EPA proposed to modify its hazardous waste management regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act for materials such as reusable shop towels, rags, disposable wipes and paper towels. Specifically, EPA proposed to:
- Conditionally exclude from the definition of hazardous waste disposable industrial wipes that are contaminated with hazardous solvents and are going to disposal and,
- Conditionally exclude from the definition of solid waste reusable industrial shop towels and rags that are contaminated with hazardous solvents and are sent for laundering or dry cleaning.
The proposed rule amendment would resolve, at the federal level, long-standing issues associated with the management of solvent-contaminated industrial wipes by:
- Facilitating pollution prevention and waste minimization opportunities, including the recycling of the spent solvents extracted from contaminated industrial wipes;
- Fostering improved solvents management by generators and handling facilities;
- Reducing compliance costs;
- Increasing consistency in the regulations governing solvent-contaminated industrial wipes across the United States;
- Clarifying existing federal rules; and
- Creating flexibility for generators to work with industrial laundries, as appropriate, to ensure compliance with local pretreatment standards established by Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs).
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