Chemical Solvents Disposal

A solvent is a substance that dissolves a solute (a chemically distinct liquid, solid or gas), resulting in a solution. A solvent is usually a liquid but can also be a solid, a gas, or a supercritical fluid.

Examples of solvents include:

• Methane
• Ethylene
• Carbon Dioxide
• Ethane
• Propylene
• Propane
• Ammonia
• Water

A spent solvent is a type of spent material, which is defined as "any material that has been used and as a result of contamination can no longer serve the purpose for which it was produced without processing." Spent solvent is considered solid waste and may be hazardous, depending on its content. Examples of spent solvents include mineral spirits, chlorinated solvent, paint-related waste, and alcohol that is no longer useful.

Regulated spent solvents may be recycled for reuse either at the generator facility or off site or disposed of off site at a permitted hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSD). Whether you are looking to dispose of or recycle solvent waste, it is important to work with a waste company that specifically lists solvents as a type of accepted waste.