Solvent recycling can help you profit by reducing the costs associated with your solvent waste disposal. By reducing your solvent use, you also reduce the cost of purchasing virgin solvents in addition to reducing storage and management costs. You also help reduce hazardous waste pollution and water pollution.

Solvent recovery helps you control pollution by capturing and condensing volatile organic compound (VOC) solvent vapors through a condenser carbon or other absorbents. Using the condensation method, you recover the solvent from the condenser. Using the adsorption method, the vapors are absorbed. They are then desorbed by steam or other media, and finally you condense and recover them.

To find a solvent recovery process company suitable for you:

1. Determine your needs.

2. Discuss them with potential solvent disposal companies.

3. Ask for referrals.

4. Decide on a company that fits your company's budget and that is physically close enough to handle your solvent disposal or solvent recycling.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for solvent disposal

If you are only looking to dispose of your solvents, find a company suitable to helping you stay compliant with waste disposal regulations.

I recommend: Check out information on the NextGenEnviro cleaning system, or look into the Wastech Solvent Collection Systems.

Consider solvent recyclers

Take advantage of companies with distillation systems to help you not only comply with government regulations, but also to help you re-use your solvent.

I recommend: CycleSolv is an onsite recycling service who can have your solvent processed and the waste removed within 1 to 2 days. B/R Corporation tells us that solvent recycling will pay for itself over a reasonable period of time. Once it has, you can generate income with each batch processed. Check out a payback calculator on the Disti Kleen website. Process Register has a listing of recyclers that covers many states.

Think about a do it yourself solvent recovery process

Consider purchasing chemical solvent recovery or chemical solvent recycling equipment to do your own onsite chemical solvent processing.

I recommend: Look at the Benchtop Supreme Recycler paired with the Formula 83™ Clearing Solvent from CBG Biotech. Progressive Recovery, Inc. also offers you many options for your solvent recovery system. Look at the distillation system available through Finish Thompson Inc. They claim that their system will recycle almost any solvent for reuse. The Finish Thompson Distiller has a proven track record, and they state that they have thousands of happy customers who recycle millions of gallons of waste solvent at their own locations each year.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Although hazardous waste storage is regulated, solvent recycling does not require any special permits.
• •  Consider leasing do-it-yourself equipment before buying to ensure the solvent recycling system is going to work well for your company.