A final rule modifying EPA hazardous-waste management regulations for solvent-contaminated wipes has been published in the Federal Register. This is a measure the Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) has consistently advocated since it was first proposed in 2003.
The rule codifies TRSA’s best practices for soiled reusable textile handling, published 20 years ago, which eliminate free liquid from being transported with shop towels and other laundered products sent to textile services facilities for washing and reuse. The association views the measure’s implementation aligning with other EPA activities in recent years that recognize TRSA members’ commitment to environmental stewardship.
The final rule modifies the definition of solid waste in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to conditionally exclude solvent-contaminated wipes that are cleaned and reused. It also revises the definition of hazardous waste to exclude shop towels contaminated with solvents listed as hazardous wastes under RCRA, provided that the solvents are cleaned and disposed of properly.