Excluded Solvent Contaminated Wipes Program: How to Stay Compliant

The EPA’s Solvent Contaminated Wipes Rule went into effect in 2014 and is commonly known as the “EPA Wipes Rule”. This rule allows for non-hazardous classification for rags or wipers used with common industrial solvents. The final rule summary provides the basics but Closed Loop Recycling can help guide you through this new regulation, allowing you to save time, money and loads of paperwork.

29 states have fully adopted the EPA’s ruling. Another 13 have provisional rulings to allow facilities to utilize the spirit of the new ruling. Only 8 states have neither adopted or authorized the ruling. This EPA map dives deeper into each state. 

Only rags and wipers are applicable for this rule, not other absorbent products like mats and pads. Closed Loop Recycling’s low lint wipers, shop towels and cotton t-rags can be used within the rule framework. Wipes containing one or more F001-F005 listed solvents listed in § 261.31 or the corresponding P- or U- listed solvents found in § 261.33, including:

• Acetone
• Isobutyl alcohol
• Benzene
• Methanol
• n-Butanol
• Methyl ethyl ketone
• Chlorobenzene
• Methyl isobutyl ketone
• Creosols
• Methylene chloride
• Cyclohexanone
• Tetrachloroethylene
• 1,2-Dichlorobenzene
• Toluene
• Ethyl acetate
• 1,1,2- Trichloroethane
• Ethyl benzene
• Trichloroethylene (*For reusable wipes only.)
• 2-Ethoxyethanol
• Xylenes