Solvent-Contaminated Wipes Final Rule

Summary Chart

This chart summarizes the federal regulations in regards to managing solvent-contaminated wipes under 40 

CFR 261.4(a)(26), which conditionally excludes from the definition of solid waste solvent-contaminated wipes 

that are cleaned and reused (“reusable wipes”), and under 40 CFR 261.4(b)(18), which conditionally excludes 

from the definition of hazardous waste solvent-contaminated wipes that are disposed (“disposable wipes”).

This summary chart is a guidance document provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This 

is not a regulation and, therefore, does not add, eliminate, or change any existing regulatory requirements. 

The statements in this document are intended solely as guidance. Additionally, state regulations may be 

different from the federal program.

Solvent-Contaminated Reusable Wipes Solvent-Contaminated Disposable Wipes

Regulation 

Citation

40 CFR 261.4(a)(26)

(Solid Waste Exclusion)

40 CFR 261.4(b)(18)

(Hazardous Waste Exclusion)

Description

Solvent-contaminated wipes that are 

sent for cleaning and reuse are not solid 

wastes, provided the conditions of the 

exclusion are met.

Solvent-contaminated wipes that are sent for 

disposal are not hazardous wastes, provided 

the conditions of the exclusion are met.

Includes

 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

 Wipes that exhibit a hazardous characteristic resulting from a solvent listed in part 261.

 Wipes that exhibit only the hazardous characteristic of ignitability when containing one 

or more non-listed solvents.

Does not include

 Wipes that contain listed hazardous 

waste other than solvents. 

 Wipes that exhibit the characteristic 

of toxicity, corrosivity, or reactivity 

due to non-listed solvents or 

contaminants other than solvents.

 Wipes that contain listed hazardous waste

other than solvents. 

 Wipes that exhibit the characteristic of 

toxicity, corrosivity, or reactivity due to 

non-listed solvents or contaminants other 

than solvents.

 Wipes that are hazardous waste due to the 

presence of trichloroethylene.
Storage 

Requirements

Wipes must be accumulated, stored, and transported in non-leaking, closed containers 

that can contain free liquids, should they occur.

Labeling Containers must be labeled “Excluded Solvent-Contaminated Wipes.”

Accumulation 

Time Limits

Generators may accumulate wipes up to 180 days from the start date of accumulation 

prior to being sent for cleaning or disposal.

Recordkeeping 

Generators must maintain documentation that includes:

 name and address of the laundry, dry cleaner, landfill, or combustor

 documentation that the 180-day accumulation time limit is being met

 description of the process the generator is using to meet the “no free liquids”

condition.

Condition of 

Wipes Prior to 

Transport

Wipes must contain no free liquids prior to being sent for cleaning or disposal and there 

may not be free liquid in the container holding the wipes. 

“No free liquids” condition is defined in 40 CFR 260.10 and is based on the EPA Methods 

Test 9095B (Paint Filter Liquids Test) or other authorized state standard.

Management of 

Free Liquids

Free liquids removed from the wipes or from the wipes container must be managed 

according to applicable hazardous waste regulations in 40 CFR parts 260 through 273.

Eligible Handling 

Facilities

Must go to a laundry or dry cleaner

whose discharge, if any, is regulated 

under sections 301 and 402 or section 

307 of the Clean Water Act.

Must go to a combustor regulated under 

section 129 of the Clean Air Act or to a 

hazardous waste combustor, boiler, or 

industrial furnace regulated under 40 CFR 

parts 264, 265, or 266 subpart H.

Must go to a municipal solid waste landfill

regulated under 40 CFR part 258 (including §

258.40) or to a hazardous waste landfill

regulated under 40 CFR parts 264 or 265.

Storage at 

Handling 

Facilities

Must store wipes in non-leaking, closed containers that are labeled “Excluded SolventContaminated Wipes.” Containers must be able to contain free liquids should they occur.

Management of

Free Liquids by 

Handling 

Facilities

Free liquids removed from the wipes or from the container holding the wipes must be 

managed according to applicable hazardous waste regulations in 40 CFR parts 260 

through 273.