No, if you have paper towels or rags that are soaked in mineral spirits, you can't throw them out like you normally would with household trash. When contaminated in this way, such objects are deemed hazardous waste and can only legally be disposed of with a hazardous waste collection program.
Since mineral spirits are highly flammable, be sure to put all of your dirty paper towels in a fire safe can and dispose of them properly.
Things You Should Know
Take full or partial containers of mineral spirits to a hazardous waste disposal facility or safe waste disposal event in your city. Pour small amounts of mineral spirits into kitty litter and toss it in your regular trash once it solidifies. Put dry empty containers in your recycling bin.
For cleaning up smaller quantities on equipment and such, dab a paper towel in lacquer thinner and wipe away. This typically picks up all the paint! Throw away the dirty towels in a garbage bin; the solvent evaporates away so there's no risk your garbage will explode.
Do not crumple rags or dispose into any container until rags have been laid out flat allowing the solvent to freely evaporate from the rag. If time does not allow for proper drying, rags should be placed in a pail of water until they can be properly disposed.
Rags that have mineral spirits on them are also considered hazardous waste. Just like mineral spirits, contaminated rags also pose a risk to the environment and can easily combust. For these reasons, you should dispose of the rags along with the mineral spirits.
Rags, towels and absorbents that are contaminated with used oil or were used to clean up a spill of used oil, must be collected and disposed of as used oil debris. The container must be properly labeled as “Used Oil” (See Fig. 4) while in storage and the contents disposed of by REHS.
The same goes for solvent disposal – no tipping down the sink. Anything that has touched solvent and is disposable, including solvent in oil paint, should be stored in an airtight metal container before disposal. This includes oily rags and paper towels.
Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Store in a cool, dry place. Dispose of empty container and leftover product at your local household hazardous waste collection facility.
Although paper towels are made of paper that will eventually dissolve in water, this paper is made of higher quality wood pulp, which allows for durability. Paper towels are designed to be absorbent and strong, and don't dissolve quickly - which will result clogging of pipes.
Clean Wood Surfaces
The solvent efficiently removes dust, dirt, grease, paint, and scuff marks while adding luster to the surface. It proves particularly beneficial for restoring furniture and well-used wooden items. Always ensure to remove solvent residue after cleaning by wiping the surface with a clean cloth.
The best method for disposal of used paint thinner is to bring it to a household hazardous waste center (HHW) facility in your community. The solvent must be in an airtight class or metal container to be accepted by the hazardous waste facility.
Paper towels that are used with chemical cleaners or used to clean up lots of oil or grease are considered contaminated and cannot be thrown into your compost bucket.
“Paint Thinner” is mineral spirits, but in a less refined form. It contains other types of solvents, which makes it a lot smellier and more volatile. Mineral spirits are not as stinky.
As a nonpolar solvent, mineral spirits is insoluble in water. With a lower vapor pressure than acetone, mineral spirits is less of a fire hazard. It will, however, slowly evaporate.
No, if you have paper towels or rags that are soaked in mineral spirits, you can't throw them out like you normally would with household trash. When contaminated in this way, such objects are deemed hazardous waste and can only legally be disposed of with a hazardous waste collection program.
Citrus strippers such as CitriStrip have a wax in them to keep the product from drying out after it's applied to the surface. Mineral spirits is recommended after the stripping solution because it's important to break down those waxes before getting started.
Symptoms(Acute and delayed) Exposure to high concentrations of vapors may cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, nausea, and dizziness. Note to Physicians No specific treatment. Treat symptomatically. Contact poison treatment specialist immediately if large quantities have been ingested or inhaled.
It is possible for the paper towels to exhibit the characteristic of ignitability or the characteristic of toxicity for heavy metals. If you determine that the paper towels are not hazardous waste and do not contain free flowing oil, you can throw them into the general trash.
Many car owners save old T-shirts and bath towels to clean or dry their cars with. Unfortunately, these cloths are unfit for the job, because they leave tiny scratches on your car's clearcoat. Sponges and paper products have the same effect.
Newspapers are similarly effective (see: the traditional fish and chips) even though they are less commonly used that way today than in the past. Cardboard is another clutch member of your de-greasing team.
The disposal of waste containing paint thinner residue presents another danger. Old rags or paper towels used to wipe paint thinners or brushes create a fire risk. Under the right conditions, these waste materials can spontaneously combust. Use Justrite Oily Waste Cans to dispose of flammable waste.
Also understanding the potential for self-heating of rags soiled with oils such as linseed oil and turpentine is a key step in eliminating these preventable fires. To properly and safely dispose of oily rags, Use a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.
To dispose of oily rags not yet dry, place them in an airtight plastic bag, soak them with water, seal the bag securely and dispose of in an outdoor trashcan or dumpster. Oil and Gamsol soaked rags will not spontaneously combust after being soaked in water and sealed in a bag or other airtight container.