Solvent Cleaning

ECAR Fact Sheet for Missouri
Solvent Cleaning

Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources

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The following fact sheet was prepared by the ECAR Center staff. Once prepared, each ECAR Center fact sheet undergoes a review process with the applicable state environmental agency(ies). You can check on the status of the review process here. Please read the disclaimer on the status page. While we have tried to present a summary of the essential information on this topic, you should be aware that other items, such as local regulations, may apply to you.

What You Need to Know

Various methods are used to clean oil and grease from auto parts before sale. Degreasers used to clean metal parts may be organic solvents (chlorinated or nonchlorinated) or aqueous (water-based) cleaners. This fact sheet covers the environmental issues associated with organic or solvent cleaning methods. Aqueous cleaning (e.g., pressure washers, enclosed spray washers, steam cleaning) is covered under a separate fact sheet.

Organic solvents usually contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can evaporate quickly. Many VOCs combine with combustion emissions to form ground level ozone, a major component of “smog.” Ozone damages lungs and degrades many materials. When solvents are released and reach water, even in very small quantities, they may render the water unfit for human consumption and uninhabitable for aquatic life. Many organic solvents are also combustible, which may pose a fire hazard.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has prepared a guidance document to help auto recyclers manage solvents. Much of that information is included in the fact sheet below. You can access the link to the Department's Vehicle Salvage Guidance Document under Other Relevant Resources.

Regulations

Because some solvents evaporate readily and can cause air pollution problems, the use of certain solvents is restricted in some areas, such as St. Louis and Kansas City. Check with your local air pollution control office or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for any special requirements for your solvents.

Some solvents used in parts washers are hazardous waste when disposed. If you don't know whether your used solvent is a hazardous waste, ask your supplier or manufacturer. The material safety data sheet (MSDS) may have this information. Even if the solvent is not hazardous waste, the used solvent can be due to contamination from the parts you clean. Your supplier may be able to provide information on typical contaminants, or you may need to have the waste solvent tested.

For more information on handling, storing and disposing hazardous wastes, see the ECAR Hazardous Waste fact sheet.

Some businesses use solvent-distillation units, often called stills. These remove contaminants to recycle the solvent. If you recycle your hazardous waste solvent on-site you must notify the Department of your activities. If you recycle more than 2,200 lbs. of hazardous waste in a month, you must get a resource recovery certification from the Department. The sludge and still bottoms from these units may be hazardous waste.

Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to solvent cleaning processes.

Missouri Hazardous Waste Regulations (Division 25)

Federal EPA Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste

Self-Audit Checklist

When an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things he or she checks to see if you are in compliance with environmental regulations. It makes good sense for you to perform a "self-audit" and catch and correct problems before they result in penalties. Also, there are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits (see Audit Policy Page).

Use the following list to audit your solvent cleaning operations.

Are spent solvents stored in drums, tanks or other containers that are in good condition? Open containers, and rusting or leaking containers cannot be used for spent solvent storage.
Are solvent storage containers and tanks properly labeled? All used solvent storage containers must be labeled "hazardous waste."
Is the area around the solvent storage containers free of releases? Releases must be stopped and the released material cleaned up and managed properly.
Is spent solvent transported to a recovery facility by a certified transporter? Check your records and verify that all shipments of spent solvent were removed from your property by a state certified transporter.

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 proven methods that help you to get into compliance and stay there. The following BMPs are recommended for solvent cleaning.

Wipe off parts with a rag or wire brush before soaking in parts washer.
Do not clean parts unnecessarily.
Reduce the quantity of solvent used by implementing a two-stage cleaning system. The first stage should clean the dirtiest parts. The second stage uses cleaner solvent for final cleaning and rinsing. When the cleaning solution in the second stage is no longer effective, it can then be used to replace the solvent in the first stage. Fresh solvent is then used to replace the second stage.
Parts washers should have a recirculating feature with built-in filtration to continuously remove dirt and contaminants. This will extend the life of the solvent.
Drip racks or trays can help increase drainage from parts to minimize solvent loss.
When not in use, solvent streams should be turned off and lids on parts washers should be kept closed to reduce evaporative solvent loss.
Do not dispose of used solvent on the ground or in a storm drain.
Do not combine spent solvent with used oil.
Consider using a less hazardous solvent cleaner such as a citrus-based cleaner.
Carefully review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to avoid hazardous materials whenever possible.
Keep cleaning container closed when not in use to avoid evaporation, spills, fires and explosive hazards.
Contract with a solvent management company to supply and recycle solvent.
Keep accurate records of solvent, wash water, sludge processing and disposal for 3 years.

Contacts

For more information, contact the Missouri Hazardous Waste Program at 573-751-3176.
To report a spill or leak, call the 573-634-2436.
To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest regional office.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

Other Relevant Resources

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