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Reusable Oil Absorbents & Workplace Safety
How to Dispose of Used Rags and Oil Absorbents (Compliance Guide)
A state and federal guide on how to dispose of used single-use oil absorbents and oily rags.
Last updated: July 2026
Wondering How to Properly Dispose of Oil-Soaked Rags and Absorbents?
Whether you’re cleaning up hydraulic oil around equipment, wiping down machinery during maintenance, or responding to an unexpected spill, one question inevitably follows: What do I do with the used absorbents?
The answer isn’t always straightforward. Depending on what was absorbed, the type of absorbent used, and where your facility is located, disposal requirements can vary. Making the wrong decision can lead to unnecessary disposal costs, regulatory headaches, or missed opportunities to reduce waste altogether.
This guide breaks down the most common disposal methods for oil-soaked rags, pads, socks, and granular absorbents, including when they can be reused, when incineration may be an option, and when landfill disposal is appropriate.
In This Guide:
Chapter 1: Disposal options and Alternatives
Chapter 2: Compliance Basics and Vocabulary
Chapter 3: Federal Compliance Decision Guide (infographic)
Chapter 4: State Compliance
Chapter 5: Cost Implications
Chapter 6: Conclusion
Chapter 1
Disposal Options and Alternatives
Source: https://www.epa.gov/smm/sustainable-materials-management-non-hazardous-materials-and-waste-management-hierarchy
Before you determine how to properly dispose of oil-soaked shop rags or absorbents, it’s important be aware of all available options, including environmentally friendly alternatives, such as reuse.
First, when speaking strictly in terms of disposal, you have several options, including the following:
- Waste to Energy – This is the process of generating energy in the form of electricity and/or heat from the primary treatment of waste. Cons: This disposal method may emit fine particulate, heavy metals, trace dioxin and acid gas into the air. It also requires proper management of residues like toxic fly ash and incinerator bottom ash, and therefore must be treated as a waste.
- Incineration – Incineration is waste destruction in a furnace by controlled burning at high temperatures. Cons: Incinerators generate smoke. The smoke from the chimneys includes nitrogen oxide, particulates, heavy metals, acid gasses, and the carcinogen dioxin.
- Special Waste (non-hazardous) – This refers to garbage that requires special handling and assessment, processing, transportation, packaging, and/or additional disposal techniques. This includes petroleum-contaminated soil, stabilized grit and bar screenings, absorbent booms and pads, pit sludge, and sandblast media. Cons: Despite special treatment, the waste is still a landfill liability
- Landfill – This is regular garbage disposal. Non-hazardous waste is spread in layers, compacted and covered with earth at the end of each day.
Beyond disposal, you also have environmentally-preferred alternatives for managing your dirty shop towels and absorbents.
Environmentally Preferred Alternatives
EPA’s non-hazardous materials and waste management hierarchy ranks management strategies from most to least environmentally preferred. The hierarchy places emphasis on reducing, reusing, and recycling as important elements of sustainable materials management.
In the event that you have exhausted all options to reduce the number of absorbents and shop rags used at your facility through source reduction, reuse is the most preferred method on the EPA waste reduction hierarchy.
Reusable shop towel and reusable absorbent programs are typically offered by an industrial laundry service company and include a service program where the towels and absorbents are picked up, delivered, and laundered on a regular schedule.
When comparing disposable shop rags versus a towel service, the benefit of a reuse program is that you do not have to make a waste determination on your shop towels or absorbents (as long as there is no free-standing liquid) because they are not considered waste according to federal regulation.
Let’s take a look at how all of these options to compare single use oil absorbents with the alternative.
| Option | Environmental Impact | Typical Cost | Reusable | Waste Generated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landfill | High | $$ | No | High |
| Incineration | Medium | $$$ | No | Medium |
| Waste-to-Energy | Medium | $$$ | No | Medium |
| Reusable Absorbents | Low | $ | Yes | Low |
| Laundered Shop Towels | Lowest | $ | Yes | Low |
Chapter 2
Compliance Basics
Waste disposal is highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state agencies, and other stakeholders such at the Department of Transportation and local municipalities. For example, the EPA and state agencies require many types of record keeping, labeling, and the use of proper containers. Municipalities may impose additional storage requirements.
In our research on the proper disposal and waste management methods for used absorbents and rags, the requirements were not always clearly defined. Some terms are subject to interpretation. So in your quest to determine how to manage your soiled absorbents and rags, keep in mind there may not be a finite answer and, as always, regulations are subject to change.
Who regulates used oil absorbents and shop rags?
- U.S. EPA, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
- Occupational Health and Safety Association (OSHA) – Primarily for safe storage requirements
- State Environmental Protection Agencies
- Local ordinances
- Local fire marshals (they may require solvents and soiled absorbents to be stored in a certain manner)
- Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Insurance Companies
Vocabulary
- Hazardous waste – What is considered a hazardous waste? In a discussion with Jodi Drew, Environmental Engineer at ITU AbsorbTech, the answer is not a simple one. For example, what the EPA considers a hazardous waste may not be the same as how your state environmental protection agency defines it. In addition, how the material is handled (for example, whether is it discarded, recycled, or properly wrung out from a rag) can also determine if it is a hazardous waste or even a waste at all.
- Used Oil – Please refer to this EPA Reference Table for a complete list of what use oil is, and is not, according to the EPA. Some examples include used synthetic oil, used engine oil, used transmission fluid, and industrial hydraulic fluid. Keep in mind that your state agency may define it differently. Remember that you cannot mix used oil with other wastes or it will all be waste.
- Solvent – For the purpose of this article, we will not be addressing solvent or solvent-contaminated wipes. Please refer to our EPA Wiper Guide for more information on this topic.
- Absorbents – Socks, pads, rags, mats, pillows, sawdust, paper towels, cardboard. Note, some states define absorbents separately from rags.
Storage of Used Rags and Absorbents
How you store used oil absorbents or rags again takes into account whether there is free-standing liquid. All used cleanup materials, from rags to sorbent booms, that contain free-flowing used oil also must be handled according to the used oil management standards.
Make sure containers are in good condition and don’t allow for rust, leaks or deterioration. Inspect them regularly for drip marks, discoloration, cracks, leaks, and pooling.
If there is no free-standing liquid, and the rags or absorbents do not contain fluid other than used oil
(EPA Reference Table), the EPA does not have any further storage requirements. Some states or municipalities, however, may have additional requirements. In Ohio, for example, drums should be labeled ‘used oil.’
Bottom Line: Inspect storage containers regularly for drip marks, discoloration, cracks, leaks, and pooling. Determine if your state agency or municipality requires special labeling on the containers.
Chapter 4
State Compliance
The EPA has a helpful page that links to all state environmental protection agencies, and their respective hazardous waste programs.
To save you some time, we took a look at some of the top states we service and compiled the compliance language and resources that reference used absorbent and rags. Please note, some states group absorbents and rags together, while others treat them separately. Please contact or refer to these sites for detailed information.
Click on your state below.
Wisconsin | Illinois | Pennsylvania | Indiana | Texas | Ohio | South Carolina | New York | Tennessee | Michigan | Alabama
Don’t see your state? Locate your state environmental protection agency.
Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) The DNR manages fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air, and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and outdoor opportunities.
Links:
From the DNR site:
Used oil absorbents are materials used to absorb petroleum-derived or synthetic oil that has been used or spilled — examples include granular kitty-litter-type absorbents, oil-dry cloths, rags, wipes, paper toweling, and absorbent pillows, pads, and socks. Oil absorbent materials may be disposed of in a landfill if waste oil has been drained so no visible free-flowing oil remains, and the materials are not hazardous waste. The preferred method is recycling or reuse — some companies will clean absorbents after use.
Illinois
Illinois EPA The mission of the Illinois EPA is to safeguard environmental quality, consistent with the social and economic needs of the state, so as to protect health, welfare, property, and quality of life.
Links:
From the Illinois EPA site:
Laundered rags and absorbent products may be placed with the regular garbage and accepted by your municipal waste landfill. Rags and absorbent products sent for laundering are not regulated as a waste. Rags and absorbent products that are special or hazardous wastes must go to an appropriately permitted facility. No person may accept spent absorbents or rags for storage, treatment, or disposal without a current, valid operating permit issued by the Illinois EPA.
Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) PA DEP’s mission is to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land, and water from pollution and provide for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment.
Links:
From PA DEP guidance:
The federal Solvent-Contaminated Wipes Final Rule, effective January 31, 2014, is incorporated by reference in Pennsylvania’s regulations. Generators must determine whether a used absorbent is hazardous and manage it accordingly. Absorbents with no free liquid that are non-hazardous can generally be handled as municipal waste; those contaminated with hazardous material must be managed as hazardous waste.
Indiana
Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) IDEM specializes in air, land, pollution prevention, and water quality issues across the state.
Links:
From IDEM guidance:
Sorbents (absorbent material such as pigs, pillows, and socks) are not hazardous unless they come into contact with hazardous materials or hazardous wastes. If a facility’s sorbents are contaminated only with used oil, they may be disposed of by burning for energy recovery under the used oil rule. If used sorbents are determined not to be hazardous waste, and they don’t drip or accumulate free liquids, a facility may dispose of them with its regular trash.
Texas
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) TCEQ strives to protect the state’s public health and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development, with the goal of clean air, clean water, and safe waste management.
Links:
From the TCEQ RG-325 guide:
Manage absorbent materials with signs of free-flowing oil as used oil. If there are no visible signs of free-flowing oil and the materials are not burned for energy recovery, they aren’t regulated as used oil. If disposed of in a landfill, absorbent materials are solid waste and subject to a hazardous waste determination. TCEQ considers landfill disposal of used oil absorbents the least environmentally responsible management option — reuse, recycling, or energy recovery are preferred.
Ohio
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Ohio EPA’s goal is to protect the environment and public health by ensuring compliance with environmental laws.
Links:
From the Ohio EPA site:
Used oil is regulated until materials contaminated with it have been properly drained so that no visible signs of free-flowing oil remain — examples include oil filters and absorbent materials. Once drained, they’re no longer regulated by the used oil rules. Label containers or tanks of used oil, keep them in good condition, and don’t mix used oil with other wastes unless you’re certain you’re complying with the applicable regulations.
South Carolina
South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) SCDES is a South Carolina cabinet agency established July 1, 2024, focused on protecting and preserving South Carolina’s environment and natural resources. All environmental programs previously administered by DHEC — including land and waste management — transferred to SCDES upon its formation under Act 60.
Links:
- SCDES — Used Oil
- Regulation 61-107.279, Solid Waste Management: Used Oil
From SCDES regulation:
Materials containing or otherwise contaminated with used oil, from which the used oil has been properly drained or removed so that no visible signs of free-flowing oil remain, are not used oil and thus not subject to used oil regulation — but they are solid waste, and if listed or identified as hazardous, are subject to hazardous waste regulations. Used oil drained or removed from such materials remains regulated as used oil.
New York
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) DEC’s mission is to conserve, improve, and protect New York’s natural resources and prevent, abate, and control water, land, and air pollution.
Links:
From the DEC quick guide:
Label containers “Oily Shop Towels Only” or “Oily Waste Absorbents Only,” as appropriate. These towels and absorbents may be sent to an industrial laundry or thrown away in the normal trash. If the shop towels are contaminated with hazardous waste other than oil (solvents, chlorinated brake cleaner, etc.), you must manage and dispose of them as hazardous waste, or send them to an industrial laundry under DEC’s Policy for Laundered Industrial Rags & Soiled Clothing.
Tennessee
Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) TDEC exists to enhance quality of life for Tennessee citizens by protecting the state’s air, land, and water through a responsible regulatory system.
Links:
From TDEC guidance:
Soil, gravel, and absorbent materials contaminated with petroleum products are considered “special waste” under Tennessee’s Solid Waste Processing and Disposal rules, and may be disposed of in a Class I landfill only under specific approved scenarios. Used oil generators are accountable for meeting generator standards described in the regulations even though they aren’t required to file a separate application.
Michigan
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Formerly the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), EGLE promotes wise management of Michigan’s air, land, and water resources.
Links:
- Used Oil Contaminated Sorbents, Absorbents, and Other Petroleum-Based Contaminated Materials (guidance)
- EGLE Used Oil Overview
From EGLE guidance:
Disposable oil-contaminated wastes — such as commercial sorbent pigs, rags, shop towels, cat litter or oil dry, and soils — can be sent to a licensed sanitary landfill if the waste contains no free liquids (passes the paint filter test), is not hazardous waste, and the landfill operator will accept oil-contaminated materials. If the sorbent was used to clean up a listed hazardous waste, it must be managed as hazardous waste.
Alabama
Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) ADEM’s mission is to assure all citizens of Alabama a safe, healthful, and productive environment through the state’s hazardous waste, solid waste, and used oil programs.
Links:
- Transportation of Absorbent Materials Contaminated with Used Oil (fact sheet)
- ADEM Waste Guidance and Reports
From ADEM guidance:
Absorbent materials that contain used oil are not considered used oil if the used oil has been drained or removed so that no visible signs of free-flowing oil remain. Once the used oil is removed, the absorbent materials are not subject to the used oil rules unless they release visible amounts of oil. Any oil drained or removed from the absorbent is itself subject to used oil regulation. A facility must still determine whether the resulting absorbent waste is a hazardous waste before disposal.
Chapter 5
How Much Does It Cost to Dispose of Absorbents and Towels?
On top of all the time spent understanding and maintaining your knowledge of disposal requirements, here are some costs to consider:
- For disposal methods, costs can vary greatly by geography. It can also vary by the type of container (roll off, compactor, or by the drum) and how often they are serviced. Roll off and compactors are much less expensive to haul away than drums. As an example, we have seen a by-the-drum incineration cost at $185 per drum and special non-hazardous waste compactor at $250/haul.
- Inquire about all costs – delivery fees, fuels and/or environmental fees, minimum tonnage fees, rental fees, etc.
- Consider your time – manifesting your waste, keeping up with compliance requirements, etc.
- In most cases, reuse is a lower cost alternative to disposal. Please check out our calculator tool to compare the cost of a disposable absorbent program vs. reuse
- Compare the cost of a towel service program to buying disposables and discarding them
Bottom Line: Explore the true cost of disposal by evaluating your time (manifesting, keeping up with compliance), all disposal fees, and the ultimate cost to the environment.
Chapter 6
Conclusion
While this document is not a definitive guide, it can help you make a decision on how to handle your used absorbents and rags – reuse, incineration, or disposal. If you plan to dispose of the absorbents, it’s important to know, either through testing or documented knowledge (such as Safety Data Sheets), the source of contamination (in other words, what is contained in the absorbent or rag).
Beware of storage requirements, and know your definitions (hazardous waste, used oil, solvent, etc.) by state. Most state agencies can provide additional guidance with a phone call. You can also contact Jodi Drew, ITU AbsorbTech’s Environmental Engineer, at 888-729-4884 with questions.
Please note that it is your responsibility to know and follow the appropriate compliance guidelines for your facility per the requirements of all applicable entities.
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