When disposing of solvents used in cleanup, what must you do?

• A. Dispose per regulations
• B. Dump into curb
• C. Mix with water
• D. Store indefinitely

Answer: (C)

Disposal of solvents must follow regulations that govern hazardous waste. Solvents are typically flammable and toxic, so simply throwing them away or dumping them on the curb or into a drain risks harming people and the environment and is illegal in most places. Similarly, mixing solvents with water or other waste can create unsafe or incompatible mixtures and isn’t a legitimate disposal method. Storing solvent waste indefinitely isn’t a solution either; it creates ongoing safety hazards and can violate storage and accumulation rules.

Dispose per regulations means handling waste as hazardous material: use the correct, labeled, closed containers; keep wastes segregated and compatible; do not mix wastes unless specifically allowed; arrange disposal through a licensed hazardous waste transporter and an approved disposal facility; consult the Safety Data Sheet and follow local, state, and federal rules (in California, HWCL and related regulations apply). Keep proper records of what you generated, how it’s stored, and how and where it’s disposed. This approach protects workers, the public, and the environment and ensures compliance.