Regulations aren't always bad for everyone's business — just ask Akron-based Wastebits.The company provides an online platform that helps waste generators, haulers and disposal sites handle many of the logistical challenges of matching waste generators with haulers and getting waste to the most cost effective and appropriate disposal sites. Perhaps more importantly at the moment, it also provides users with an easy way to electronically manage data and document how waste is handled — and new federal regulations are creating big demand for that service. "We're experiencing like 600% growth this year — it's amazing," said Wastebits founder and CEO Dan Collins.He attributes much of the surge in business to a new federal requirement known in the industry as "e-Manifest." It's a bit like the electronic medical records requirement that not long ago sent hospitals and other health care providers scrambling to make sure their systems can be compliant with new demands that records be digital and easily transferred from one computer or system to another — except, in this case, it's the handling of hazardous waste that the government wants to better monitor. "E-Manifest is taking over the entire industry, and all the waste companies across the country are scrambling and trying to figure out what to do," Collins said.If you're not in the hazardous waste business, you've probably never heard of e-Manifest. If you are, it's been a hot topic of conversation as of late."This pertains to all hazardous waste that is regulated . ... It impacts everybody in a big way from coast to coast," said Mike Guenther, head of business development for Avon-based Chemtron, an environmental services company that takes in and disposes of hazardous waste. Guenther said facilities like his will be affected because they are the entities required to record the handling of hazardous waste in the new system.Of course, in any industry, some or all of the costs added to a product or service generally make their way to the end user, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will charge fees that are higher for paper filings than for electronic ones. It has not unveiled what those final fees will be, but the EPA on its website estimates it will charge $4 for electronic manifests to be filed, $13 for paper manifests to be scanned and uploaded, and $20 for paper manifests submitted by mail. Ultimately, the EPA predicts the new system not only will enable state and federal officials to better monitor hazardous waste, but also will save waste generators and handlers money.On top of providing better and more accessible data on how hazardous waste is handled, the EPA predicts e-Manifest will ultimately "reduce the burden associated with preparing shipping manifests by between 300,000 and 700,000 hours, saving state and industry users $75 million to $90 million per year."So, a lot of companies dealing with hazardous waste are scrambling to be able to use the system, avoid higher fees and reduce their own costs — and that's driving Wastebits' growth, Collins said. Wastebits had plenty of time to prepare, and used it, he said. The actual law requiring e-Manifest was passed in 2012, and it has taken this long for the EPA to implement it, giving Wastebits ample time to prepare. It has been designing its system so it would work with the new system all along, Collins said, and now it's reaping the rewards as e-Manifest is set to take effect June 30."We have the product in a position where the market fit and product offerings align," Collins said. "We have been working on the e-Manifest solution for some time, with the recent mandate of an implementation date of June 30 for e-Manifest, we knew there would be a need for our offering."Privately held Wastebits does not disclose its revenues or financials, but Collins said his business has been steadily growing and just turned the corner to become profitable.It already employs 31 people in downtown Akron, and Collins said he'll need to hire at least three more full-time employees and probably more part-time help this year to keep up with his increased business."We're currently servicing over 60,000 manufacturers across the U.S. and hundreds of waste companies, including two of the top three," said Collins, who said one of the nation's largest trash haulers recently began subscribing to his service. Civic leaders and economic developers have praised Wastebits because it's creating the kind of modern, high-tech jobs that the city wants — and the type that helps attract young professionals to live downtown or elsewhere in the city.Collins said he'll be able to continue to find the personnel and other resources he needs to continue growing locally. So, at least for now, he plans to keep the business entirely in the Rubber City."We certainly hope so," he said. "Akron has the talent and infrastructure to support our growth for the time being. The city has been working hard to attract new businesses and entrepreneurial talent to the area. Our ability to be 100% located in Akron will depend on our ability to attract and retain talent, as well as access to the right kind of capital."