WASTE ORIGIN:Wet-to-Dry or Dry-to-Dry Cleaning Processes
WASTE TYPES: Perchlorethylene and other Petroleum-based Solvents

WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING METHODS:

• Some state and national government agencies may provide information on grant and loan programs to install and operate wet cleaning equipment.
• Wet cleaning eliminates harmful chemicals. Customer and worker health risks are eliminated, in addition to liability costs of environmental contamination.
• Contact wet cleaning demonstration programs for free information on financial and technical
• advantages of this safe cleaning alternative:
  • Center for Neighborhood Technology in Chicago promotes wet cleaning technology through its "Greener Cleaner" demonstration project. This includes:
    • Wet cleaning workshops, wet cleaning research newsletter;
    • Results from program tests on cleaning quality, fabric response, and computerized equipment;
    • Financial information on labor costs and cleaning pricing.
• Since wet cleaning is a new technology, testing is required to refine the technology and collect
• data on customer satisfaction surveys, evaluations of cleaning and finishing quality, and cost analysis:
  • Interested dry cleaners considering wet cleaning can use their skill and understanding of fabrics to volunteer with demonstration projects.
• Contact trade associations for training opportunities related to wet cleaning adaption to an existing dry cleaning operation (e.g. International Fabricare Institute, Neighborhood Cleaners Associations).
• Contact the U.S. EPA or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for information on health studies, regulations, and alternatives to the toxic and highly flammable petroleum- based solvents traditionally used in dry cleaning operations.

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