions due to changes in applicable regulations, changes in future operational plans and inherent imprecision associated with estimating environmental impacts far into the future.
Restricted Cash and Investments	'
	Restricted Cash and Investments
	Restricted cash and investments of $4.1 million at March 31, 2014 and 2013 represent funds held in third-party managed trust accounts as collateral for our financial assurance obligations for post-closure activities at our non-operating facilities.  These funds are invested in fixed-income U.S. Treasury and government agency securities and money market accounts.  The balances are adjusted monthly to fair market value based on quoted prices in active markets for identical or similar assets.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'
Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	$s in thousands	2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$	(1,785	)	$	628
	Foreign currency translation gain (loss) in other comprehensive income	(1,479		)	(750		)
	Balance, end of period	$	(3,264	)	$	(122	)

RECEIVABLES_Tables

RECEIVABLES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
RECEIVABLES	'
Schedule of receivables	'
		March 31,			December 31,
	$s in thousands	2014			2013
	Trade	$	39,012		$	42,055
	Unbilled revenue	1,678			1,296
	Other	1,381			810
	Total receivables	42,071			44,161
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(393		)	(525		)
	Receivables, net	$	41,678		$	43,636

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Tables

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'
Schedule of property and equipment	'
		March 31,			December 31,
	$s in thousands	2014			2013
	Cell development costs	$	81,004		$	77,348
	Land and improvements	17,967			18,073
	Buildings and improvements	58,515			59,101
	Railcars	17,375			17,375
	Vehicles and other equipment	43,847			42,859
	Construction in progress	7,292			6,784
	Total property and equipment	226,000			221,540
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(109,581		)	(106,681		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	116,419		$	114,859

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
Schedule of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
		March 31, 2014
		Quoted Prices in		Other Observable		Unobservable
		Active Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	$s in thousands	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
	Assets:
	Fixed-income securities (1)	$	399	$	3,611	$	—	$	4,010
	Money market funds (2)	$	101	$	—	$	—	$	101
	Total	$	500	$	3,611	$	—	$	4,111
		December 31, 2013
		Quoted Prices in		Other Observable		Unobservable
		Active Markets		Inputs		Inputs
	$s in thousands	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
	Assets:
	Fixed-income securities (1)	$	399	$	3,607	$	—	$	4,006
	Money market funds (2)	$	91	$	—	$	—	$	91
	Total	$	490	$	3,607	$	—	$	4,097
	(1) We invest a portion of our Restricted cash and investments in fixed-income securities, including U.S. Treasury and U.S. agency securities. We measure the fair value of U.S. Treasury securities using quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. We measure the fair value of U.S. agency securities using observable market activity for similar assets. The fair value of our fixed-income securities approximates our cost basis in the investments.
	(2) We invest a portion of our Restricted cash and investments in money market funds. We measure the fair value of these money market fund investments using quoted prices for identical assets in active markets.

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
Schedule of changes in goodwill	'
	$s in thousands	Goodwill
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	21,693
	Foreign currency translation	(752		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	20,941
Schedule of intangible assets	'
	$s in thousands	March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Amortizing intangible assets:
	Developed software	$	317		$	329
	Database	90			94
	Customer relationships	4,863			5,005
	Technology - Formulae and processes	8,235			8,551
	Permits, licenses and lease	25,294			26,264
	Non-compete agreements	20			20
	Total amortizing intangible assets	38,819			40,263
	Accumulated amortization	(4,536		)	(4,341		)
	Nonamortizing intangible assets:
	Permits and licenses	750			750
	Tradename	154			160
	Total intangible assets, net	$	35,187		$	36,832

CLOSURE_AND_POSTCLOSURE_OBLIGA1

CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS	'
Schedule of changes in closure and post-closure obligations	'
		Three Months Ended
	$s in thousands	March 31, 2014
	Closure and post-closure obligations, beginning of period	$	17,468
	Accretion expense	330
	Payments	(114		)
	Adjustments	2,863
	Currency translation	(79		)
	Closure and post-closure obligations, end of period	20,468
	Less current portion	(916		)
	Long-term portion	$	19,552

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
Schedule of earnings per share	'
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	$s and shares in thousands, except per share	2014				2013
	amounts	Basic		Diluted		Basic		Diluted
	Net income	9,361		$	9,361	$	5,406	$	5,406
	Weighted average basic shares outstanding	21,475		21,475		18,320		18,320
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock			111				87
	Weighted average diluted shares outstanding			21,586				18,407
	Earnings per share	$	0.44	$	0.43	$	0.3	$	0.29
	Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation			36				221

OPERATING_SEGMENTS_Tables

OPERATING SEGMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
OPERATING SEGMENTS	'
Summary of financial information concerning reportable segments	'
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands)	Operating		Non-			Corporate			Total
		Disposal		Operating
		Facilities		Disposal
				Facilities
	Revenue - Treatment and disposal	$	44,942	$	5		$	—		$	44,947
	Revenue - Transportation services	8,407		—			—			8,407
	Total revenue	53,349		5			—			53,354
	Direct operating costs	22,571		50			—			22,621
	Transportation costs	8,613		—			—			8,613
	Gross profit (loss)	22,165		(45		)	—			22,120
	Selling, general & administrative expense	2,599		—			4,037			6,636
	Operating income (loss)	19,566		(45		)	(4,037		)	15,484
	Interest income (expense), net	3		—			(45		)	(42		)
	Foreign currency gain (loss)	380		—			(1,320		)	(940		)
	Other income	84		2			—			86
	Income (loss) before income taxes	20,033		(43		)	(5,402		)	14,588
	Income tax expense	—		—			5,227			5,227
	Net income (loss)	$	20,033	$	(43	)	$	(10,629	)	$	9,361
	Depreciation, amortization & accretion	$	4,459	$	48		$	14		$	4,521
	Capital expenditures	$	4,550	$	43		$	182		$	4,775
	Total assets	$	155,032	$	117		$	145,007		$	300,156
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 (in thousands)	Operating		Non-			Corporate			Total
		Disposal		Operating
		Facilities		Disposal
				Facilities
	Revenue - Treatment and disposal	$	36,340	$	4		$	—		$	36,344
	Revenue - Transportation services	6,555		—			—			6,555
	Total revenue	42,895		4			—			42,899
	Direct operating costs	21,031		53			—			21,084
	Transportation costs	6,433		—			—			6,433
	Gross profit (loss)	15,431		(49		)	—			15,382
	Selling, general & administrative expense	2,646		—			3,080			5,726
	Operating income (loss)	12,785		(49		)	(3,080		)	9,656
	Interest income (expense), net	4		—			(220		)	(216		)
	Foreign currency gain (loss)	112		—			(1,050		)	(938		)
	Other income	95		2			—			97
	Income (loss) before income taxes	12,996		(47		)	(4,350		)	8,599
	Income tax expense	—		—			3,193			3,193
	Net income (loss)	$	12,996	$	(47	)	$	(7,543	)	$	5,406
	Depreciation, amortization & accretion	$	4,051	$	52		$	10		$	4,113
	Capital expenditures	$	6,726	$	—		$	26		$	6,752
	Total assets	$	211,620	$	86		$	8,240		$	219,946
Summary of revenues by geographic location	'
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	$s in thousands	2014		2013
	United States	$	37,270	$	31,398
	Canada	16,084		11,501
	Total revenue	$	53,354	$	42,899
Schedule of long-lived assets by geographic location	'
		March 31,		December 31,
	$s in thousands	2014		2013
	United States	$	88,803	$	86,175
	Canada	62,803		65,516
	Total long-lived assets	$	151,606	$	151,691

GENERAL_Details

GENERAL (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Restricted Cash and Investments	'	'	'
Restricted cash and investments	$4,111	$4,097	$4,100

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	($1,785)	$628
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) in other comprehensive income	-1,479	-750
Balance at the end of the period	($3,264)	($122)

CONCENTRATIONS_AND_CREDIT_RISK1

CONCENTRATIONS AND CREDIT RISK (Details) (Major Customers, One customer)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Total revenue	Total trade receivables	Total trade receivables
CONCENTRATIONS AND CREDIT RISK	'	'	'
Concentration of risk (as a percent)	11.00%	16.00%	16.00%

RECEIVABLES_Details

RECEIVABLES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
RECEIVABLES	'	'
Trade	$39,012	$42,055
Unbilled revenue	1,678	1,296
Other	1,381	810
Total receivables	42,071	44,161
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-393	-525
Receivables, net	$41,678	$43,636

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Details

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Total property and equipment	$226,000	'	$221,540
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-109,581	'	-106,681
Property and equipment, net	116,419	'	114,859
Depreciation and amortization expense	3,839	3,439	'
Cell development costs	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Total property and equipment	81,004	'	77,348
Land and improvements	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Total property and equipment	17,967	'	18,073
Buildings and improvements	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Total property and equipment	58,515	'	59,101
Railcars	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Total property and equipment	17,375	'	17,375
Vehicles and other equipment	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Total property and equipment	43,847	'	42,859
Construction in progress	'	'	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'	'
Total property and equipment	$7,292	'	$6,784

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Assets fair value disclosure	'	$3,607
Recurring	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Assets fair value disclosure	4,111	4,097
Recurring | Fixed-income securities	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Assets fair value disclosure	4,010	4,006
Recurring | Money market funds	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Assets fair value disclosure	101	91
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Assets fair value disclosure	500	490
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Fixed-income securities	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Assets fair value disclosure	399	399
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Money market funds	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Assets fair value disclosure	101	91
Recurring | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Assets fair value disclosure	3,611	'
Recurring | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Fixed-income securities	'	'
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Assets fair value disclosure	$3,611	$3,607

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 30, 2010
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'	'	'	'
Goodwill and intangible assets	'	'	'	$0
Changes in goodwill	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	21,693	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation	-752	'	'	'
Balance at the end of the period	20,941	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	'	'
Total amortizing intangible assets	38,819	'	40,263	'
Accumulated amortization	-4,536	'	-4,341	'
Total intangible assets, net	35,187	'	36,832	'
Amortization expense	352	367	'	'
Permits and licenses	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	'	'
Nonamortizing intangible assets	750	'	750	'
Tradename	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	'	'
Nonamortizing intangible assets	154	'	160	'
Developed software	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	'	'
Total amortizing intangible assets	317	'	329	'
Database	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	'	'
Total amortizing intangible assets	90	'	94	'
Customer relationships	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	'	'
Total amortizing intangible assets	4,863	'	5,005	'
Technology - Formulae and processes	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	'	'
Total amortizing intangible assets	8,235	'	8,551	'
Permits, licenses and lease	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	'	'
Total amortizing intangible assets	25,294	'	26,264	'
Non-compete agreements	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	'	'
Total amortizing intangible assets	$20	'	$20	'

DEBT_Details

DEBT (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
DEBT	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	$95,000,000
Revolving Line of Credit	'
DEBT	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	20,000,000
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	1.40%
Amount outstanding	0
Availability for borrowings under line of credit	19,700,000
Line of credit issued in the form of a standby letter of credit	257,000
Reducing Revolving Line of Credit	'
DEBT	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	75,000,000
Reduction in commitment amount for each quarter	2,800,000
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	1.40%
Amount outstanding	0
Availability for borrowings under line of credit	$61,100,000

CLOSURE_AND_POSTCLOSURE_OBLIGA2

CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE OBLIGATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes to reported closure and post-closure obligations	'	'	'
Closure and post-closure obligations, beginning of period	$17,468	'	'
Accretion expense	330	307	'
Payments	-114	'	'
Adjustments	2,863	'	'
Currency translation	-79	'	'
Closure and post-closure obligations, end of period	20,468	'	'
Less current portion	-916	'	-949
Long-term portion	$19,552	'	$16,519

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
INCOME TAXES	'	'
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	35.80%	37.10%

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (US Ecology and the thermal recycling operation owner-operator, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013
US Ecology and the thermal recycling operation owner-operator	'
Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings	'
Amount recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses regarding asserted various technical compliance and permitting violations of the Clean Air Act of 1970	$238,000

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Basic	'	'
Net income	$9,361	$5,406
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	21,475	18,320
Earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.44	$0.30
Diluted	'	'
Net income	$9,361	$5,406
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	21,475	18,320
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock (in shares)	111	87
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	21,586	18,407
Earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.43	$0.29
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation	36	221

EQUITY_Details

EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
EQUITY	'
Number of options exercised (in shares)	10,208
Weighted-average exercise price of options exercised (in dollars per share)	$17.01
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	4,860
Average cost of repurchase (in dollars per share)	$38.22
Issuance of restricted stock from treasury stock (in shares)	5,625
Average cost (in dollars per share)	$21.01

OPERATING_SEGMENTS_Details

OPERATING SEGMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	segment
OPERATING SEGMENTS	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	2	'	'
OPERATING SEGMENTS	'	'	'
Revenue	$53,354	$42,899	'
Direct operating costs	22,621	21,084	'
Transportation costs	8,613	6,433	'
Gross profit	22,120	15,382	'
Selling, general & administrative expenses	6,636	5,726	'
Operating income	15,484	9,656	'
Interest income (expense), net	-42	-216	'
Foreign currency gain (loss)	-940	-938	'
Other income	86	97	'
Income before income taxes	14,588	8,599	'
Income tax expense	5,227	3,193	'
Net income	9,361	5,406	'
Depreciation, amortization & accretion	4,521	4,113	'
Capital expenditures	4,775	6,752	'
Total assets	300,156	219,946	300,556
Treatment and disposal	'	'	'
OPERATING SEGMENTS	'	'	'
Revenue	44,947	36,344	'
Transportation services	'	'	'
OPERATING SEGMENTS	'	'	'
Revenue	8,407	6,555	'
Operating Segment | Operating Disposal Facilities	'	'	'
OPERATING SEGMENTS	'	'	'
Revenue	53,349	42,895	'
Direct operating costs	22,571	21,031	'
Transportation costs	8,613	6,433	'
Gross profit	22,165	15,431	'
Selling, general & administrative expenses	2,599	2,646	'
Operating income	19,566	12,785	'
Interest income (expense), net	3	4	'
Foreign currency gain (loss)	380	112	'
Other income	84	95	'
Income before income taxes	20,033	12,996	'
Net income	20,033	12,996	'
Depreciation, amortization & accretion	4,459	4,051	'
Capital expenditures	4,550	6,726	'
Total assets	155,032	211,620	'
Operating Segment | Operating Disposal Facilities | Treatment and disposal	'	'	'
OPERATING SEGMENTS	'	'	'
Revenue	44,942	36,340	'
Operating Segment | Operating Disposal Facilities | Transportation services	'	'	'
OPERATING SEGMENTS	'	'	'
Revenue	8,407	6,555	'
Operating Segment | Non-Operating Disposal Facilities	'	'	'
OPERATING SEGMENTS	'	'	'
Revenue	5	4	'
Direct operating costs	50	53	'
Gross profit	-45	-49	'
Operating income	-45	-49	'
Other income	2	2	'
Income before income taxes	-43	-47	'
Net income	-43	-47	'
Depreciation, amortization & accretion	48	52	'
Capital expenditures	43	'	'
Total assets	117	86	'
Operating Segment | Non-Operating Disposal Facilities | Treatment and disposal	'	'	'
OPERATING SEGMENTS	'	'	'
Revenue	5	4	'
Corporate	'	'	'
OPERATING SEGMENTS	'	'	'
Selling, general & administrative expenses	4,037	3,080	'
Operating income	-4,037	-3,080	'
Interest income (expense), net	-45	-220	'
Foreign currency gain (loss)	-1,320	-1,050	'
Income before income taxes	-5,402	-4,350	'
Income tax expense	5,227	3,193	'
Net income	-10,629	-7,543	'
Depreciation, amortization & accretion	14	10	'
Capital expenditures	182	26	'
Total assets	$145,007	$8,240	'

OPERATING_SEGMENTS_Details_2

OPERATING SEGMENTS (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue, Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets Outside of the United States	'	'	'
Total revenue	$53,354	$42,899	'
Total long- lived assets	151,606	'	151,691
United States	'	'	'
Revenue, Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets Outside of the United States	'	'	'
Total revenue	37,270	31,398	'
Total long- lived assets	88,803	'	86,175
Canada	'	'	'
Revenue, Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets Outside of the United States	'	'	'
Total revenue	16,084	11,501	'
Total long- lived assets	$62,803	'	$65,516

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended				0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 28, 2014	Apr. 02, 2014	Apr. 07, 2014	Apr. 07, 2014	Apr. 07, 2014	Apr. 07, 2014
		5-year Revolving Credit Facility	Subsequent event	Subsequent event	Subsequent event	Subsequent event	Subsequent event	Subsequent event
					EQ	EQ	EQ	EQ
					landfill	Credit facility	7-year Term Loan	5-year Revolving Credit Facility
					facility
					center
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Quarterly dividend declared (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$0.18	'	'	'	'
Dividend paid in cash	$3,874,000	'	$3,900,000	'	'	'	'	'
Number of hazardous waste permitted landfill	'	'	'	'	1	'	'	'
Number of waste treatment and recycling facility	'	'	'	'	13	'	'	'
Number of dedicated service centers	'	'	'	'	21	'	'	'
Business acquisition transaction value	'	'	'	'	465,000,000	'	'	'
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$95,000,000	$20,000,000	'	'	'	$540,000,000	$415,000,000	$125,000,000
Term of debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'7 years	'5 years