Dry Cleaner Resources and Best Practices

• Use newer, more efficient equipment (like a closed loop dry-to-dry system) to reduce solvent use and waste.
• Replace activated carbon adsorber PERC traps with a refrigerated condenser to reduce PERC-contaminated separator water.
• Dissolve any additive completely before the solvent goes through the filter.
• Fill the filter housing completely with solvent when you are not using the equipment.
• Keep solvent return temperatures at or below 90 degrees F or 32 degrees Centigrade (C) when you run the still. This decreases solvent loss through the storage tank vent.
• Inspect equipment and piping regularly for leaks, worn parts, proper temperatures, and solvent "mileage." Repair problems quickly.

• Switch to Eco-Friendly Solvents:  Use safer, non-toxic cleaning solvents instead of traditional PERC.
• Reduce Chemical Use:  Implement more efficient cleaning processes to minimize the amount of chemicals used.
• Adopt Wet Cleaning Techniques:  Utilize wet cleaning methods that use water and biodegradable detergents as an alternative to chemical solvents.
  
• Train staff on proper handling and disposal of chemicals to avoid spills and leaks.
• Ensure proper disposal of hazardous waste in accordance with local regulations.
• Improve Ventilation Systems: Upgrade ventilation systems to reduce emissions of harmful vapors and improve indoor air quality.

• Establish a take-back program for dry-cleaning bags and hangers.
  • All About Plastic Recycling | NexTrex    
• Recycle carboard, paper, aluminum, and plastic.
• Get involved with the Green Business Benchmark and America's Best Cleaners to network, share ideas, and continue to educate your business and customers.
• Replace plastic garment bags with biodegradable or reusable packaging options.
• Install rooftop solar panels.
• Install a heat recovery system to convert heat into energy.
• Replace lighting with LED lightbulbs.
• Install water bottle filling stations.
• Consider upgrading to electric fleet vehicles.
• Explore grants and incentives to adopt greener technologies.
• Install systems to treat and reuse wastewater to reduce water consumption and contamination.
• Inform customers about the benefits of environmentally friendly dry cleaning practices and encourage and incentivize them to participate in these efforts.

• Fox Cleaners, Tulsa P2 Case Study 

• A feasibility and cost comparison of perchloroethylene dry cleaning to professional wet cleaning: case study of Silver Hanger Cleaners, Bellingham, Massachusetts 

• Case Studies for toxics use reduction for dry cleaners, auto shops 

• Nature's Best Cleaners | WSPPN

The EPA's Dry Cleaning Compliance Guide helps businesses navigagte new rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) phasing out Perchloroethylene (PCE) solvent by 2035, requiring new machines to ban PCE use by mid-2025, and setting deadlines for existing machines based on type (e.g., third-gen machines by 2028).  The guide details PCE phase-out timelines, recordkeeping, and machine identification, providing essential info for adapting to strict workplace controls and eventual phase-out, with availability in multiple languages to aid compliance.  

• Fact Sheet 2024 Final Risk Management Rule for Perchloroethylene under TSCA

• A Guide to Complying with the 2024 Perchloroethylene (PCE) Dry Cleaning Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (RIN 2070-AK84)

• Risk Management for Perchloroethylene (PCE) | US EPA

• Risk Management for Trichloroethylene (TCE) US EPA