GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

NOTE 7.GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company’s entire goodwill balance has been assigned to the Operating Disposal Facilities reporting segment.  Changes in goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 consisted of the following:

$s in thousands	Goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2011	21,200
US Ecology Michigan acquisition	1,327
Foreign currency translation	828
Balance at September 30, 2012	23,355

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

$s in thousands	September 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
Amortizing intangible assets:
Developed software	$	355		$	342
Database	102			98
Customer relationships	5,317			3,991
Technology - Formulae and processes	9,249			8,902
Permits, licenses and lease	28,407			27,340
Non-compete agreements	20			—
Total amortizing intangible assets	43,450			40,673
Accumulated amortization	(2,779		)	(1,601		)
Nonamortizing intangible assets:
Permits and licenses	750			—
Tradename	173			166
Total intangible assets, net	$	41,594		$	39,238

Amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $372,000 and $358,000, respectively. Amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $1.1 million.