How to Safely Dispose Oily Rags

4/3/2017 (Permalink)

      With warmer weather approaching, home improvement projects will be on the rise. In an effort to make everything look new again for another summer, we re-stain outdoor furniture and prime the deck for a nice appearance at our summer barbecues. “Do-it-yourselvers” take heed! There is a grave danger inherent in using oil based products that you may not be aware of. If you do not properly dispose of the oily rages after use, you are rolling the dice for a potential disaster. Discarded rags left unattended and not contained have the potential to cause spontaneous combustion which leads to fire.

     You are done with your project; you toss oil soaked rags without giving it a second thought. What most people who use these products do not know, is that when a substance like linseed oil is left on a cotton rag and left in the open air, a chemical reaction takes place. The rag actually heats up to almost 400 degrees as it is in the process of drying. And believe it or not, there is no spark needed to cause this devastating fire. It is so important to be aware of these products and to always carefully read all the instructions, no matter how small the print, before you even open the container to use the product. You need to know the instructions on proper disposal of the rags, as well as how to secure the container after the job is done. Besides linseed oil, other culprits include flaxseed, sunflower and soybean oil, coal, charcoal, hay, compost piles, piles of manure, paint thinners, oil-based paints are all susceptible to spontaneously combusting. 

 So the next time you’re ready to tackle a do-it-yourself project or to hire a contractor to do a job with an oil based product, make sure the rags are properly stored in a metal can filled with water and an oil breakdown detergent with a secure lid.  Then you will be able to  dispose of the closed can of rags when your town sponsors a hazardous waste collection day. This one simple act can save you from the despair of a preventable fire. If you research fires caused by oil-based products online you will be amazed at how easily these fires get started and rage out of control. One example online described a handyman who had an oily rag in the back pocket of his work overalls when the rag dried out by the sun caught fire and burned him.

     The 24-hour emergency services provided by SERVPRO Framingham and SERVPRO Newton / Wellesley comes to your rescue when you need them, ready to help using their water and fire damage training as well as their wide range of knowledgeable expertise. They will get you through a difficult experience. Once the fire department leaves the scene, you may be left with a non-functioning business or residence because of water damage caused by firefighting efforts. We have the specialized fire and water damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment to handle fire and water damage and the ability to efficiently restore your business or residence to pre-fire condition.