How Much Does It Actually Cost to Have Someone Just Handle Everything in Your Environmental Program?
Permits. Plans. Reporting. Training. Waste. Deadlines. Documentation. Systems. If you're the one in charge of your company's environmental responsibilities, chances are you've asked this question at least once: “Can we just hire someone to take this whole thing off our plate?”
And if you’ve ever tried to get a straight answer on how much that sort of thing would cost, you’ve probably heard the most unhelpful phrase in the consulting world: “It depends.”
We get it. That answer doesn’t help you build a budget or even begin to understand what that kind of investment would actually look like. So if you’re wondering what it actually costs to have someone “handle everything” - and by everything, I mean your entire environmental picture - you’re in the right place. Let's jump in.
Table of Contents
First: What Does "Handling Everything" Actually Look Like?
When we talk about a Full Environmental Program here at RMA, we don’t mean a single service or a pre-built bundle. We mean building a custom program around everything your facility needs to stay:
✅ Compliant
✅ Organized
✅ Inspection-ready
✅ And constantly improving
It’s knowing someone’s got your back. That reports will go out on time, permits will stay current, training won’t get forgotten, and no deadline is slipping through the cracks. Watch the video below to learn more!
We won't go into the full story here, but you can also check out the Full Environmental Programs section of our Learning Center here if you want more info.
So... What’s That Actually Cost?
Alright, here’s the honest truth: A full environmental program can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+ per year. Most of the full programs we build fall between $25,000 and $60,000 per year. Yeah, that’s a wide range. But hang with me for a second, because it makes sense once you break it down.
Here's a rough guide on some example facilities and where they might fall in the range:
On the lower end ($10K–$25K/year): You might be a single-site facility. You may not generate any hazardous waste. You need help with a few key plans, reports, and making sure the basics are done right. You need a safety net, not a full-time environmental department.
In the middle ($25K–$60K/year): Maybe you’ve got more complex operations. A mix of SPCC, waste management, Tier II & TRI, stormwater permits, and staff training. You need regular support, but not necessarily someone on-site every week.
On the higher end ($60K–$100K+): These are usually larger or multi-site clients. Potentially across state lines. Lots of regulatory needs, sustainability goals, and moving pieces. Maybe with their own internal EHS lead who we support. The complexity ramps up - more regulatory layers, more moving parts, more at stake.
No idea what any of those regulations even are, let alone whether they apply to you? Start out simple with an environmental audit to find out where you stand.
Now for context, you might spend $100,000–$145,000 on hiring a qualified in-house environmental manager when you add up salary, benefits, tools, training, turnover, overhead, and more. And that's for one person! Most of our clients actually find they save money and get a whole team when they work with us!
“Okay… but where do we fall in that range?” Right Here!
We hear that all the time. And that’s exactly why we built the Full Environmental Program Pricing Calculator below! Just answer a few quick questions - no sales call, no forms, no pressure - and you’ll get a tailored estimate that’s actually useful.
If you used the tool above, there you go - that's the best ballpark we can give you here on this static website page without really digging in and learning more about who you are, what you do, and what you need. If you want to keep the conversation going, submit your email on that final page and we'll reach out to learn more and give you a real, final number.
What’s Usually Included?
If you used the tool above and are wondering what you actually get for that price, let's try to break it down. Of course, it varies based on what you need, but here’s what’s often part of a full program:
- ✅ Facility audits & regulatory reviews
- ✅ Permitting (air, NPDES/water, you name it)
- ✅ Waste program setup & support
- ✅ Written plans: SPCC, SWPPP, hazardous materials, and more
- ✅ Tier II, TRI, emissions, DMR, and other required reporting
- ✅ Annual staff training
- ✅ SOPs, compliance calendars & systems
- ✅ Document organization & management
- ✅ Ongoing consulting & rapid response when issues pop up
- ✅ Strategic planning for long-term compliance & cost savings
In other words: we don’t just make sure the paperwork gets done. We build a system that helps you stay compliant, get ahead of problems, operate with peace of mind, and make continuous improvement as an environmental leader in your industry.
To learn more about our process, check out What it Looks Like When We Build a Full Environmental Program from the Ground Up.
Summary of Costs Table
| Program Type |
Typical Facility Profile Example |
Annual Cost Range (RMA Program) |
Estimated Cost to Hire In-House |
| Essential Support |
- Small, single-site facility
- Relatively simple operations
- Basic compliance needs |
~$10,000 – $25,000 |
~$80,000–$100,000+
(salary, benefits, training, tools) |
| Standard Program |
- Mid-sized facility
- Moderate complexity
- Multiple regulatory programs |
~$25,000 – $60,000 |
~$100,000–$130,000+ |
| Advanced / Multi-Site |
- Multi-site or high-risk operations
- Internal EHS lead needing external support
- Complex, multi-state compliance |
~$60,000 – $100,000+ |
$130,000 – $150,000+
(or more, depending on team size) |
Interested in a Full Environmental Program? Here's What to Do Next!
So what makes RMA different? No BS, no upselling, no cookie-cutter templates. We're real, normal, hard-working people who actually enjoy helping businesses succeed. We work with your team - not around it - and we explain things in plain English. If we can save you time, money, or hassle by telling you what not to do, we’ll tell you.
We’re not here to pressure you, spam you, or chase you down if it’s not the right time. We’re here to build trust, not just proposals.
So, if you’ve been flying blind when it comes to your environmental situation, let's figure out where you stand, where the gaps are, and what a full program would actually cost for your facility. No fluff, no jargon, no wasted time. Just honest guidance and practical tools to get you moving in the right direction.
Ready to stop guessing and start planning? Submit your email on the pricing calculator above or visit our contact us page to start a conversation about your environmental program today.
