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Disposal Information
Sorbents cannot be placed in the trash without evaluation for hazardous waste characteristics.
Companies can reduce sorbent use and lower waste costs by applying
cleanup methods that capture liquid oil for recycling. Use equipment
such as drip pans, squeegees and liquid vacuums to capture visible oil
before using sorbents. Companies can also minimize sorbent waste by
fully using sorbent materials until they are no longer effective before
sending them off-site for management. Wringing and mechanical
extraction can help extend the life of sorbent materials.
Three common methods used to manage used sorbents are high-pressure
solvent extraction, permitted laundering and off-site burning for
energy recovery. Both solvent extraction and laundering allow absorbent
materials to be put back in use many times, conserving resources.
Before sending your sorbents to be laundered, the free oil should be
removed by wringing using a mechanical wringer or extractor. The
recovered oil can be reused or managed as used oil.
See the table
below for sorbent management options.
If you have further questions about automotive fluids, filters, sorbent
management, or transporters, contact your county hazardous waste office or the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency at (651) 296-6300.
