Printers use solvents and wipes to clean oil-based ink from equipment. Solvent cleaning typically generates hazardous waste solvents, and used cleanup wipes contaminated with ink and solvent residue. By minimizing and recycling hazardous solvent waste, printers can save money while protecting their workers and the environment. This fact sheet provides general guidance on reducing and managing solvent related wastes.Ope

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Why Reduce andRecycle Solvent Waste? Reduced compliancerequirements Reduced hazardouswaste managementand liability costs A safer workplace foremployees Cost savings whentotal volume ofsolvents used isreduced Improved corporateimage withcustomers andneighbors Reduced tax burdenfrom generator andland disposal fees  Reduced threat to theenvironmentPrinters’NationalEnvironmentalAssistanceCenterFact SheetPNEACwww.pneac.org1-888-US-PNEACManagement of Solvents and Wipes in the PrintingIndustryPrinters use solvents and wipes to clean oil-based ink from equipment.  Solventcleaning typically generates hazardous waste solvents, and used cleanup wipescontaminated with ink and solvent residue.  By minimizing and recycling hazardoussolvent waste, printers can save money while protecting their workers and theenvironment.  This fact sheet provides general guidance on reducing and managingsolvent related wastes.  For an official interpretation of regulatory requirements forspecific situations, contact the nearest district office of the Department of NaturalResources (DNR).  Why is Proper Management of Cleanup Wipes Important?Printers typically use either leased fabric towels or disposable wipes for cleaningpresses.  Either type of wipes can become an environmental hazard, and exposeprinters to expensive environmental  cleanup costs, if not managed properly.Leased TowelsLeased towels are typically sent to an industrial laundry for cleaning.  Ragscontaminated with solvent are not considered hazardous wastes under federal andstate regulations if they are not saturated (saturated rags can be rendered non-hazardous by wringing or centrifuging) and are laundered and reused. The effluentemitted from the spent towels at the laundry can become a concern to the localregulatory agency that oversees the sanitary system as the contaminants are washedout into the wastewater.  It is the presence of these inks and solvents that createproblems for the industrial laundry and the community sanitary sewer system thathandles the effluent from the laundry.  Printers can be part of the solution by reducingthe amount of solvents in rags sent to laundries.  Please see side bars on last page forvendors of launderable towels.PNEAC Fact Sheet: Management of Solvents and Wipes in the Printing Industry, p. 2 Methods forReducing SolventWastes Reduce the needfor cleaning Use alternativesolvents Reduce solvent usein cleanup Closely manage thedispensing andstorage ofsolvents andwipes Separate excesssolvent fromcleanup wipes Collect all solventwastes forrecycling Establishaccountability forsolvent use andwaste generation Educate customersDisposable WipesUsers of disposable wipes need to be very careful about how the used wipes aredisposed of they are to remain in compliance with regulatory requirements andminimize corporate environmental liabilities.  Used wipes may be subject tohazardous waste regulations if the wipes contain solvents or residues (e.g. heavymetals such as lead and chrome) that are classified as hazardous.  However, even ifthe wipes do not contain hazardous solvents or residues, it may not be in the bestinterest of the generating printer to dispose of their wipes with the rest of its trash.Contaminants that can leach out of the wipes at a landfill can expose the generator toexpensive remediation costs if the landfill that is used is determined to be causingground water contamination.  If disposable wipes are used, it is important that thegenerators have an accurate, comprehensive picture of all of the solvents and residualcontaminants that could remain on used wipes from the plant.How can the amount of solvent waste be reduced?Reduce the Need for CleaningImprove production methods by coordinating runs according to color, type orquantity, thereby reducing the number of cleanups.A. Use standard sequence on process colors to minimize color changes forpresses.B. Run similar jobs simultaneously to reduce cleanupC. Clean ink fountains only when changing color; use spray skin overnight.Use Alternative SolventsReview the types of inks used, and the solvents needed to clean presses after their use.Possible alternatives include:A. Choose a solvent that minimizes hazardous waste and air pollution.Carefully review the material safety data sheets (MSDS) when considering purchasinga cleaner.  Try to avoid cleaning solutions with solvents or chemicals that wouldcause used cleaners to be classified as hazardous because of toxicity or flammability(see DNR's "Very Small Generator Guide" for further information).  To reduce airpollution, try to use cleaners with a low (no more than 30%) VOC content, and a lowvapor pressure (less than 10 mm mercury).B.   Use water-based inks whenever possible in flexographic and gravureapplications.  These inks, are typically less toxic and have a much lower volatileorganic compound (VOC) content, and therefore will reduce disposal costs and airemissions. PNEAC Fact Sheet: Management of Solvents and Wipes in the Printing Industry, p. 3 Dispensing andStorage TipsCover solvents toreduceevaporationDispense solventsfrom a centralsourceTrack usage atindividual pressor operator level Do not allowpersonal suppliesof cleanupsolvents Limit the access todisposablewipes andnumber of wipesavailableMethods forRemoving Solventsfrom Wipes Use a hand-operated wringerSqueeze or wringout wipes by handInstall anexplosion-proofcentrifuge to spinwipes dry Some stateregulationsprohibit air dryingof wipescontaminated withsolvents thatclassify ashazardous wasteReduce Solvent Use in CleanupWhen solvents are essential to a cleanup, alternative cleaning methods can     reducethe amounts of solvents used and can result in cost savings.A. Avoid soaking cleanup wipes in solvent. Use pump or squeeze bottles todampen wipes.B. Use automatic blanket washes.C. Utilize parts washing equipment as an alternative to towels for cleaning thetrays that collect the solvents and inks below each press roller.   D. A parts washing unit with recirculating solvent can be used.  Trays can beremoved from the press and placed in the washer unit where solvent is usedin a closed washing system to remove the ink.Remove Excess Solvent from WipesExcess solvent can be removed from used wipes by hand wringing, mechanicalwringing, or spinning in  centrifuge.  Be sure that the recovered solvent is stored ina closed, clearly marked container.  When installing a centrifuge, be sure to checklocal fire codes that may affect ventilation and electrical requirements.Collect Solvent Waste for RecyclingUse efficient methods of collecting solvent waste while reducing the chance of spills.A. Provide clearly marked drums or containers to collect solvent waste.B. Modify drain trays as necessary to make it easy and neat to pour or drain     collected solvents into storage drums. C. Add receiving funnels with automatically closing covers to storage    containers to decrease spills and air pollution from evaporation.Increase Accountability for Solvent UsageUsing an inventory control program that tracks solvent use and waste generation,makes departments financially accountable for their waste streams.  Have one personresponsible for oversight of solvent storage and dispensing.  Provide regular feedbackto departments on waste minimization performance.Educate CustomersPrinters can help customers understand the processes and environmental impactsassociated with the use of various inks, papers, and coatings.  Show customers thattheir choices can reduce your need to use cleanup solvents and inks withenvironmentally problematic constituents.  Most customers want to do the right thing,when presented with affordable, environmentally-preferable choices.Who makes waste reduction a success?Employee cooperation and commitment is essential.  Encourage employeesto help identify waste reduction opportunities and understand the changes inprocedures and equipment required to achieve waste reduction goals.Management commitment to a workable solution shows employees that wastereduction is a priority.  Keep waste reduction programs visible and communicategoals and accomplishments regularly.PNEAC Fact Sheet: Management of Solvents and Wipes in the Printing Industry, p. 4 Vendors of Solvent Recovery EquipmentSHWEC, by providing these lists, does not endorse or certify companies.Hand-Operated WringersEnvironmental ManagementProducts, Inc.P.O. Box 1310Ballwin, MO 63022-1310(800) 779-2047(314) 256-0047Alden Industries2716 Royal St. Box 3027New Orleans, LA(504) 944-7681Local Sales Rep:Lab Safety SupplyP.O. Box 1368Janesville, WI 53547-1368(800) 356-0783Ostrin Laundry and MachineryCompany842 12th Ave. N.E.Minneapolis, MN 55413(612) 378-9631On-Site Solvent Extraction ServiceMcCarty Water and Waste6250 Highway 12WMaple Plain, MN 55359(612) 479-4343Explosion-Proof CentrifugesBock3600 Summit StreetToledo, OH 43611(419) 726-2645Printers Service/PriscoChicago, IL(800) 654-1357Suppliers of Launderable TowelIndustrial Towel and UniformLocal ITU Rep(414) 964-5050Spic and Span Industrial ServicesDivisionMilwaukee(414) 964-5050Ideal Uniform ServiceMilwaukee(414) 257-2262Madison(608) 251-5442Bay Towel-Linen & UniformRentalGreen Bay(800) 242-5606All Rental Garment Company,Inc.Madison(608) 256-5060Prepared by: Wayne Pferdehirt, Waste Reduction and Management Specialist, SHWEC.  Assisted by DanBoehm, Danelle Kratzer, Kristin Andersen and Robert Gifford.  SHWEC document  #425.WP.9808B.Last Updated: August, 1998Specific questions about technology, equipment, vendors can be posted on the PrinTech listserv. To subscribe,simply follow the instructions on the PNEAC web site at www.pneac.org. For more information or to contact someone from PNEAC please visit www.pneac.org and post your requestusing “Ask PNEAC”. Reasonable effort has been made to review and verify information in this document.  Neither PNEAC and itspartners, nor the technical reviewers and their agencies, assume responsibility for completeness and accuracyof the information, or its interpretation.  The reader is responsible for making the appropriate decisions withrespect to their  operation, specific materials employed, work practices, equipment and regulatory obligations. It is imperative to verify current applicable regulatory requirements with state and/or local regulatory agencies.