Almost every workplace—and home—contains solvents. They’re among the most useful of substances, but if not used and disposed of carefully, some solvents also are very hazardous.
Solvents, which are usually liquids, are used to dissolve other materials. Among their most common applications are vapor degreasing, corrosion removal and heavy cleaning. They’re a mainstay of many operations. Reducing solvent waste is one of the most important elements of pollution prevention nationwide. Solvent use is a major contributor to air and water pollution, and is a leading source of hazardous waste.
Used solvents are picked up and transported by Lube-Tech Liquid Recycling to a compliant storage facility where they are either reclaimed or destroyed. Used solvents may or may not be hazardous, depending upon a variety of standards, including: flash-point, halogen content, toxicity and heavy metal content.
Tips on Managing Solvent Waste
| Do not mix different types of solvent. |
| Do not mix solvents with used oil. |
| Do not mix solvents with antifreeze. |
| Separate different solvents to prevent chemical comingling. |
| Store solvents in the proper containers – whether the chemical requires metal, poly or tank storage. |
| Label used containers, “Solvent for Recycling” (if non-hazardous). If hazardous, you must follow the hazardous material labeling requirements, as set forth by your state’s Pollution Control Agency. |
| If storing outdoors, use an impermeable surface to protect against weather and accidental spills. |
| Inspect all used product containers regularly. |