Hazardous Waste Disposal for Dry Cleaners
Compliant Solvent Disposal & Environmental Services for Dry Cleaning Businesses
Dry cleaning operations generate hazardous waste that requires specialized handling and disposal. From perchloroethylene (perc) to petroleum-based solvents and contaminated filters, EPA and state regulations mandate proper management. Hazardous Waste Disposal has been helping dry cleaners nationwide stay compliant since 1992.
Call (800) 582-4833 for dry cleaning waste disposal services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
Dry Cleaning Waste We Handle
Perchloroethylene (Perc/PCE)
The most common traditional dry cleaning solvent.
What we handle:
Spent perchloroethylene solvent
Contaminated perc
Distillation still bottoms
Perc-water separator waste
EPA Classification: F002 hazardous waste (halogenated solvent) Regulation: Strict EPA and state requirements due to toxicity Cost: $8-$20 per gallon due to specialized disposal needs
Petroleum-Based Solvents
Alternative dry cleaning solvents.
What we handle:
Stoddard solvent
Hydrocarbon solvents (DF-2000, EcoSolv)
Petroleum distillates
Contaminated petroleum solvents
EPA Classification: F003 hazardous waste (non-halogenated solvent) if meets criteria Recycling: Often recyclable through distillation Cost: $5-$12 per gallon
GreenEarth & Siloxane Solvents
Modern environmentally-friendly solvents.
What we handle:
Siloxane-based cleaning fluid
Liquid silicone solvents
Contaminated siloxane
Regulation: Generally not hazardous waste but still requires proper disposal Environmental benefit: Lower toxicity than traditional solvents Cost: $4-$10 per gallon
Wet Cleaning Solutions
Water-based cleaning systems.
What we handle:
Detergent solutions
Spotting chemicals
Pre-treatment chemicals
Regulation: May be non-hazardous depending on formulation Disposal: Depends on chemical composition
Filters & Cartridges
Contaminated filtration materials.
What we handle:
Button traps
Lint filters
Cartridge filters
Still filters
Separator filters
Regulation: Contaminated with hazardous solvents, requires proper disposal Cost: $50-$200 per filter depending on size and contamination
Spotted Garments & Materials
Clothing damaged beyond recovery.
What we handle:
Solvent-contaminated garments
Rags and towels
Shop towels
Spotting materials
Regulation: Contaminated textiles are hazardous waste Disposal: Incineration at permitted facilities
Distillation Residues
Waste from solvent distillation equipment.
What we handle:
Still bottoms (muck)
Powder residue
Concentrated contaminants
Separator sludge
High concentration: Contains concentrated dyes, oils, and contaminants Special handling: Requires careful packaging and disposal
Why Dry Cleaning Waste Requires Special Disposal
Health Hazards
Dry cleaning solvents pose serious health risks:
Perchloroethylene: Probable human carcinogen, affects nervous system
Petroleum solvents: Flammable, respiratory irritant
Chronic exposure: Long-term health effects for workers and community
Indoor air quality: Vapor concerns in residential buildings
OSHA requirements: Worker exposure limits and protective equipment mandated
Environmental Contamination
Improper disposal harms the environment:
Groundwater pollution: Solvents contaminate drinking water sources
Soil contamination: Persists for decades
Air emissions: Contributes to smog and air pollution
Aquatic toxicity: Harmful to fish and wildlife
Impact: Perc contamination is common at former dry cleaner sites
Regulatory Requirements
Strict federal and state regulations:
EPA regulations: RCRA hazardous waste rules
Air quality standards: NESHAP requirements for perc machines
State-specific rules: Many states have additional dry cleaning regulations
Local requirements: Zoning and environmental permits
Enforcement: EPA actively inspects dry cleaners for compliance
Financial Liability
Non-compliance costs far exceed proper disposal:
EPA fines: $37,500+ per violation per day
Cleanup costs: Hundreds of thousands to millions for contaminated sites
Business closure: License revocation possible
Personal liability: Owners can be held personally responsible
Dry Cleaning Regulations
Federal EPA Requirements
RCRA Subtitle C:
Perc is F002 listed hazardous waste
Petroleum solvents may be F003 if used for degreasing
Generator category determines requirements
Manifests required for hazardous waste disposal
NESHAP (National Emission Standards):
Air emission controls for perc machines
Equipment standards and monitoring
Record keeping requirements
Phase-out of transfer machines (completed)
State-Specific Requirements
Many states have additional dry cleaning regulations:
California: Stringent perc regulations, phase-out programs
New York: Enhanced oversight and reporting
Illinois: Dry cleaning environmental response trust fund
Florida: Dry cleaning solvent cleanup program
Massachusetts: Additional registration and reporting
Check your state for specific dry cleaning environmental requirements
Generator Categories for Dry Cleaners
Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG):
Generate <220 lbs (about 27 gallons) per month
Can accumulate up to 2,200 lbs on-site
Minimal regulatory burden
Small Quantity Generator (SQG):
Generate 220-2,200 lbs per month
180-day accumulation limit
EPA ID number required
Manifest requirements
Large Quantity Generator (LQG):
Generate >2,200 lbs per month
90-day accumulation limit
Full RCRA compliance required
Most dry cleaners are SQGs
Our Dry Cleaning Services
Regular Scheduled Pickup
For ongoing dry cleaning waste:
Monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual service
Predictable costs and compliance
Drum supply included
All documentation handled
Typical schedule:
Small cleaners: Semi-annual or annual
Medium cleaners: Quarterly
Large cleaners: Monthly or bi-monthly
Solvent Recycling
For perc and petroleum solvents:
Off-site distillation and recycling
Recovered solvent returned (if desired)
Significantly lower cost than disposal
Environmental benefits
Cost savings: 50-70% vs. disposal
Equipment Decommissioning
When closing or upgrading:
Machine cleanup and removal
Tank removal services
Site remediation coordination
Proper disposal of all materials
Emergency Response
For spills or urgent situations:
24/7 availability
Spill cleanup services
Contaminated soil removal
Regulatory notification assistance
Dry Cleaning Waste Storage Requirements
Proper Containers
Use containers that are:
Compatible with solvents
Steel drums (55-gallon standard)
In good condition
Properly sealed with bungs
For distillation residues:
Lined drums for powder residue
Sealed to prevent vapor escape
Proper labeling critical
Labeling Requirements
All containers must be labeled:
"Hazardous Waste"
Contents ("Spent Perchloroethylene")
EPA waste codes (F002 for perc, F003 for petroleum if applicable)
Accumulation start date
Generator information
Storage Location
Store dry cleaning waste:
Away from heat and ignition sources
In well-ventilated area
With spill containment
Away from drains
Secured from unauthorized access
Avoid:
Storage near residential areas
Outdoor storage without protection
Storage near food preparation
Areas with poor ventilation
Accumulation Time Limits
Don't exceed limits:
VSQG: No specific limit but <2,200 lbs on-site
SQG: 180 days maximum
LQG: 90 days maximum
Track carefully and schedule pickups with buffer time
Dry Cleaning Disposal Costs
Perc Disposal
Cost: $8-$20 per gallon
Higher cost due to specialized incineration
Halogenated waste premium
Strict disposal requirements
Still bottoms: $15-$30 per gallon (concentrated)
Petroleum Solvent Disposal
Cost: $5-$12 per gallon
Lower than perc
Recycling often available at lower cost
Fuel blending options
Recycling: $3-$8 per gallon
Siloxane & GreenEarth
Cost: $4-$10 per gallon
Non-hazardous often lower cost
Varies by disposal facility
May have recycling options
Filters
Cost: $50-$200 per filter
Button traps: $50-$100
Cartridge filters: $75-$150
Large filters: $100-$200
Full Service Costs
Typical annual costs by size:
Small cleaner (1 machine): $500-$1,500/year
Medium cleaner (2-3 machines): $1,500-$4,000/year
Large cleaner (4+ machines): $4,000-$10,000+/year
Includes: Pickup, transportation, disposal, documentation
Call (800) 582-4833 for accurate pricing for your operation
How to Reduce Dry Cleaning Waste Costs
1. Maximize Solvent Recycling
Distill and reuse solvents:
On-site distillation equipment
Extend solvent life 10-20 times
Dramatically reduce disposal volumes
ROI in 1-3 years for many cleaners
Savings: 60-80% reduction in solvent costs
2. Proper Equipment Maintenance
Keep machines running efficiently:
Regular maintenance prevents leaks
Proper filtration extends solvent life
Seal repairs prevent emissions
Equipment upgrades may save long-term
Savings: 20-40% reduction in waste generation
3. Switch to Alternative Solvents
Consider non-perc systems:
Wet cleaning (water-based)
Hydrocarbon solvents (petroleum)
Siloxane systems (GreenEarth)
CO2 cleaning (limited availability)
Benefits: Lower disposal costs, reduced liability, environmental benefits
4. Proper Solvent Management
Minimize contamination:
Proper filtering
Separate light and heavy soils
Don't overload machines
Water separator maintenance
Savings: Extends solvent life, reduces disposal frequency
5. Schedule Regular Service
Avoid emergency pickups:
Quarterly or semi-annual scheduled service
Better per-gallon rates
Included drum supply
Predictable budgeting
Savings: 20-30% vs. on-demand service
Common Dry Cleaner Scenarios
Small Neighborhood Cleaner
Operation: Single perc machine, 100 lbs dry cleaning per day
Waste generated:
30-50 gallons spent perc annually
Filters quarterly
Still residue semi-annually
Service: Annual pickup Cost: $800-$1,500/year
Medium Suburban Cleaner
Operation: 2-3 machines, 300 lbs per day
Waste generated:
100-150 gallons solvent annually
Filters monthly
Still residue quarterly
Service: Quarterly pickup Cost: $2,500-$4,000/year
Large Urban Plant
Operation: Multiple machines, 1,000+ lbs per day
Waste generated:
400+ gallons solvent annually
Filters weekly
Significant still residue
Service: Monthly or bi-monthly pickup Cost: $8,000-$15,000/year
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I pour spent solvent down the drain? A: Absolutely not. This is illegal and will result in severe penalties plus environmental cleanup costs.
Q: How often should waste be picked up? A: Depends on generation rate. Small cleaners: annually. Medium: quarterly. Large: monthly. Must meet accumulation time limits.
Q: Is perc being phased out? A: Not federally mandated, but many states encourage alternatives. Transfer machines banned since 2020. Dry-to-dry machines still allowed with controls.
Q: Can dry cleaning solvent be recycled? A: Yes! Perc and petroleum solvents can be distilled and recycled, significantly reducing costs.
Q: What should I do if I spill solvent? A: Contain immediately, ventilate area, clean up with absorbent, dispose of cleanup materials as hazardous waste. Report if over reportable quantity.
Q: Do I need an EPA ID number? A: Yes, if you're an SQG or LQG (generate more than 220 lbs per month).
Q: What if I'm switching from perc to wet cleaning? A: We can help with equipment decommissioning, machine removal, and proper disposal of all remaining chemicals.
Q: How should filters be stored? A: In closed containers, labeled as hazardous waste, in ventilated area, away from heat sources.
Get Started with Dry Cleaning Waste Service
Call (800) 582-4833 or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
What to have ready:
Type of solvent used (perc, petroleum, siloxane)
Approximate volume generated monthly/annually
Current storage situation
Desired pickup frequency
We'll provide:
Free quote for your operation
Appropriate drum supply
Pickup scheduling
All manifests and documentation
Compliance guidance
Recycling options evaluation
Ask about solvent recycling programs to reduce your costs by 50-70%!
Serving dry cleaners nationwide since 1992