Dry Cleaners

Dry cleaning and garment care businesses can generate dangerous waste. Chemicals in these facilities can contaminate water and soil, and be hazardous to workers. We work with local businesses to ensure dangerous waste is handled safely and correctly.

What types of wastes are common at dry cleaners?

Most dry cleaning and garment care facilities have similar types of dangerous waste.

  • Aerosol cans
  • Absorbent materials contaminated with dangerous waste (often PERC)
  • Lint (often contaminated with PERC or other hazardous products that become waste)
  • Detergents and cleaners
  • Machinery (like machine filters) contaminated with PERC or other dangerous waste
  • Mercury light bulbs and lamps
  • Solvents:
    • Spotting agents
    • PERC
    • Trichloroethylene
    • Sludge or “bottoms” from solvent stills that recycle solvents
    • Toluene
    • MEK
    • Glycol ethers liquid silicone
    • Liquid CO2
    • Brominate solvents
    • Other solvents
  • Used shop towels
  • Water (wash water, separator water) and muck, contaminated with PERC

How should you dispose of separator water?

Always manage separator water as dangerous waste:

  • Collect it in a container (leave 4 inches between fill line and lid).
  • Label the container "toxic waste" and write the accumulation start date.
  • Store it inside using secondary containment.

Read the steps outlined on our Collect, Empty, and Dispose of Separator Water poster.

  • Do not dispose of it down a drain, toilet, or sink.
  • Do not evaporate or mist it.
  • Do not pour it on the ground.