While we have tried to present a summary of the essential information on this topic, be aware that other items, such as local regulations, may apply to you. Please read the disclaimer.
What You Need to Know
Effective January 31, 2014, the EPA updated rules regarding the management of solvent-contaminated wipes. Whether your facility has laundereed shop towels/rags or disposable wipes, this rule governs the management of the waste on-site and how to recycle or dispose of them.
The purpose of this final rule is to provide a consistent regulatory framework for solvent-contaminated wipes that is appropriate to the level of risk posed by these wipes in a way that maintains protection of human health and the environment, while reducing overall compliance costs for industry, many of which are small businesses.
Regulations
Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), this rule revises the definition of solvent-contaminated wipes as solid waste to conditionally exclude both wipes that are cleaned and reused and disposable solvent-contaminated wipes from the full hazardous waste regulations when handled according to the new rule.
The rule defines a wipe as “a woven or non-woven shop towel, rag, pad or swab made of wood pulp, fabric, cotton, polyester blends or other material” [40 CFR 260.10] that are contaminated with solvents commonly used in automotive parts cleaning. Wipes that are contaminated with TCE or trichloroethylene solvent are NOT included in the exclusion.
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Most regulations tell you what you have to do to be in compliance, but they don’t explain how to do it. That’s where "best management practices" come into play. BMPs are methods that help you to get into compliance and stay there. The following BMPs are recommended for management of solvent-contaminated wipes
- Specifically, the wipes, when accumulated, stored, and transported, must be contained in containers that are: Closed; non-leaking; and capable of holding free liquids. A plastic can liner will qualify as a container provided it meets the three conditions listed above.
- Containers must be labeled “Excluded Solvent Contaminated Wipes.”
- A 180-day accumulation limit from the moment a wipe is first placed into the container. There are various methods to document that the 180-day accumulation is being met, such as a label with a date, an established schedule for pickups, a log of container dates, etc.
- Must not contain free liquids at the point they are sent off-site (Free liquids must be managed according to hazardous waste rules)
Self-Audit Checklist
Use the following list to audit your procedures for proper management of solvent contaminated wipes.
1. Does the facility generate laundered or disposable wipes/towels/rags that re contaminated with solvent?
2. Are wipes stored in closed, non-leaking containers such as a fire safety can lined with a plastic bag?
3. Is the inner bag liner labeled “Excluded Solvent Contaminated Wipes”?
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Resources