Contact us to discuss your specific solvent waste management needs
Finding the right treatment route for waste solvents
Waste solvents differ considerably in their composition, contamination and potential for further use. The first step is therefore to assess the individual waste stream and determine which treatment route is technically suitable. Where the required quality criteria are met, solvents can be processed for reuse or further recovery. Other solvent-containing waste may be suitable for use as a substitute fuel or require thermal treatment.
REMONDIS Industrie Service supports customers from the initial assessment and sampling through to the selection of a suitable facility. This allows industrial companies and waste management providers to find an appropriate route for individual solvent streams as well as recurring quantities.
Recycling solvents and other chemical waste
Where technically suitable, waste solvents can be recycled and returned to the production cycle. Separated waste is first analysed to determine whether it can be distilled and processed into products such as cold cleaners, turpentine substitutes or other solvents for further use.
Within the REMONDIS Group, specialised facilities process waste solvents by distillation. This allows suitable solvent fractions to be recovered and reintroduced into the production cycle as regenerated materials, where they may replace primary raw materials depending on the required specifications. Distillation residues that cannot be recovered are directed to an appropriate treatment or disposal route in accordance with the applicable legal and facility requirements.
Recycling solvents as liquid RDF
Transforming solvent waste into liquid RDF: A energy solution at REMONDIS Industrie Service tank storage
Like waste oil, solvent waste can be recycled to saleable grade solvent and used as an alternative fuel – for instance for powering kilns in concrete factories. In response to demand from its customers, REMONDIS developed a new line of business that aims to maximise the energy potential of solvent waste. At its Oberhausen, Herne and Ibbenbüren sites, REMONDIS uses specialist tank storage technology to create high-quality substitutes for coal, oil and gas. Using a heat distillation process that breaks solvent waste down into its component parts, we allow it to be reintroduced into the production cycle while offering industry a cheaper alternative to fossil fuels.
Disposal of solvents and other chemicals
If solvents cannot be recycled or converted into liquid RDF, they are disposed of thermally. The most common type of thermal treatment is high-temperature incineration. The REMONDIS Group has a network of incineration plants throughout Europe. These operate a variety of furnace systems including fluidised bed combustion (FBC, static furnaces and rotary kilns.)
For more information about our services in the disposal of solvents and other chemicals, please visit our high-temperature incineration
Safely disposing of solvents and chemicals by REMONDIS SAVA‘s high-temperature incineration
Which solvents can be reused?
If solvent waste complies with specific limit values and has a sufficiently high calorific value, it can be recycled into a liquid fuel that can be used in manufacturing industry. This cost-effective approach to solvent recycling and fuel disposal is suitable for the following types of waste:
Solvents (or waste containing solvents)
Distillation residue
Liquid waste paint and varnish/paint sludge
Waste oils (including slops that cannot be recycled)
Other liquid waste with a sufficiently high calorific value (e. g. petrol, propellant and other fuels)
To find out what we can do for you, please e-mail us
Solvent recycling at REMONDIS Industrie Service
When industrial companies or regional waste management providers contact us about recycling their solvent waste, we first collect a sample for analysis. Once we have determined that the solvents are suitable for recycling, they are processed using heat distillation to separate them into individual fractions. Any residues that cannot be recovered are directed to an appropriate treatment or disposal route in accordance with the applicable legal and facility requirements. Through our solvent recycling process, we aim to recover suitable materials and return them to further use wherever technically feasible.
We support you in the following aspects:
Analyse usability
After receipt the waste solvents, we take a sample for analysis. Our experts perform thorough testing and analysis to determine the usability and recyclability of the solvents.
Processing
Through a heat distillation process, we prepare the solvent for reuse in industrial processes or other applications.
Disposal of residue
At REMONDIS Industrie Service, residues from our treatment processes are directed to suitable disposal routes. We ensure that they are handled in accordance with the applicable legal, technical and facility-specific requirements.