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Solvent waste recycling

Solvent Recycling

Used thinners, cleaning solvents, degreasers and contaminated process solvents can require specialist collection when they are no longer suitable for use. Business Waste arranges solvent recycling and waste solvent disposal for businesses across the UK.

Tell us which solvents you have, how much there is, and whether the material is mixed or contaminated. We can confirm the appropriate container and collection route, arrange removal through registered waste carriers and provide the relevant hazardous waste paperwork where required.

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Solvent waste assessed
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Nationwide UK coverage

What solvent waste can we collect?

Accepted solvent waste types can include:

Acetone
Ethanol and alcohol-based solvents
Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
Toluene
Xylene
White spirit
Paint thinners and strippers
Degreasing solvents
Cleaning solvents
Suitable laboratory solvents
Contaminated solvent mixtures
Solvent residues from manufacturing processes

Acceptance and treatment depend on the solvent, contamination, concentration and process that produced the waste. Unknown, leaking or mixed chemicals should be identified before collection.

Let us know your preferred collection schedule, and we’ll accommodate your business where possible. If you require a one-off or infrequent ad hoc collection, we can arrange this service.

How solvent waste disposal works

Identify the solvent

Tell us the chemical name, amount, and whether it is clean, contaminated or mixed. A product label or safety data sheet can help identify the hazards.
Confirm the container

We arrange a suitable drum, barrel, IBC or other container based on the solvent type and volume.
Store solvents separately where required

Keep the waste sealed, labelled and separate from incompatible chemicals. Do not mix different solvent or chemical streams unless this has been confirmed as suitable.
Arrange collection

A registered waste carrier removes the solvent and transfers it to an authorised recovery, treatment or disposal facility.
Complete the paperwork

Hazardous solvent waste requires appropriate consignment documentation when it is moved.

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.

Types of solvent waste

Solvent type matters because it can affect storage, recycling and disposal. Two common groups are halogenated solvents, which contain elements such as chlorine, and non-halogenated solvents, such as acetone, alcohols and some paint thinners.

Neither group should be assumed to be harmless. Individual solvents and mixtures have different health, fire and environmental hazards, so the waste should be identified before collection.

Water-based chemical solutions and cleaning liquids may follow a different chemical waste route rather than a dedicated solvent recycling service.

What is solvent recycling?

Solvent recycling recovers usable solvent from used or contaminated material so it can be used again. Suitable waste solvents can be processed through methods such as distillation, which separates recoverable solvent from contaminants.

Not every solvent can be recycled. The available route depends on its composition, contamination and the requirements of the receiving facility.

Learn about aerosol recycling

Containers for waste solvents

Waste solvents need containers that are compatible with the material being stored. Drums or barrels can suit smaller liquid volumes, while IBCs may be appropriate for larger compatible solvent streams. The correct container depends on the solvent, its hazardous properties and the collection route.

Keep containers sealed and clearly identified. Different or incompatible solvent wastes may need separate storage.

How should waste solvents be stored before collection?

Keep solvent waste in suitable, closed and clearly labelled containers. Store different solvent or chemical streams separately where mixing could create a reaction, affect recycling or change the waste classification.

Flammable solvent waste should also be kept away from ignition sources and stored in line with your workplace fire and chemical risk controls. Larger quantities may require additional containment measures.

Which businesses produce solvent waste?

Many businesses use solvents for all sorts of jobs. Once they’re used up or become contaminated, they must be stored, removed, and disposed of responsibly and legally.

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

Manufacturing: cleaning, degreasing, coatings and process solvents
Garages and bodyshops: thinners, degreasers and paint-related solvents
Decorators: paint thinners, strippers and cleaning solvents
Laboratories: spent and contaminated laboratory solvents
Dry cleaners: specialist cleaning solvents
Schools and universities: laboratory, art and workshop solvents

How should businesses dispose of waste solvents?

Businesses should keep waste solvents in suitable labelled containers and arrange collection through an authorised waste route. Do not pour unwanted solvent into drains or mix it with general waste or incompatible chemicals.

Where solvent recovery is suitable, the material can be sent for reclamation or recycling. Solvents that cannot be recovered may require another authorised treatment or disposal process based on their composition and hazardous properties.

Learn about chemical waste disposal

Arrange solvent waste collection

Arrange daily, weekly or fortnightly collections of commercial solvent waste. Tell us the solvent type, approximate volume, postcode and how it is currently stored, and we’ll confirm the appropriate container, collection route and paperwork.