DuPont Vertrel^® fluorocarbon cleaning agents are not regulated as hazardous materials by the U.S. Department of Transportation, unless the user has introduced a RCRA hazardous material during use. This means the solvent itself is nonregulated, nonhazasrdous. However, if you have added a bit of lead from a defluxing process or flammable oils from a degreasing process, then you have to dispose of the solvent according the hazards associated with the contamination.

During some recovery operations, especially with flammable soils or where the composition of the product in the liquid and vapor state may change (e.g., during distillation), it is possible for the mixture to exhibit either a flash point as a liquid or wider LEL/UEL in the vapor state. Users should test the spent product to ensure proper RCRA classification for waste disposal and should check local, state, and federal requirements in determining disposition of spent product. Most spent solvent is incinerated in cement kilns; typically that service costs $150 per drum.

Here's an important idea that might save you some money. There is a growing market for recycling and reclaiming Vertrel^® solvents. Check your local market or contact Micro Care to see if there is a recycling company in your area.

A few other points about disposal of Vertrel^®:

• Even though some Vertrel^® cleaning agents are mixtures that include flammable ingredients, as alcohol, none of the mixtures are classified as flammable, poisonous, or corrosive by the Department of Transportation.
  
  
• It is important to remember that all chemical compounds, including Vertrel^® fluorocarbons, must be handled in an environmentally responsible manner. Contact Micro Care or your local Vertrel^® sales representative for further information on this program.

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