How to Recycle Industrial Solvents & Degreasers
Used cleaning solvents including mineral spirits, acetone, toluene, MEK, and specialized degreasers from manufacturing operations. Contains valuable recoverable solvents worth $3-8 per gallon through distillation recycling. US industries generate 40+ million gallons annually, with professional recycling achieving 90%+ solvent recovery rates.
- 1Segregate solvents by type - never mix different solvent families
- 2Strain out solid debris using appropriate filter systems
- 3Test flashpoint and contamination levels before storage
- 4Store in DOT-approved containers with proper hazard labeling
- 5Maintain detailed inventory of solvent types and volumes
- 6Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent evaporation losses
- 7Store in approved flammable storage areas with proper ventilation
- 8Document contamination sources and levels for recycler evaluation
- 9Schedule pickup within 6 months to maintain solvent quality
- Hazardous waste recyclers (Safety-Kleen, Clean Harbors)
- Solvent distillation facilities
- Paint and coating manufacturers with take-back programs
- Industrial service companies (Veolia, Waste Management)
- On-site distillation unit providers
- Chemical recovery specialists
Classified as hazardous waste requiring EPA ID numbers and manifests. Extremely flammable - maintain 25+ feet from ignition sources. Never mix solvents as this creates explosive hazards and destroys recycling value. Vapor exposure causes serious health effects - use supplied-air respirators in confined spaces.
Improper disposal contaminates soil and groundwater with carcinogenic compounds persisting for decades. Recycling through distillation recovers 90%+ of solvents, preventing 36 million gallons annually from environmental release. Each gallon recycled eliminates 8.2 pounds of CO2 emissions and saves 60% energy vs. virgin solvent production.
Accepted
- Mineral spirits and petroleum solvents
- Acetone, MEK, and ketone solvents
- Toluene, xylene, and aromatic solvents
- Isopropyl alcohol and alcohol-based cleaners
- Paint thinners and coating solvents
- Parts washing solvents and degreasers
Not Accepted
- Solvents mixed with oils or cutting fluids
- Chlorinated solvents (TCE, PCE) - require specialized handling
- Water-contaminated solvents (>5% water content)
- Solvents with unknown compositions or additives
- Reactive or peroxide-forming solvents past expiration
Estimated value: $3-8 per gallon for recyclable solvents; disposal cost savings of $8-25 per gallon
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) causing respiratory damage
- Benzene and other carcinogenic aromatics
- Heavy metals from cleaning operations
- Chlorinated compounds in some formulations
- Peroxides in aged ether-based solvents
Which solvents have the highest recycling value?
Clean acetone, MEK, and toluene typically yield $5-8/gallon. Mineral spirits and paint thinners average $3-5/gallon. Value depends on contamination levels and local market demand for recovered solvents.
Can I mix similar solvents for recycling?
Only identical solvents from the same source. Mixing acetone with MEK, or different brands of mineral spirits destroys recycling value. Each solvent type requires separate distillation parameters.
How do I determine if solvents are too contaminated to recycle?
Test for water content (<5%), solid contamination levels, and identify contaminant types. Heavy oil contamination, water >5%, or unknown chemicals typically make solvents non-recyclable.
Are there alternatives to solvent recycling?
On-site distillation units for high-volume users, solvent substitution with less hazardous alternatives, closed-loop cleaning systems, and aqueous cleaning systems for many applications.
What safety precautions are essential for solvent handling?
Use explosion-proof equipment, maintain proper ventilation, ground all containers, use appropriate PPE including supplied-air respirators, and maintain emergency procedures for spills and exposures.
How does the recycling process work for solvents?
Distillation process heats contaminated solvent, vaporizes clean solvent which condenses back to pure liquid, leaving contaminants behind. Modern facilities achieve 90-95% recovery rates with computer-controlled systems.
Are there reporting requirements for solvent waste?
Yes. EPA requires annual toxic release inventory (TRI) reporting for facilities using >10,000 lbs of listed solvents. State regulations may have additional requirements for waste characterization and manifesting.
Can small businesses recycle solvents economically?
Yes, through cooperative programs and shared collection services. Minimum quantities typically 5-10 gallons. Small solvent distillation units available for rental or lease for regular users.