EPA Finalizes Perc Drycleaning Rule

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule to ban most commercial uses of Perchloroethylene (Perc). DLI first made members aware of this when EPA first announced its proposal in June of 2023. At that time, EPA proposed a 10-year phaseout of perc use in most newer drycleaning machines. The phaseout would also include a phaseout of all spotting chemicals using perc. Although the new rule will essentially ban perc, Drycleaners who used perc in newer fourth and fifth generation equipment will still have 10 years before the actual ban takes effect. 

There are three main parts to the rule: 

• Prohibition on the use of Perc in any dry cleaning machine acquired six months or later after the publication date of the “final” rule. Stain removal agents with perc can still be used.
• Prohibition on the use of Perc in third generation machines 3 years after the publication date of the “final” rule. Stain removal agents with perc can still be used.
• Prohibition on the use of Perc in all drycleaning, including in fourth and fifth generation machines 10 years following publication of the “final” rule. Stain removal agents containing perc will also be banned. After 10 years, the distribution of perc to drycleaners with be prohibited.