Solvent Recycling

Solvents are substances that can dissolve solutes and form a solution. Examples of solvents include ethanol, acetone, and turpentine. They have many common applications in our daily domestic and working lives and are used in dry cleaning products, paint thinners, glue, detergents, and nail polish removers.

Many businesses use solvents and end up with such waste. Due to their liquid form and chemical makeup, they can be tricky to dispose of and can’t be thrown away with general waste. Arranging commercial chemical waste collection is a safe option to get rid of old solvents but they can be recycled.

Learn all about solvent recycling, recovery, and disposal below. Or get a free quote and any questions answered about solvent waste solutions from one of our experts – call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online today.

What is solvent waste?

Solvent waste covers any used or contaminated solvents that no longer work as intended. It can also apply to leftover solvents that are in good condition, such as half a bottle of detergent. Solvent waste is a type of hazardous waste and must be stored and disposed of safely in line with relevant regulations.

There are three main types of solvent waste:

Halogenated solvents – solvents containing halogen atoms like chlorine or fluorine (in solvents such as trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, and methylene chloride). They’re toxic and persistent in the environment.
Non-halogenated solvents – less toxic than halogenated solvents, such as acetone and ethanol, which makes them easier to recycle and dispose of properly.
Aqueous solutions – water-based solvents containing dissolved or suspended chemicals. Examples include detergents, alkaline cleaners, and acids. They’re generally less hazardous and may be treated and discharged to sewer systems (with proper permits and pre-treatment).

What is solvent recycling?

Solvent recycling is a process that involves recovering clean solvents for reuse. Waste solvents can be converted into a virgin-like solvent that’s then used to create new solutions. It reduces the materials, resources, and energy required to make new solvents from scratch, which has a more positive environmental impact.

Solvent waste recycling is used for many products, such as hand sanitisers. It reduces processing and disposal of hazardous waste and reduces the risk of any solvents ending up in landfill. Advancements in technology mean various facilities can recycle solvents through distillation processes.

Learn about aerosol recycling

How are solvents recycled?

These are the main steps for recycling solvents:

Storage – waste solvents must be stored in appropriate containers away from other chemicals.
Collection – licensed waste carriers remove the waste solvents and transport them to a recycling facility.
Distillation – the solvent waste is heated to separate the clean solvents and contaminants. Recovered solvents are separated for further processing.
Residue treatment – contaminants like oil, paint, and any solids are separated and treated based on the material, such as with chemicals or by incineration.
Testing – the purity and quality of recovered solvents are tested to ensure they meet the relevant specifications for future use.
Reuse – finally, the recycled solvents are sent for reuse in industrial processes, which replaces the need for new solvents.

Who needs solvent waste management services?

Many businesses across various industries in the UK use solvents of different types for all sorts of jobs. Once they’re used up or become contaminated they must be stored, removed, and disposed of responsibly and legally. Efficient solvent waste management ensures this is all done properly.

Some of the main businesses that require solvent waste management include:

Dry cleaners – Perchloroethylene (PCE) is the most common solvent used by dry cleaners.
Decorators – paint thinners and strippers that become contaminated with paint.
Laboratories – testing and production of various solvents and chemicals.
Schools – glue and other solvents are regularly used in schools.
Garages – thinners, paint strippers, brake wash blends, and other solvents are often used in garages.

How to dispose of
used solvents

To dispose of used solvents you must store them in appropriate containers separate from other waste types. Then licensed waste carriers should remove them from your premises and transport them to a recycling or disposal facility. Where they’re taken for disposal can depend on the type, volume, and condition of solvents.

If the waste solvents can’t be recycled then they should be disposed of by incineration or chemical treatment. With incineration, the solvents are burned at temperatures exceeding 1,200°C, which breaks down the chemical bonds and converts them into carbon dioxide and water.

Chemical treatment involves neutralising and stabilising the solvents via oxidation, reduction, or precipitation. You should receive a duty of care certificate that confirms the location and method of disposal for any used solvents removed from your business.

Learn about chemical waste disposal

Arrange solvent waste collection

Book collection of solvent waste from your business anywhere in the UK. At Business Waste we can provide free bins and containers to store any type and volume of solvents – including barrels and IBC containers. There are no rental or delivery fees, you only pay for collection.

Licensed waste carriers can collect your waste on a daily, weekly, or fortnightly basis to suit your needs. All solvent waste is kept away from landfill, it’s recycled where possible and disposed of responsibly. You receive a free duty of care certificate for added peace of mind that it’s managed safely and legally.

Get a free quote tailored to your specific requirements for solvent waste collection. Speak to one of our friendly experts and they can answer any of your questions and advise on the best solutions too. Call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online today.