Container Rinsing
Helpful Information to Ensure Your Containers & Jugs Are Properly Rinsed
Why is Rinsing Important?
Before containers (jugs and drums) can be accepted for recycling, they must be rinsed of all residues after use. Only dry, residue-free rinsed containers are accepted at collection sites.
It is required by law.
It improves the return on your investment.
Properly rinsed containers are classified as clean, solid waste.
How do you make sure your containers/jugs are properly rinsed? Check the product label instructions and follow the rinsing procedures below.
Pressure Rinsing Small Containers
(if the product label allows)
Pressure Rinsing Large Drums
(if the product label allows)
Rinsing
- Why is Rinsing Important?
- Triple Rinsing Jugs
- Pressure Rinsing Jugs
(if the product label allows)
Triple Rinsing Jugs
Empty contents of container into spray tank, turning the container so that any product trapped in the handle is allowed to flow out. Once flow is down to a drip, allow the container to drain for an additional 30 seconds.
Immediately begin rinsing procedures or the product may become difficult to remove.
Fill the empty container 1/4 full of clean water.
Replace the cap on the container. With the container opening facing left, shake the container left to right over a distance of four to six inches. Shake the container about twice per second for 30 seconds.
Drain rinse water into spray tank as previously described.
Fill the empty container 1/4 full of clean water a second time.
Recap the container. With the opening of the container pointed towards the ground, shake the container as described before. Then drain the rinse water into the spray tank.
Finally, fill the empty container 1/4 full once more with clean water.
Recap the container. With the container in the normal, upright position, shake the container as described before.
Pour the rinse water into the spray tank. Carefully rinse and spray residue from the outside of the container.
Carefully rinse cap over spray tank opening and then dispose of cap appropriately as regular solid waste.
Triple Rinsing Drums
First read the procedures for triple-rinsing containers as they contain important information. The following modified procedures for rinsing drums may require two people.
Empty drum to the lowest possible level.
Fill drum with water to 25% of capacity. Replace and tighten bungs.
Tip drum on to its side and roll it back and forth, ensuring at least one complete revolution, for 30 seconds.
Stand the drum on its end and tip it back and forth several times to rinse the corners.
Turn the drum over on to its other end and repeat this procedure.
Carefully empty the rinsate into the spray can.
Repeat this procedure two more times.
Carefully rinse cap over spray tank opening and then dispose of appropriately as regular solid waste.
Puncture the base of the drum with a drill so that it cannot be reused.
Store drums under cover where they will be protected from rain.
Pressure Rinsing Jugs
(if the product label allows)
Empty contents of container into spray tank, turning the container so that any product trapped in the handle is allowed to flow out. Once flow is down to a drip, allow the container to drain for an additional 30 seconds.
Immediately begin rinsing procedures or the product may become difficult to remove.
Immediately begin rinsing procedures or the product may become difficult to remove.
Hold the container so the opening can drain into spray tank.
Force tip of the pressure nozzle through the lower portion of the side closest to the handle.
Connect nozzle to a clean water source of at least 40 psi. Turn the nozzle inside the container to assure good coverage of all sides, including the handle.
Rinse for at least 30 seconds.
Rinse cap under water coming out of the drum and into the spray can and then dispose of cap appropriately as regular solid waste.
Drain all rinse water into the spray tank.
Pressure Rinsing Drums
(if the product label allows)
First read the procedures for triple-rinsing containers as they contain important information. The following modified procedures for rinsing drums may require two people.
Be sure drum is completely empty.
Immediately begin rinsing procedures or the product may become difficult to remove.
Drill a pilot hole in the bottom of the drum and then position the drum opening over the spray tank so that rinsate will empty directly into the tank.
With the water turned off, use the pressure rinse nozzle to widen the hole in the bottom.
Turn water on and rotate the nozzle inside the drum so as to rinse all sides.
Rinse drum for at least 30 seconds or until rinsate runs completely clear.
Rinse cap under water coming out of the drum and into the spray can and then dispose of appropriately as regular solid waste.
Turn water off and replace the tip guard on the nozzle.
Store drums under cover where they will be protected from rain.