3.21 Process 21: Rag and Absorbent Use / Spill Cleanup

3.21.1 Process Description

Rags are used throughout most processes to clean up drips and spills, wipe off parts, wipe hands, etc. Individual shops, Squadrons, or the Base Contracting Office may maintain a rag laundering contract (typically a "red rag" contract) whereby rags are exchanged one-for-one and laundered off-base. If a rag laundering program is not in place, used rags are usually disposed as hazardous waste, although they may be disposed as solid waste in some locations. In some cases, rags are laundered on base.

Absorbent materials are normally used to clean up larger spills or just to clean oily floors. There are two types of absorbents typically found at vehicle maintenance facilities, absorbent pads (socks, blankets, pillows, etc.) and absorbent clay (powder, "kitty litter", etc.). Absorbent pads are made of various materials (including recycled materials) and can preferentially absorb certain materials (e.g., oil only pads). Used pads are sometimes wrung out and reused and the liquids squeezed from the pads is disposed of separately. Pads may also be compacted after the end of their useful life to reduce the volume and capture the fluid. Spent absorbent pads are usually disposed as hazardous waste.

Adsorbent clay is known to do a better job "extracting" oil that is deeply imbedded into a porous floor. The material can be swept up after use and reused several times. Because the clay is typically disposed of as hazardous waste, which is usually paid for by unit weight, lighter weight absorbent clay is often selected over heavier clay. 

At some facilities, a three tier storage system is used for absorbent clay: one drum for new clay, one for clay that has been used but can still be reused, and one drum for clay that is ready for disposal.P.O.L. Sorb is lighter than clay products and saves on disposal costs up to 90%.