Wiping Materials

Industry uses a variety of wiping materials that are both disposal and reusable. Disposal includes paper, some non-woven and some woven textile products. Regardless of the type being disposed of, they all represent a solid waste, and in many cases a long term liability under Superfund (CERCLA).

Conversely, the reuse of woven and non-woven textiles, either through the purchase and reconditioning, or rental, represents a reduced long term liability, and in many cases, a substantial cost reduction over purchase and disposal, as long as the transportation and cleaning / reconditioning of the soiled textiles are properly managed. If the soiled materials are not transported in compliance with D.O.T. regulations, and if the cleaning is done in an on-site laundry or through a traditional rental service, the generator or originator of the soiled textile has an immediate and long term liability. This is particularly true in the processing if the laundry is not discharging the wastewater in compliance with their wastewater discharge permit (where required) or is discharging contaminated wastewater, which then represents a media transfer, not a prescribed and acceptable form of reconditioning / cleaning.

With our unique cleaning capabilities, we are able to clean non-woven textiles, non-descript rags, and industrial grade wipers containing almost any type of soluble contaminants without the liability of the traditional laundry. The reason is that we dry clean with mineral spirits and recover the contaminants and the solvents. Since we do not treat these items in a water washing environment when they are soiled, we do not have a wastewater problem.

The EPA has long held the position that reusable textiles (such as garments, wipers, rags, mops, gloves, and sorbent products), even when contaminated with identified or characteristical waste like hazardous substances, are not hazardous waste, if they are destined for cleaning and reuse, Brent Industries cannot accept these textiles if they contain free flowing liquids and fail the paint filter test.

Interestingly, there are no known EPA licensed laundries or dry cleaners in the United States that can handle hazardous waste. However, the State of Alabama has given Brent Industries written authorization to accept properly documented and transported towels designed as hazardous waste, process them, and return the clean towels back to the originator for reuse. As far as we know, we are the only non-licensed facility in the country with this authorization; a credit to Brent's excellent capabilities and long-term compliance records.

Brent Industries is not in the uniform rental business. Our goal is to properly handle and recondition rental wipers as well as wipers owned by companies not using a rental service.

Brent Industries, Inc., 10501 Highway 5, Brent, AL 35034. Tel: 205-755-6299; Fax: 205-755-4854.