During the dry-cleaning process many operators of a dry-cleaning business decide to use PERC as their solvent. PERC or Tetrachloroethylene is considered as a regulated waste under the Government of Canada (SOR/2003-79). As a result, there are many regulations to be met to properly use PERC in one’s business. Select the next few tabs to learn more information on how to handle PERC.

You must store all PERC, residue and waste water containing PERC in closed containers. Any container holding PERC, waste water and/or residue, including stills as well as button and lint traps, must be kept closed except when you need to access them. In addition to storage, as an owner and/or operator of a dry cleaning facility, you have the obligation to prevent PERC spills. In the event of a spill, you must contain the spill and prevent PERC from getting into the environment by using a second containment system. This means placing the container or machine containing PERC inside another container that will contain any spills. 

If you own or operate a dry cleaning facility that uses PERC, you have to keep records concerning the purchase and disposal of PERC-containing waste, including receipts and accounting books. Other records may include journals, logs, letters, emails and other supporting documentation. Receipts and accounting book entries must be kept of every purchase of PERC, the shipping of waste water and residue to a waste management facility, and the on-site treatment of waste water. You need to keep these records for five years after the end of the year in which an annual report was filed. 

How to File Annual Reports:

Environment Canada provides a Mandatory Reporting Form for owners and operators of dry cleaning machines using PERC. More information regarding annual reports can found at 

Containers, tanks or dry-cleaning machines containing PERC, waste water or residue are stored within a secondary containment system that:

• is impermeable to PERC
• holds a volume equal to 110% of the largest tank or storage container
• covers at least the entire surface under each dry-cleaning machine, tank or other container
• PERC, waste water and residue are stored in closed containers (containers must have lids on them)

1. PERC-resistant drain plugs are readily available to seal all floor drains in case of a spill
2. Waste water (if not treated on site) and residue is transported at least once every 12 months to a waste management facility.
4. All the waste water and residue that are within the dry-cleaning facility need to be transported.
5. If waste water is treated on site, the waste water treatment system should have the required equipment.
6. Dry-cleaning machines use the same drum for the washing, extraction, drying and aeration cycles
7. Dry-cleaning machines are equipped with an integral refrigerated condenser .
8. Dry-cleaning machines do not vent to the atmosphere during the washing, extraction, drying and aeration cycles
9. Dry-cleaning machines have an integral PERC-water separator
10. Dry-cleaning machines use a closed direct-coupled delivery system for PERC delivery 
11. Spotting agents that contain PERC are not used
12. Submit Annual Report for Dry Cleaners by April 30th each year
13. Maintain books, records and copies of reports submitted for at least five years 

If you have more inquires about the process of regulated waste, particularly PERC, one can view additional information on the Government of Canada’s website.

Compliance information for dry cleaning owners and operators: PERC regulations

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-pollution/sources-industry/tetrachloroethylene-regulations-dry-cleaning/compliance-information-owners-operators.html

Fact Sheet on Secondary Containment

https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/migration/main/regs-tetra/58958b3d-498f-44f9-a3cb-ebe0949d9527/1464_perc_4_pointers_for_secondary_containment_eng_03.pdf

Fact Sheet on PERC-Resistant Drain Plugs

https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/migration/main/regs-tetra/58958b3d-498f-44f9-a3cb-ebe0949d9527/1464_perc_3_pointers_for_drainplugs_eng_03.pdf

Fact Sheet on Calculating 110% Capacity

https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/migration/main/regs-tetra/58958b3d-498f-44f9-a3cb-ebe0949d9527/1464_perc_5_pointers_2ndcontainment110_eng_03.pdf

Compliance Guide

http://ec.gc.ca/regs-tetra/07381402-C24F-4223-B984-CD35C9FF5A54/100729%20Compliance%20Guide%20for%20PERC%20Dry%20Cleaners%20V1%201_E_120411%20generic%20contact%20page%20updated.pdf

For additional information please contact 

Extox Industries Inc.