• Establish a program to recycle hangers, plastic garment bags, cardboard rolls, metal cans or drums, and many other wastes.
• Use solvent cleaning only when necessary. Many modern fabrics, including silks and wools can now be washed in water.
• Plan loads so that only full batches are handled.

Recently the EPA has issued new rules to assure dry cleaning emits less air pollution. Business size and the type of equipment used will determine which of these activities will be required, but the concepts can be beneficial to all.

• Collect and recycle spent solvent by redistilling it in a separate still. Capture and reclaim solvent vapors by using refrigerated condensers or a carbon filter in the vent. Filters can be recharged by steam cleaning; solvent can be redistilled from the steam.
• Replace old equipment with modern, more efficient dry-dry machinery in which clothes are put in dry and taken out dry. Significant evaporative losses are prevented because hot, wet solvent-laden clothes are not transferred between machines.
• Establish a regular inspection and maintenance program for seals, door gaskets, hoses and couplings, lint traps, baffles, and relief valves.
• Use appropriate solvent transfer equipment such as spigots, taps, funnels, and hoses. These devices can prevent unintentional spills and reduce losses from multiple handling and pouring of solvent.
• Keep records of your solvent use and waste generated on either a per-pound-of-clothes or per-batch basis. These data help you to realize the real benefits of pollution prevention.

T.I.P.S. = Techniques, Information, Processes, and Successes: how do to P2 in your profession or when working with particular processes.