Top Tips for Pollution Prevention for Dry Cleaning

Washington State Department of Ecology

Top Tips for Pollution Prevention for Dry Cleaning / Garment Care Shops

Converting to newer, more efficient equipment (e.g., closed loop dry-to-dry system) reduces solvent use and waste.
Replace an activated carbon adsorber perchloroethylene trap with a refrigerated condenser to reduce the generation of perc-contaminated separator water.
Make sure any additives you put in the solvent are completely dissolved before the solvent goes through the filter.
Keep the filter housing full of solvent when you are not using the equipment.
When you run the still, do not let solvent return temperature go above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Centigrade). This will minimize solvent loss through the storage tank vent.
Inspect equipment and piping regularly for leaks, worn parts, proper temperatures, solvent "mileage." Repair problems quickly.
Do not dispose of separator water down a drain. Ship it as a dangerous waste or carbon filter to below 0.7 p.p.m. perc before evaporating.
For a refrigerated condenser on the dryer vent: be sure the temperature in the outlet of condenser is not above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
For an activated carbon adsorber on the dryer vent: measure the perchloroethylene concentration in the outlet from the adsorber with a colorimetric detector tube or hand-held detector. It must be less than 100 parts per million. If it is higher, regenerate or replace the adsorber. The activated carbon is a dangerous waste when depleted.

Related information

Manage Waste for Dry Cleaners / Garment Care tells what a business needs to know to follow the rules for dangerous waste management.

Toxics Use Reduction Institute - Perchloroethylene comprehensive Massachusetts site discusses perc, including alternatives for dry cleaners.
Toxics Use Reduction Institute's Wet Cleaning Reports and Information provides results of research into wet cleaning alternatives.