Separator Water Separator Water Separator water is a waste stream that is produced by most dry cleaning machines. Perc is the solvent that is used in the cleaning process to break up dirt, stains, etc. Separator water typically contains around 150 ppm of perc. EPA hazardous waste code of D039 . The most common method and the method preferred by Ohio EPA is to dispose of it as a hazardous waste at a permitted treatment or disposal facility.
Many dry cleaners choose to evaporate separator water.
Until June 1996, Ohio EPA did not allow evaporation of separator water. This fact sheet will outline the conditions where Ohio EPA will allow a dry cleaner to evaporate its separator water. Ohio EPA will be pursuing a rule change to reinforce this change in position. With written permission from the local wastewater treatment facility, separator water can be poured down the sanitary sewer drain. If you are uncertain as to whether you are connected to a proper sewer line, please choose one of the other disposal methods.