Waste produced from the dry cleaning process is considered toxic or hazardous waste. It must be handled, stored and disposed of in accordance with federal guidelines. There are specific guidelines for hazardous waste storage at facilities while waiting for proper disposal pick up. Waste must be kept in air tight containers ranging from 15-20-55 gallon capacities marked with the proper labeling. These containers are to remain closed unless waste is being added. Proper labeling requires the date of when waste was first placed in the container, as well as a label clearly visible reading “Hazardous Waste”. A licensed hazardous waste transportation and disposal company must pick up the waste from the facility. The EPA requires dry cleaners to obtain an identification number to track the amount of waste removed and produced by the facility. Hazardous waste is not only waste water contaminated with solvent. Other items include filters, sludge, lint, aerosol cans, and spill clean-up debris. All of these items must be disposed of in hazardous waste containers as well. Dry cleaners must also determine whether they are a Regulated Generator or Small Quantity Generator. There are different legal requirements depending on which classification the facility falls under. In general Small Quantity Generators produce less than 220lbs of hazardous waste per month, and waste is disposed of before 2,200lbs of accumulation occurs.
