Dry Cleaning

Perchloroethylene (perc) is a commonly used solvent in the dry cleaning industry. It is released into the environment from clothes transfer, waste removal, and fugitive or uncontrolled emissions. Perc is suspected of causing cancer in humans.

Many dry cleaners have voluntarily reduced perc emissions, which eliminated the need for Minnesota to adopt more stringent emission limits.

Perc is regulated by local, state, or federal rules. It can be expensive to manage and dispose of properly. Preventing waste from your cleaning operation can add up to impressive savings for your bottom line and prevent significant amounts of pollution and waste. Using alternative technologies to reduce perc use and emissions also can attract the business of environmentally conscious consumers to your shop.

These web pages offer ideas and resources for preventing pollution. They also provide information on the environmental and safety rules in Minnesota for dry cleaning shops.

If you have environmental questions related to the dry cleaning industry, contact Cindy McComas at 612.624.4678 or e-mail Cindy. From greater Minnesota, call 800.247.0015 and ask for Cindy.