Drycleaning Case Study: Mel's Cleaners

Mel's Cleaners in Santa Clara took a proactive approach to anticipated air quality regulations and dramatically reduced perchloroethylene ("perc") use, waste disposal, and air emissions since 1991.

Mel purchased two automated systems that eliminate the possibility of human variable and error inherent in traditional drycleaning methods:

• A state-of-the-art solvent system automatically adds the correct quantity of solvent, soap, sizing, and brightener to each load and places the used mixture in a distillation unit when done.
• A closed-loop ("dry-to-dry") cleaning machine washes and dries clothes without removing them in between, and steams and condenses used perc from the spin filter during the drying cycle (eliminating the need for air quality control devices such as "sniffers").

The new equipment is much more efficient and has resulted in dramatic reductions in perc use, hazardous waste generation, and associated costs:

• Perc use went from 800 to 60 gallons/year - saving about $3,700/year.
• Other material costs (soap and filter cartridges) were about $6,800/year. New material costs (soap, sizing, brightener, 5-year spin filter) are about $3,200/year. A $3,600/year savings.
• Reduced labor requirements saves another $4,200/year.
• Hazardous waste generation went from 4.5 drums/month of waste perc to 1 drum/month of still bottoms and separator water, resulting in $3,000/year more savings.

Although a significant investment, the total savings (about $14,500/year!) will pay for the new equipment in a little over 4 years, and Mel can easily comply with new air quality regulations. Additionally, employees appreciate the improved indoor air quality and more pleasant working environment.

Business may increase too - customers have noticed significant improvements in clothing brightness, body, and smell.

For more information call
Santa Clara County Pollution Prevention Program
(408) 441-1195

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