Solvent-contaminated wipes

Pile of red reusable cloth shop towels

Example of reusable rags

Many businesses use wipes such as shop towels, rags, paper towels, and cotton swabs. When these wipes come into contact with solvents, these solvent-contaminated wipes become dangerous waste.

Businesses can manage these wipes according to the conditional exclusions for solvent-contaminated wipes, in which case, they do not have to count them as a dangerous waste.

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What counts as a solvent-contaminated wipe?

Common examples include the following after they are contaminated with flammable or toxic solvents:

  • Paper towels.
  • Cloth rags.
  • Cotton swabs.
  • Shop towels.

For instance, using a cloth rag to clean up a spill or clean machinery, equipment, or parts can result in that cloth rag becoming a solvent-contaminated wipe.

What are the conditional exclusions?

In 2019, we adopted the conditional exclusions for solvent-contaminated wipes as part of the Dangerous Waste Regulations. These rules apply only to wipes contaminated with solvents that designate as dangerous waste.

What qualifies under the exclusions?


Disposable vs. reusable wipes

How do you manage each type under the exclusions?

Container management

Collect, transport, and store disposable solvent-contaminated wipes in closed, non-leaking containers. These containers should be:
  • Compatible with the materials stored in them.
  • In good condition.
  • Labeled with the words “Excluded Solvent-Contaminated Wipes.”
  • Free of liquids.
Wipes must contain no free liquids prior to being sent off-site for disposal.

Free liquids removed from the wipes or from the wipes container must be managed as dangerous waste. 

Accumulation time limit

Wipes may be accumulated up to 180 days from the start date of accumulation prior to being sent for disposal.

Recordkeeping

Maintain documentation that includes:
  • Name and address of the dangerous waste landfill or dangerous waste combustor.
  • Documentation that the 180-day accumulation time limit is being met.
  • Description of the process the generator is using to meet the “no free liquids” condition.

Eligible handling facility

Disposable wipes must be sent to a dangerous waste combustor, boiler, or industrial furnace regulated under 40 C.F.R. Parts 264, 265, or 266 Subpart H. You also have the option to send solvent-contaminated wipes to a permitted dangerous waste or hazardous waste landfill.

Container management

Collect, transport, and store reusable solvent-contaminated wipes in closed, non-leaking containers. These containers should be:
  • Compatible with the materials stored in them.
  • In good condition.
  • Labeled with the words “Excluded Solvent-Contaminated Wipes.”
  • Free of liquids.
Wipes must contain no free liquids prior to on-site laundering or being sent off-site for laundering.

Free liquids removed from the wipes or from the wipes container must be managed as dangerous waste.

Accumulation time limit

Wipes may be accumulated up to 180 days from the start date of accumulation prior to being sent for laundering/cleaning.

Recordkeeping

Maintain documentation that includes:
  • Name and address of the laundry facility or dry cleaner.
  • Documentation that the 180-day accumulation time limit is being met.
  • Description of the process the generator is using to meet the “no free liquids” condition.

Eligible handling facility

Reusable wipes must go to a laundry or dry cleaner whose discharge, if any, is regulated by sections 301 and 402, or section 307 of the Clean Water Act. It is your responsibility to ensure the destination facility meets this criteria. Disposal of wastewater resulting from laundering solvent-contaminated wipes must never be discharged to an on-site septic system.
 

Frequently asked questions