Companies that generate solvent waste understand that the most cost effective and environmentally acceptable method of managing spent solvent is by not generating it in the first place. Source reduction techniques or minimizing the generation of spent solvent at the source as well as pollution prevention (P2) where toxic solvents are replaced with new non toxic solvents recovery should be investigated before examining the feasibility of recycling the commonly used toxic Solvent Recovery System in many businesses today. This fact sheet will only address issues concerning  the commercial recycling of toxic solvents due to their potential threat to human health and the environment.

Companies must consider many issues before pursuing solvent recycling as a waste management option. While some companies have chosen to install in-house solvent distillation units to recycle their own spent solvent, others have enlisted the services of a commercial solvent recycling company.

In house solvent distillation units minimize transportation, disposal and potential liability costs associated with off-site disposal. Sometimes, however, in-house recycling is not cost effective or consistent with existing facilities and labor skills, or it fails to produce solvent that can be reused by the facility. In these instances, a commercial Waste Recovery System may be preferred