Guide to Managing Shop Rags
This resource has been developed by Pinellas County Solid Waste to provide businesses with guidance on how to properly manage wastes in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
Hazardous or Non-Hazardous Waste?
You must determine if reusable or disposable shop rags are hazardous waste before disposal. Rags that contain listed hazardous wastes (other than solvents) or have the characteristic of corrosivity, reactivity or toxicity due to contaminants other than solvents are considered a hazardous waste.
Rags that are contaminated with ONLY solvents are no longer a hazardous waste – provided the conditions of the exclusion are met. These are called Solvent Contaminated Wipes.
How to Meet Exclusion Conditions for Solvent-Contaminated Wipes
Wipes must be:
- Contained in non-leaking, closed containers.
- Have no free liquids.
- Labeled “Excluded Solvent Contaminated Wipes.”
- Accumulated for less than 180 days onsite.
The generator is required to have the following documentation:
- Name and address of laundry, dry cleaner, landfill or incinerator.
- Proof of the 180-day accumulation time limit.
- Description of the process used to meet the “no free liquids” condition.
No Free Liquids Condition:
Facilities may use mechanical wringers, solvent extraction technologies or process knowledge to meet the standard to ensure that if the Paint Filter Liquids Test (EPA Methods Test 9095B) was performed, the wipes would pass.
Disposal Options for Shop Rags
Non-Hazardous Rags
Dispose in the trash or launder at a commercial laundry facility or dry cleaner.
Hazardous Rags
Dispose through a licensed hazardous waste transporter.
Solvent-Contaminated Reusable Wipes
Launder at a commercial laundry facility or dry cleaner.
Solvent-Contaminated Disposable Wipes
Dispose at Pinellas County Solid Waste by calling (727) 464-7500 for an appointment. To dispose of solvent-contaminated wipes at Pinellas County Solid Waste, they must:
- Be in a clear, 6-Mil or thicker sealed plastic bag.
- Be labeled with the words “Excluded Solvent Contaminated Wipes.”
- Not contain any free liquids.
What are Solvent-Contaminated Wipes?
- Wipes containing one or more F001-F005 listed solvent or the corresponding P- or U-listed solvents.
- Wipes that have a hazardous characteristic from a listed solvent.
- Wipes that exhibit only the hazardous characteristic of ignitibility when containing one or more non-listed solvents.
Some examples of solvent-contaminated wipes include:
- Acetone.
- Ethyl Benzene.
- Isobutyl Alcohol.
- Methanol.
- Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK).
- Methylene Chloride.
- Tetrachloroethylene.
- Toluene.
- Trichloroethylene (for reusable wipes only).
- Xylenes.
Additional Resources
- Where Does It Go? Search Tool
- Recycle Guide & Downloadable Signage
- Household Chemical Collection
- Collection: Garbage & Recycling
- Hours: Solid Waste Disposal Complex
- Disposal Fee Information
- Educational Resources: Garbage and Recycling
- Recycling FAQ
- Map of Recycling Drop-Off Centers
- Artificial Reef Program
- Mulch Pickup Program
- For Businesses: Garbage & Recycling Resources
- How Mixed Recycling Works In Pinellas County
- Video Library: Garbage and Recycling
- Holiday and Gift-Giving Guide
- Pinellas Partners in Recycling
- Waste-to-Energy Facility
- Bridgeway Acres Landfill
- Solid Waste Master Plan
- Solid Waste Disposal Accounts
- Lealman Garbage and Recycling Collection
- Tampa Bay Recycles
- Why Recycling Is Important
- Discover Careers with Pinellas County Solid Waste
Contact Us
For more information or to request a printed copy of this guide, contact the Pinellas County Small Quantity Generator Program at (727) 464-7500 or at bwa@pinellas.gov.