Office of Waste Reduction Services
State of Michigan
Departments of Commerce and Natural Resources
May 1992
#9204
Companies that generate solvent waste understand that the most cost effective and environmentally acceptable method of managing spent solvent is by not generating it in the first place. Source reduction techniques--or minimizing the generation of spent solvent at the source--should be investigated before examining the feasibility of recycling spent solvents.
Companies must consider many issues before pursuing solvent recycling as a waste management option. While some companies have choosen to install in-house solvent distillation units to recycle their own spent solvent, others have enlisted the services of a commercial solvent recycling service.
In-house solvent distillation units minimize transportation, disposal and potential liability costs associated with off-site disposal. Sometimes, however, in-house recycling is not cost effective or consistent with existing facilities and labor skills, or it fails to produce solvent that can be reused by the facility. In these instances, a commercial solvent recycling service may be preferred.
Most commercial solvent recyclers accept and recycle spent solvent at a central location. However, a few companies operate mobile units and perform on-site solvent recycling. The mobile units can recycle the same types and quantities of solvents as centralized recyclers, but customers bear the responsibility for disposing of the residuals.
Generally, companies pursue one of three arrangements for recycling spent solvent off-site:
Toll recycling offers companies an opportunity to have their spent solvents recycled and then returned to them (see closed recycling loop represented in Figure 1). Toll recyclers typically recycle only large batches (2,000 to 5,000 gallons) solvent, as distillation or other recycling technologies are impractical for small quantities. However, some toll recyclers may accept small quantities (as little as five gallons), which can be combined with small quantities received by others until they have adequate quantities for batch recycling. Frequently, toll recyclers offer a solvent management package including: supplying and maintaining solvent wash equipment, pumping spent solvent form cleaning tanks, replenishing the tanks with fresh solvent, hauling both the spent and replacement solvents to and from the recycling site and recycling the waste solvent.
During the solvent recycling process, contaminants such as water, oil, dirt and paint residues--called still bottoms--are separated from the clean solvent. Because of their high BTU content, still bottoms are often processed into a fuel and burned for energy recovery in cement kilns.
Companies that wish to dispose of spent solvent without receiving recycled solvent in return may opt for speculative recycling. Speculative recyclers commingle similar solvents from many generators, recycle the spent solvents and sell the product in the market place as a recycled solvent. Fess charged for speculative recycling reflect the market value of the solvents to be recycled. In some cases where the solvent has high market value, such as chlorinated solvents, the reclaimer will pay the generator for it.
Waste Brokers
Commercial waste brokerage services match waste with potential users who can utilize the waste as a feedstock. Solvent recyclers represent one segment of spent solvent users.
Figure 1. [(See Document Source)]
Evaluation of recycling as a waste management option proceeds in stages. Initial evaluation tends to center on logistics and economic feasibility.
When determining whether to explore commercial solvent recycling, first identify solvent recyclers that service a geographic area. As a service to Michigan companies, the Office of Waste Reduction Services maintains a list of solvent recyclers, including mobile units. The National Association of Chemical Recyclers can also provide a listing of its members. Solvent recyclers frequently handle only certain types of solvents and usually stipulate minimum quantities accepted.
Prior to processing, solvent recyclers will test spent solvent to determine its composition. Most solvents used today are blends of different solvents of the same family. In addition to identifying solvent recyclers, determine the availability of registered haulers to transport the spent solvent. Many solvent recyclers offer transportation services to their customers. Alternatively, consider waste brokers or third-party transportation services. Mobile recycling services eliminate the need to transport solvent. However, the company generating the spent solvent will be responsible for the transportation and disposal of the still buttoms.
When evaluating the logistics off-site solvent recycling, analyze the economic feasibility of using each available commercial recycling service. When conducting an economic analysis, consider the following factors:
Solvent quality requirements greatly affect the cost of solvent recycling. It is wise to become familiar with solvent quality requirements.
Although all solvent that has been recycled bears the label "recycled solvent," the quality of recycled solvent may vary significantly. The solvent quality determination will depend on the type of solvent under consideration. For recycled non-chlorinated solvents, quality simply refers to solvent purity, i.e., the relative quantities of contaminants the solvent contains. To determine quality, examine the identities and amounts of constituents in the recycled solvent. For example, recycled acetone may actually contain 95% acetone, 3% water and 2% various other solvents. Some recyclers can adjust the quality of recycled solvents produced by removing specific contaminants in addition to suspended solids. Others only possess the ability to remove solids. When conducting research, pinpoint the recycler's ability to adjust solvent quality to meet your needs.
Determining quality for chlorinated solvents requires evaluating inhibitors and metal stabilizers. Acid inhibitors neutralize acids formed in the solvent, while metal stabilizers prevent the solvent from corroding the metal it comes in contact with. A recycled chlorinated solvent can be classified as either:
| Solvent Quality Characteristic | Problems Produced |
|---|---|
| Low acid inhibitor content | Increased susceptibility to acid condition |
| Low metal stabilizer content | Reduced corrosion protection, shortened solvent life |
| Excess metal stabilizer content | Increased flammability hazard |
| Improper ratio of stabilizers | Reduced effectiveness of metal stabilizers |
| Presence of incompatible solvents | Increased susceptibility to acid condition |
| Water contamination | Shortened solvent life. Corrosion on the work piece. |
Once a commercial recycler capable of providing the services needed at an acceptable price is identified, final consideration should focus on the recycler's ability to meet regulatory compliance, as well as its reputation.
The federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) and Michigan's Hazardous Waste Management Act (Act 64 of 1979) charges generators of hazardous wastes with "cradle to grave" responsibility for the hazardous waste they produce. Most spent solvents qualify as hazardous waste because they are flammable and/or toxic. Solvent waste generators must comply with federal and state regulations governing the management and shipment of spent solvent off-site recyclers. Solvent waste generators may also be liable for damages resulting from mishandling spent solvent. Therefore, learn whether the recyclers being considered are complying with RCRA and Act 64. Before selecting a recycler, conduct an inspection of the facility to ensure that compliance with regulations is being taken seriously. In particular, pay attention to the following:
Finally, evaluate the expertise and reputation of solvent recyclers being considered. Do they have their product analyzed? How well do they understand solvent purity requirements prescribed by products and processes?
Most reputable reclaimers can provide testimonials on the services received. Also, speak with other customers. Relying on reputable experts allows for reliable service and helps avoid potential liability problems. Consider similar evaluations of transporters as well.
For further information, contact:
Office of Waste Reduction Services
Departments of Commerce May 1992
#9204 Natural Resources
P.O. Box 30004
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 335-1178 or (800) 662-9278
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
| Marquette | (906) 228-6561 |
|---|---|
| Cadillac | (616) 775-9727 |
| Gaylord | (517) 732-3541 |
| Roscommon | (517) 275-5151 |
| Bay City | (517) 684-9141 |
| Grand Rapids | (616) 456-5071 |
| Lansing | (517) 322-1300 |
| Plainwell | (616) 685-9886 |
| Jackson | (517) 780-5000 |
| Livonia | (313) 953-0241 |
National Association of Chemical Recyclers
1875 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 1200
Washington, D.C. 20009-5728
(202) 986-8150
Pulley, Brenda. "Solvent Recycling Options." Industrial Safety & Hygiene News, March 1991.
Dow Chemical Company. Solvent Update - Disposal Options for Chlorinated Solvents. Vol. 2 Number 2, February 1988.
EPA/625/4-89/021, September 1989. Chapter 11: Commercial (Off-Site) Solvent Reclamation, by Brian R. Dawson.
For more information on the subject of waste reduction for businesses, contact the:
Office of Waste Reduction Services
Departments of Commerce and Natural Resources
P.O. Box 30004
Lansing, Michigan 48909
(517) 335-1178
Toll Free: 1-800-NO-2-WASTE
Reclaiming spent solvent wastes through redistillation represents one alternative in solvent waste management. However, companies wishing to pursue this waste management option may not know the names of companies that provide solvent reclamation services. As a service to Michigan businesses, the Office of Waste Reduction Services (OWRS) maintains the following list of companies that reclaim spent solvents.
This list is referenced in the OWRS fact sheet "Considerations in Selecting a Commercial (Off-Site) Solvent Recycling Service." Company listings are voluntary. The list is frequently updated and is by no means complete. The OWRS does not endorse specific companies and takes no position on their compliance with state and federal laws. Users of this list must ensure that companies they contract with for products or services comply with applicable laws. Generators should evaluate services and compliance status of any company selected for managing hazardous waste.
The format for the listing that follows includes company names/address/telephone number, type of solvent collected and minimum quantity/comments.
| Hydrite Chemical Company 1330 Lockport Rd. Terre Haute, IN 47802 (812) 232-5411 | Aliphatics, Aromatics, Ketones, Esters, Alcohols, Glycol Ethers, Chlorinated, Fluorinated | 1,100 Gallons Minimum IN Bulk Or Drum |
| Hydrite Chemical Company 114 N. Main St. Cottage Grove, WI 53527 (608) 257-1414 | Aliphatics, Aromatics, Ketones, Esters, Alcohols, Glycol Ethers, Chlorinated, Fluorinated | 1,100 Gallons Minimum In Bulk Or Drum |
| Baron Blakeslee Genesolve Division 2001 N. Janice Ave. Melrose Park, IL 60160 (708) 450-3900 | Chlorinated, Fluorinated | 1 Drum Minimum (Accepted On A Case-By-Case Basis Only) |
| Chemical Solvents 3751 Jennings Rd. Cleveland, OH 44109 (216) 741-9310 | Aliphatics, Aromatics, Ketones, Esters, Alcohols, Glycol Ethers, Chlorinated, Fluorinated | 1-2 Drums Minimum For Many Halogenated Solvents; 10 Drum Minimum For Most Others |
| Chemical Waste Management Resource Recovery, Inc. 4301 Infirmary Rd. West Carrolton, OH 45449 (513) 859-6101 | Aliphatics, Aromatics, Ketones, Esters, Alcohols, Chlorinated, Fluorinated | 3,000 Gallons Minimum For Toll Recycling; Accepts Small Quantities On Case-By-Case Basis |
| City Environmental, Inc. 29163 Calahan Roseville, MI 48066 (313) 778-1414 | Aliphatics, Aromatics, Ketones, Esters, Alcohols, Glycol Ethers, Chlorinated, Fluorinated | No Minimum |
| Detrex Corp. Gold Shield Solvents Div. 12886 Easton Detroit, MI 48227 (313) 491-4550 | Chlorinated, Fluorinated | 1 Drum Minimum |
| Detrex Corp. Gold Shielf Solvents Div. 312 Ellsworth Ave., S.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 454-9269 | Chlorinated, Fluorinated | 1 Drum Minimum |
| Ever-Clean 16084 Chandler East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 337-4881 | Petroleum Distillates | No Minimum |
| Gage Products Do. 625 Wanda Ferndale, MI 48220 (313) 541-3824 | Paint-Oriented, Non-Halogenated Solvents | 1,000 Gallons Minimum (Accepted On A Case-By-Case Basis Only) |
| Hukill Chemical Corp. 7013 Krick Rd. Bedford, OH 44109 (216) 232-9400 | Aliphatics, Aromatics, Ketones, Esters, Alcohols, Chlorinated, Fluorinated | 20 Drums Minimu |
| Interstate Chemical Co. 1897 Bet Dr. Walled Lake, MI 48390 (313) 669-4880 | Aliphatics, Aromatics, Ketones, Esters, Alcohols, Glycol Ethers, Chlorinated, Fluorinated | 1,000 Gallons Minimum; Mobile Distillation |
| Michigan Recovery Systems 36345 Van Born Rd. Romulus, MI 48174 (313) 326-3100 | Aliphatics, Aromatics, Ketones, Esters, Alcohols, Chlorinated, Fluorinated | 2,000 Gallons Minimum (Accepts Smaller Quantities On A Case-By-Case Basis) |
| Milwaukee Solvents 14765 W. Bobolink Ave. Menominee Falls, WI 53051 (414) 252-3550 | Aliphatics, Aromatics, Ketones, Esters, Alcohols, Glycol Ethers, Chlorinated, Fluorinated | 1 Drum Minimum |
| Nortru, Inc. Solvent Distillers Div. 515 Lycaste Detroit, MI 48214 (313) 824-5832 | Aliphatics, Aromatics, Ketones, Esters, Alcohols, Glycol Ethers, Chlorinated, Fluorinated | 3,000 Gallons Minimum |
| Reclaimed Energy Co., Inc. (W/Superior Solvents May 1992 #9204 Chemicals) 1500 Western Ave. Connersville, IN 47331 (317) 825-7101 | Aliphatics, Aromatics, Ketones, Esters, Alcohols, Glycol Ethers, Chlorinated, Fluorinated | 1 Drum Minimum |
| Safety-Kleen P.O. Box 1800 Elgin, IL 60121 (800) 669-5740 | Aliphatics, Aromatics, Ketones, Esters, Alcohols, Glycol Ethers, Chlorinated, Fluorinated | No Minimum; Seven Sales And Service Centers Located Throughout Michigan |
| Solvent Distillers, Inc. (See Nortru, Inc.) | ||
| Solvent Processors And Reclaimers Co. (Spar Co.) 3195 Profit Dr. Fairfield, OH 45014 (800) 624-2069 | Aliphatics, Aromatics, Ketones, Esters, Alcohols, Glycol Ethers, Chlorinated, Fluorinated | Minimum Varies With Solvent Type (E.G., 100 Gallons For Chlorinated; 1,500 Gallons For Aliphatics); Mobile Distillation |
| Superior Solvents May 1992 #9204 Chemicals (See Reclaimed Energy Co., Inc.) | ||
| U.S. Chemical (See City Environmental, Inc.) | ||
| Waste Research May 1992 #9204 Reclamation Co, Inc. Route 7 Highway 93 South Eau Claire, WI (517) 834-9624 | Aliphatics, Aromatics, Ketones, Esters, Alcohols, Glycol Ethers, Chlorinated, Terpenes | 1 Drum Minimum; 2,000 Gallon Minimum For Toll Recycling |
| Mobile Solvent Reclamation Services Environmental Technology Group 2736 Product Drive Rochester Hills, MI 48309 (313) 853-0480 | Aliphatic, Aromatic, Ketones, Alcohols, Paint Related | 1,000 Gallons |
For more information contact:
Office of Waste Reduction Services
Environmental Services Division
Michigan Departments of Commerce and Natural Resources
P.O. Box 30004
Lansing, Michigan 48909
(517) 335-1178
Last Updated: November 10, 1995