Solvent Disposal & Recycling Services

Professional Solvent Waste Management for Businesses Nationwide

Industrial solvents are among the most common hazardous wastes generated by businesses. From parts cleaning and degreasing to manufacturing processes, solvents require proper disposal under EPA regulations. Hazardous Waste Disposal has been helping businesses safely dispose of and recycle solvents since 1992.

Call (800) 582-4833 for solvent disposal services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com

Types of Solvents We Handle

Halogenated Solvents (Chlorinated)

Solvents containing chlorine, bromine, or fluorine atoms.

Common halogenated solvents:

  • Trichloroethylene (TCE)

  • Perchloroethylene (PERC/PCE)

  • Methylene chloride

  • Carbon tetrachloride

  • 1,1,1-Trichloroethane

  • Chloroform

  • Freon and other refrigerants

EPA Classification: Typically F001, F002 (spent halogenated solvents) Disposal: Incineration at high-temperature facilities Cost: Higher than non-halogenated solvents

Non-Halogenated Solvents

Solvents without chlorine, bromine, or fluorine.

Common non-halogenated solvents:

  • Acetone

  • Mineral spirits

  • Paint thinner

  • Toluene

  • Xylene

  • MEK (methyl ethyl ketone)

  • Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)

  • Methanol

  • Ethanol

  • Hexane

  • Heptane

EPA Classification: Typically F003, F005 (spent non-halogenated solvents) Disposal: Incineration or fuel blending Cost: Lower than halogenated, recycling often available

Parts Washer Solvent

Solvents used in parts cleaning equipment.

What we handle:

  • Mineral spirits-based parts washer fluid

  • Petroleum-based cleaning solvents

  • Aqueous parts washing solutions

  • Safety solvent cleaners

  • Spent parts washer fluid

Note: Many parts washers use recyclable solvent that can be distilled and reused.

Vapor Degreaser Waste

Solvents from vapor degreasing operations.

What we handle:

  • Spent vapor degreasing solvents

  • Still bottoms from vapor degreasers

  • Contaminated degreasing fluids

Special handling: Often contain high metal concentrations requiring careful disposal.

Paint-Related Solvents

Solvents used in painting operations.

What we handle:

  • Paint thinners

  • Lacquer thinners

  • Reducers

  • Gun wash solvent

  • Spray booth solvent

  • Brush cleaners

Laboratory Solvents

Research and analytical grade solvents.

What we handle:

  • HPLC solvents

  • Extraction solvents

  • Chromatography solvents

  • Spectroscopy solvents

  • Mixed laboratory waste solvents

Why Solvents Require Special Disposal

Health Hazards

Solvent exposure causes serious health effects:

  • Central nervous system depression

  • Liver and kidney damage

  • Cancer (some solvents are carcinogens)

  • Respiratory irritation

  • Skin damage and dermatitis

  • Reproductive effects

Worker Safety: Proper handling prevents employee exposure.

Environmental Concerns

Solvents harm the environment:

  • Groundwater contamination

  • Soil pollution

  • Air quality impacts (VOCs)

  • Ozone depletion (some halogenated solvents)

  • Toxic to aquatic life

Impact: One gallon of solvent can contaminate millions of gallons of groundwater.

Fire and Explosion Hazards

Many solvents are highly flammable:

  • Low flash points

  • Vapor accumulation risks

  • Static electricity ignition

  • Explosive vapor concentrations

Safety: Proper storage prevents fires and explosions.

Regulatory Requirements

EPA strictly regulates solvents:

  • Listed hazardous wastes (F001-F005)

  • RCRA Subtitle C requirements

  • Air emissions regulations

  • Storage and disposal standards

Penalties: Violations result in fines up to $70,000 per day.

Solvent Waste Regulations

EPA F-List Waste Codes

F001 - Halogenated solvents used in degreasing:

  • Tetrachloroethylene

  • Trichloroethylene

  • Methylene chloride

  • 1,1,1-Trichloroethane

  • Carbon tetrachloride

  • Chlorinated fluorocarbons

F002 - Halogenated solvents (other uses):

  • Same solvents as F001 but used for purposes other than degreasing

F003 - Non-halogenated solvents:

  • Xylene

  • Acetone

  • Ethyl acetate

  • Ethyl benzene

  • Ethyl ether

  • Methyl isobutyl ketone

  • n-Butyl alcohol

  • Cyclohexanone

  • Methanol

F004 - Non-halogenated solvents:

  • Cresols and cresylic acid

  • Nitrobenzene

F005 - Non-halogenated solvents:

  • Toluene

  • MEK

  • Carbon disulfide

  • Isobutanol

  • Pyridine

  • 2-Ethoxyethanol

  • Benzene

  • 2-Nitropropane

Mixture Rule

Critical: If you mix F-listed solvents with other materials, the entire mixture becomes F-listed hazardous waste.

Examples:

  • Solvent + water = F-listed hazardous waste

  • Solvent + oil = F-listed hazardous waste

  • Different F-listed solvents mixed = still F-listed

Generator Requirements

Small Quantity Generator (SQG):

  • 220-2,200 lbs per month

  • 180-day accumulation limit

  • EPA ID number required

  • Manifest required

Large Quantity Generator (LQG):

  • 2,200 lbs per month

  • 90-day accumulation limit

  • Full RCRA compliance

  • Training and contingency plans required

Our Solvent Disposal Services

Regular Scheduled Pickup

For ongoing solvent generation:

  • Weekly, monthly, or quarterly service

  • Predictable costs and scheduling

  • Proper containers provided

  • All documentation handled

Perfect for:

  • Manufacturing facilities

  • Parts cleaning operations

  • Printing companies

  • Auto body shops

Solvent Recycling/Distillation

For recoverable solvents:

  • On-site or off-site distillation

  • Solvent recovery and reuse

  • Reduced disposal costs

  • Environmental benefits

Best candidates:

  • Parts washer solvents

  • Paint thinners

  • Pure single solvents

  • Large volume generators

One-Time Disposal

For occasional needs:

  • Shop cleanouts

  • Equipment decommissioning

  • Tank cleanouts

  • Old inventory disposal

Emergency Response

For urgent situations:

  • Spill cleanup

  • Regulatory compliance issues

  • Immediate pickup needs

Available within 24-48 hours

Drum and Container Supply

We provide proper containers:

  • 5-gallon safety cans

  • 15-30 gallon drums

  • 55-gallon steel drums

  • Specialty containers

All containers:

  • DOT-approved

  • Properly bonded/grounded

  • Labeled correctly

  • Fire-safe

Solvent Storage Requirements

Proper Containers

Use containers that are:

  • Compatible with solvent type

  • Made of steel or approved materials

  • In excellent condition

  • Properly sealed with bungs

  • Grounded to prevent static

Avoid:

  • Plastic containers (for many solvents)

  • Damaged or rusting drums

  • Containers with previous incompatible chemicals

Labeling Requirements

All solvent waste containers must have:

  • "HAZARDOUS WASTE" label

  • Contents ("Spent Acetone," "Waste MEK," etc.)

  • EPA waste codes (F001, F003, etc.)

  • Accumulation start date

  • "FLAMMABLE" warning

  • Generator information

Storage Location Requirements

Critical for flammable solvents:

  • Away from ignition sources

  • Proper ventilation required

  • Fire suppression systems

  • Explosion-proof electrical

  • No smoking areas

  • Grounded containers

  • Bonding during transfers

  • Secondary containment

Temperature control:

  • Avoid excessive heat

  • Maintain stable temperatures

  • Prevent vapor buildup

Incompatible Materials

Never store solvents near:

  • Oxidizers (creates fire/explosion risk)

  • Acids and bases (some solvents react)

  • Water-reactive materials

  • Compressed gases

Solvent Disposal Methods

High-Temperature Incineration

Most common disposal method:

  • Burns solvents at 1,800-2,200°F

  • Destroys organic compounds

  • Energy recovery in some facilities

  • Ash residue properly disposed

Used for: Most halogenated and non-halogenated solvents

Fuel Blending

For certain non-halogenated solvents:

  • Mixed into industrial fuel

  • Burned in cement kilns or boilers

  • Energy recovery

  • Must meet fuel specifications

Used for: Clean, burnable non-halogenated solvents

Solvent Recycling/Distillation

Best option when possible:

  • Distillation removes contaminants

  • Recovers usable solvent

  • Dramatically reduces costs

  • Environmental benefits

Used for: Parts washer fluids, pure solvents, high-volume single solvents

Cost savings: 50-80% vs. disposal

Industries That Generate Solvent Waste

Manufacturing

Solvents used for:

  • Parts cleaning and degreasing

  • Process solvents

  • Equipment cleaning

  • Surface preparation

Volume: 100-5,000+ gallons per month

Auto Body Shops

Solvents used for:

  • Paint thinners and reducers

  • Gun wash solvent

  • Parts cleaning

  • Surface prep

Volume: 20-200 gallons per month

Printing Companies

Solvents used for:

  • Press wash

  • Ink cleanup

  • Plate cleaning

  • Equipment maintenance

Volume: 50-500 gallons per month

Dry Cleaners

Solvents used for:

  • Perchloroethylene (PERC)

  • Alternative dry cleaning solvents

  • Spot removers

Volume: 50-500 gallons per month

Laboratories

Solvents used for:

  • Extractions and analyses

  • Equipment cleaning

  • Sample preparation

  • Chromatography

Volume: 10-200 gallons per month

Electronics Manufacturing

Solvents used for:

  • Flux removal

  • Board cleaning

  • Precision degreasing

Volume: 100-1,000+ gallons per month

Solvent Disposal Costs

Factors Affecting Price

Cost depends on:

  • Halogenated vs. non-halogenated

  • Contamination level

  • Volume and concentration

  • Local disposal facility availability

  • Service frequency

Typical Pricing Ranges

Non-Halogenated Solvents:

  • $3-$10 per gallon

  • Lower end for fuel-quality solvents

  • Higher end for contaminated solvents

Halogenated Solvents:

  • $8-$20+ per gallon

  • Require specialized incineration

  • More expensive to dispose

Solvent Recycling:

  • $1-$5 per gallon

  • Much cheaper than disposal

  • Only for recyclable solvents

Lab Packs (mixed solvents):

  • $400-$800 per 55-gallon drum

  • Higher for unknowns or reactive materials

Additional Costs:

  • Testing/characterization: $300-$1,000

  • Emergency service: 50-100% premium

  • Container rental: $50-$100 per month

Call (800) 582-4833 for accurate pricing

How to Reduce Solvent Disposal Costs

1. Implement Solvent Recycling

On-site or off-site distillation:

  • Recover and reuse solvents

  • Reduce virgin solvent purchases

  • Lower disposal volumes

  • Quick payback period

Savings: 50-80% reduction in solvent costs

2. Segregate Solvents

Keep different types separate:

  • Don't mix halogenated with non-halogenated

  • Separate recyclable from non-recyclable

  • Keep pure solvents unmixed

Savings: 30-50% through recycling options

3. Minimize Contamination

Keep solvents clean:

  • Prevent water contamination

  • Don't mix with oils

  • Avoid dirt and debris

  • Proper storage prevents contamination

Savings: Cleaner solvents cost less to dispose

4. Use Less Hazardous Alternatives

Consider substitutes:

  • Aqueous cleaners instead of solvents

  • Citrus-based cleaners

  • Lower VOC options

  • Less toxic alternatives

Savings: Non-hazardous alternatives may not require special disposal

5. Employee Training

Reduce waste through:

  • Proper use techniques

  • Preventing spills and leaks

  • Correct storage procedures

  • Waste minimization practices

Savings: 10-30% volume reduction

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can different solvents be mixed together? A: Generally yes, but it may affect disposal options. Mixing halogenated with non-halogenated increases costs. Best to keep separate.

Q: Can solvent be recycled? A: Many solvents can be recycled through distillation. Parts washer fluids, paint thinners, and pure solvents are good candidates.

Q: How should solvents be stored? A: In DOT-approved containers, away from heat and ignition sources, with proper ventilation, grounding, and secondary containment.

Q: What if solvent is mixed with water? A: It's still hazardous waste requiring proper disposal. Water contamination may increase disposal costs slightly.

Q: Can solvent waste go down the drain? A: Absolutely not. This is illegal and can result in severe fines, plus environmental damage.

Q: How long can solvent waste be stored? A: 90 days for LQGs, 180 days for SQGs. Don't exceed time limits.

Q: What's the difference between halogenated and non-halogenated solvents? A: Halogenated contain chlorine, bromine, or fluorine. They're more toxic, more expensive to dispose, and subject to stricter regulations.

Q: Do I need special containers for solvents? A: Yes. Use DOT-approved containers compatible with the solvent type, preferably steel drums with proper seals.

Get Started with Solvent Disposal Service

Call (800) 582-4833 or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com

What to have ready:

  • Type of solvent (specific chemicals)

  • Approximate quantity

  • Current storage containers

  • Whether mixed or pure

  • Contamination level

  • Desired service frequency

We'll provide:

  • Free quote for solvent disposal

  • Recycling options evaluation

  • Proper containers

  • All documentation and manifests

  • Pickup scheduling

  • Compliance guidance

Ask about solvent recycling to dramatically reduce your costs!

Serving businesses nationwide since 1992

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