ECAR Fact Sheet for Oregon
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 (petroleum-based) or aqueous (water-based) cleaners. This fact sheet covers the environmental issues associated with petroleum-based or solvent cleaning methods. Aqueous cleaning (e.g., pressure washers, enclosed spray washers, steam cleaning) is covered under a separate fact sheet.

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 solvents are also combustible, which may pose a fire hazard.

Regulations

If your operation still uses a parts washing system that contains a hazardous solvent, you are likely generating listed hazardous wastes. In addition, many solvents may be hazardous because of ignitability (low flash points).

Petroleum-based solvents used in degreasing have varying degrees of toxicity. The following are some of the common spent halogenated and non-halogenated solvents used in degreasing operations that are considered hazardous:

• 1,1,1-trichloroethane
• Acetone
• Benzene
• Carbon tetrachloride
• Chlorinated fluorocarbons
• Isobutanol
• Low flash point mineral spirits
• Methanol
• Methylene chloride
• Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
• Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK)
• Ortho-dichlorobenzene
• Tetracholoroethylene
• Toluene
• Trichloroflueoromethane
• Xylene

These solvents must be managed as hazardous waste and some are even being phased out by federal regulations. For more information on handling, storing and disposing hazardous wastes, see the ECAR Hazardous Waste fact sheet.

If petroleum-based solvents are desired for the job, use those that are less toxic than the listed or halogenated solvents. These less toxic solvents include naphtha, mineral spirits and stoddard solvent. These solvents are less toxic, but keep in mind that they can cause adverse health affects, such as skin irritation, and will be hazardous wastes upon disposal/recycling if the flashpoint is below 140°F or if TCLP parameters are present above the regulatory limits.

Some newer petroleum-based solvents are formulated to have flashpoints above 140°F. While these solvents are not hazardous because of ignitability, they may acquire toxic amounts of lead or benzene from greasy parts. Both the spent cleaner and the sludge that accumulates in the parts washer should be determined hazardous or non-hazardous prior to disposal.

*Petroleum-based products may not be discharged to the city sewer or a septic system.

Many parts washers use filters that must be periodically changed. You need to determine if your used filters are hazardous by using the same process you used to determine if your solvent is hazardous.

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

Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) on Hazardous Waste Management

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.

1. 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.
2. Are solvent storage containers and tanks properly labeled? All used antifreeze storage containers must be labeled "hazardous waste."
3. Is the area around the solvent storage containers free of releases? Releases must be stopped and the released material cleaned up and managed properly.
4. 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.
• If solvents are necessary, use less toxic blends such as mineral spirits or terpenes.
• 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.
• Consider on-site solvent distillation to reduce waste.

Contacts

1. For more information, contact the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) at 503-229-5696 or 800-452-4011 (toll-free in Oregon).
2. To report a spill or leak, contact the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) at 800-452-0311.
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest DEQ Regional Office. 

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Hazardous Waste
2. Aqueous Cleaning

Other Relevant Resources

1. OR Vehicle Dismantlers webpage

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