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Solid and Hazardous Waste

Dry-Cleaning Industry

Defining Hazardous Waste

In 2005, 78,101 tons of hazardous waste was produced and handled in Utah. They can fall into either of two categories.

A listed waste is one that is specifically listed on the Utah Solid and Hazardous Waste Rules or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) lists.

Characteristic wastes are not listed but are also hazardous if they have any of these traits: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity. Generators are responsible for determining if their waste is hazardous. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) can help you to identify possible hazards.

Waste Generator types

Waste generators are categorized by how much hazardous waste they produce annually

Conditionally Exempt Small Quality Generators produce less than 100 kilograms or less than 1 kg of acutely hazardous waste in one month. They must identify all hazardous waste that they generate, not accumulate more than 1,000 kg at one time, and ensure that all waste is delivered to an authorized person or facility. If you fall into this category, you may be eligible for the Small Business Waste Disposal Assistance Program; you will pay the same reduced rate to dispose of your waste as Salt Lake County pays to destroy household hazardous waste.

Contact the Salt Lake Valley Health Department (SLVHD) for details.

Small Quality Generators produce more than 100 kg but less than 1,000 kg of hazardous waste each month.

Large Quantity Generators produce more than 1,000 kg of hazardous waste each month, or more than 1 kg of acutely hazardous waste per month. There is no limit on how much waste can be stored on site, but it may only accumulate for only ninety days. An emergency coordinator must always be available. These generators must have detailed, written contingency plans for any type of emergency

Hazardous Wastes Generated at Dry-Cleaning Facilities

Dry cleaning uses a liquid solvent (other than water) to dissolve grease and oils; this is followed by mechanical removal of dirt with a machine. The chemical typically used as a solvent is perchloroethylene (PCE). This compound is toxic to the liver, kidney, eyes, upper respiratory system, central nervous system, and blood. If exposed to heat, it can explode and/or form corrosive acid fumes. Dry cleaning facilities’ hazardous waste usually includes spent filter cartridges, lint, blow-down, filter muck, condensate, and sludge from distillation.

Obtaining an EPA Identification Number

To obtain an EPA ID number, call the Utah Division of Hazardous Waste or the regional office of the EPA to request a copy of EPA Form 8700-12. You will receive a booklet with a form that helps to identify hazardous wastes by their official code. Fill out one form for each site where hazardous waste will be handled or generated. The EPA Identification Number will be attached to the location, not the business itself

Good Housekeeping Practices

  • Good hazardous waste management can be considered “good housekeeping practices,” regular routines that ensure all chemicals are handled and disposed of safely. Some of these include:
  • Never mix hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
  • Do not mix different types of hazardous waste; this will make recycling more difficult and disposal more expensive.
  • Label each container with “HAZARDOUS WASTE” and the date the waste was generated.
  • Use containers that are compatible with your waste type.
  • Avoid spills and leaks. If a spill occurs, recover the solution by running absorbent media (like a sleeping bag) through the cleaning cycle.
  • Ensure that original containers of chemicals are completely empty before disposal.
  • Don’t use more cleaning fluid than you need.
  • Keep containers closed to avoid evaporation.
  • Ensure equipment is properly maintained and operated.
  • Weekly, inspect containers for leaks and deterioration.
  • Consider replacing split filters with spin disk filters. These can be cleaned, reducing the total amount of hazardous waste produced.
  • Install a system to eliminate liquid and vapor leaks.
  • Adjust condensing coil water flow so entry and exit temperatures are within 100° F of each other.
  • Consider replacing a wet-to-dry cleaning unit with a dry-to-dry unit that won’t lose solvent in the transfer process.
  • Reuse water that has been in contact with PCE whenever possible; do not put it into the sewer.
  • Distilling spent PCE, capturing PCE vapors, and using “sniffers” can reclaim PCE and save money.
  • Properly train all personnel— this is the most important step in pollution prevention and is critical to protect worker health and safety.

Contact Information

Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
(800) 458-0145
Email: deqinfo@utah.gov

 

Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste (DSHW)
PO Box 144880
288 N. 1460 W. (4th floor)
SLC, UT 84114-4880
(801) 538-6170

Division of Environmental Response and Remediation
(801) 536-4100
Emergency: (801) 536-4123

 

Used Oil/General Recycling/Pollution Prevention Questions
Cheryl Prawl, DSHW
(801) 538-6170
Email: cprawl@utah.gov

 

EPA Headquarters Emergency Management Staff
(800) 227-8917

 

EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Information
Steve Burkett, Director
(800) 227-8917 ext. 7081
Email: burkett.steve@epa.gov

 

Salt Lake Valley Health Department
Bureau of Water Quality and Hazardous Waste
(385) 468-3862