Chemicals used in dry cleaning, including perchloroethylene (“perc”), must never be discharged into the public sewer. Dry cleaners that use perc are required to obtain a Pollution Prevention Permit and are subject to inspections to verify compliance.

Perc is a toxic pollutant and a likely human carcinogen. The California Air Resources Board tightly regulates the use of perc in the dry cleaning industry to prevent harmful emissions, spills, leaky pipes, leaky tanks, machine leaks, and improperly handled waste. Perc has been known to contaminate groundwater through cracks in the sewer system.