Solvent Waste Disposal & Collection Services
CSG provides a nationwide solvent waste disposal service for commercial and industrial organisations. From spent cleaning and degreasing solvents to thinners, gun wash, solvent-based coatings and mixed solvent waste, we manage the collection, classification and compliant routing of hazardous chemical waste.
Where the composition allows, we prioritise recovery. Suitable solvent waste can be used as an alternative fuel through authorised UK kiln routes or sent to an approved overseas recovery facility under regulated Transfrontier Shipment arrangements. If contamination prevents recovery, we identify an alternative compliant treatment or disposal route.
From spent solvents and thinners to solvent-based paints and coatings, we help businesses manage hazardous waste safely and compliantly.
Supported by one of the UK's largest specialist waste tanker fleets
How Does Our Solvent Waste Disposal Service Work?
Solvents can have different chemical, flammability and compatibility characteristics. Before arranging a collection, we assess what the waste contains, how it was produced and how it is currently stored. This allows us to confirm the appropriate packaging, transport and treatment route.
We support both routine collections and one-off clearances for industrial and commercial sites.
UK-Wide Collections
With ADR-qualified drivers where required for hazardous paint waste
Recovery Where Possible
Solvent-based waste may be directed to recovery processes
Waste Assessment and Classification
We review information such as the solvent type, Safety Data Sheet, source process, contamination, flashpoint and whether the material contains halogenated solvents.
Full Compliance Documentation
We provide the appropriate consignment and duty-of-care documentation, giving your organisation a clear audit trail
What You Can Expect From Our Solvent Waste Disposal Service
Our solvent disposal service combines specialist waste management support with nationwide collection and access to authorised treatment and recovery routes.
- Collection of packaged and bulk solvent waste
- Support with classification, segregation and suitable storage
- Handling by experienced hazardous-waste teams
- Recovery-first routing where technically appropriate
- Clear documentation and a traceable treatment outcome
- One-off clearances and scheduled collections available
OUR CREDENTIALS
Built On Recognised Standards
Quality, environmental, and safety credentials supporting our chemical waste services.
DNV-Certified
Quality, Environmental & Health and Safety
CIWM
Affiliated Member
Safe Contractor
SSIP Accredited
JOSCAR
Registered Supplier
RISQS
Responsible Sourcing
CHAS
Accredited
Who We Support
Our solvent waste collection service supports commercial and industrial organisations producing spent, contaminated or redundant solvents.
Manufacturing & Engineering
Collection of degreasing solvents, equipment-cleaning fluids, process solvents and contaminated solvent mixtures.
Chemical & Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Support for spent process solvents, off-specification materials and solvent-containing production residues.
Automotive & Transport
Collection of solvents arising from parts cleaning, refinishing, maintenance and operations.
Paint, Coatings & Finishing
Management of solvent-based paint, thinners, gun wash, coatings and cleaning residues from spray and finishing processes.
Not sure whether your waste can be recovered? Tell us what you have, how much there is and how it is stored. Our specialists will help identify the appropriate collection and treatment route. Speak with our team
From Waste Solvent to Recovered Energy
Collection is only the first stage of our service. We assess each solvent waste stream to determine whether its energy content can be recovered through an authorised facility.
Suitable solvents can be used as an alternative fuel in specialist kilns, replacing part of the conventional fuel that would otherwise be required. Other solvent wastes may be sent to an approved overseas recovery facility through a regulated Transfrontier Shipment route.
- Assessment based on composition, contamination and calorific value
- UK specialist kiln routes for suitable solvent waste
- Regulated overseas recovery routes where appropriate
- Alternative treatment or disposal when recovery is not possible
The final route depends on the characteristics of the waste and the acceptance criteria of the receiving facility. We will explain the proposed outcome so that you understand what happens after collection.
Solvent-Based and Hazardous Paint Waste
We also collect solvent-based paints, coatings, thinners, gun wash and related hazardous paint waste. Where paint is sufficiently fluid and meets the receiving facility’s acceptance criteria, it may follow the same specialist kiln energy-recovery route as other solvent waste.
Our Blackburn facility has specialist paint-tin popping equipment that can efficiently open and empty paint containers. This reduces the amount of manual processing required, helps separate residual paint from its packaging and can lower the associated processing cost.
We can also collect non-hazardous and water-based paint waste. These materials may require a different treatment or disposal route, which we will confirm following assessment.
Related Blogs & Guides
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Paint Disposal
What types of solvent waste can CSG collect?
We can assess a broad range of solvent waste, including spent cleaning and degreasing solvents, thinners, gun wash, solvent-based paints and coatings, alcohol-based solvents, mixed solvent waste and contaminated process solvents. Acceptance is subject to the composition, condition, packaging and proposed treatment route.
We can collect waste in a variety of formats, including laboratory smalls, packaged containers such as drums and IBCs, or bulk volumes.
Is solvent waste classed as hazardous waste?
Many waste solvents are classified as hazardous because of properties such as flammability, toxicity or environmental risk. Classification depends on the individual material and its contamination, so we may request a Safety Data Sheet, a sample or further information before confirming collection.
Can CSG collect halogenated solvents?
We can assess both halogenated and non-halogenated solvents. These materials may require different storage, collection and treatment arrangements and should not be mixed unless a specialist has confirmed that it is safe and appropriate. Mixing tends to lead to higher disposal costs.
How is solvent waste recovered?
Suitable solvent waste can be directed to an authorised specialist kiln, where it is used as an alternative fuel, or sent to an approved overseas Energy-from-Waste facility through a regulated Transfrontier Shipment route. The available option depends on the material’s composition, contamination and calorific value.
Is solvent recovery the same as recycling it into virgin solvent?
Not necessarily. CSG does not offer solvent distillation or the production of clean, reusable solvent from waste streams. Our recovery routes are focused on compliant disposal and energy recovery, where suitable solvent waste is used as an alternative fuel or directed to authorised energy-from-waste facilities. We will always confirm the actual treatment or disposal outcome for your specific waste stream before collection.
Can you collect solvent-based and non-hazardous paint?
Our main paint service focuses on solvent-based and hazardous paint waste, including sufficiently fluid paint that may be suitable for kiln recovery. We can also collect non-hazardous or water-based paint, although it may follow a different treatment or disposal route.
Can you take spray booth waste?
We can. This includes filters, overspray materials and contaminated consumables that are generated through the paint application process, too.
Can you provide containers and replace them after collection?
For an additional charge, we can supply and arrange replacement containers following collection – just let us know what you need when you’re requesting a quote.
Should we mix different solvents, paints or thinners together?
No materials should be mixed unless CSG has confirmed that they are compatible and that mixing will not create a safety risk or prevent the preferred recovery route. Keep different waste streams sealed, clearly labelled and segregated while awaiting assessment.
What information does CSG need to provide a quotation?
Where available, please provide:
- The solvent or product name
- Safety Data Sheets
- The process that produced the waste
- Details of known contamination
- Whether the solvent is halogenated
- The approximate quantity
- Container type and condition
- Site access and collection requirements
If some information is unavailable, CSG offers a free sampling service to confirm composition and suitability for treatment or recovery. This service is not available for unknown or unidentified materials; however, we can provide an unknown identification service to help determine the nature of the waste before collection
Get Started with a FREE Waste Management Audit
The easiest way to start improving your waste management is with a Free Waste Management Audit from CSG. Our team will assess your current waste streams, identify opportunities to reduce costs and make practical recommendations to improve how you manage your waste.
Safety Built Into Every Service
See how CSG protect people, sites and the environment
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Arrange Solvent Waste Disposal
Tell us what solvent waste you have, how much there is and how it is currently stored. Our specialists will assess your requirements and recommend an appropriate collection, recovery or disposal route.