An absorbent material made primarily from cellulose fibers. Cellulose is a natural polymer found in the cell walls of plants, and it is widely used in various applications due to its absorbent properties. Cellulose absorbents are typically manufactured from renewable sources such as wood pulp or recycled paper. These absorbents are known for their excellent absorbency and retention capabilities, particularly for water-based liquids, oils, and other non-aggressive liquids.

• Very absorbent

• Eco-friendly

• Not suitable for certain aggressive or

hazardous chemicals

A highly efficient absorbent material used in various applications to soak up or contain liquids. They are typically made from a nonwoven fabric produced through a process called meltblowing. The meltblowing process involves extruding a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene, through a set of fine nozzles. High-velocity hot air is then blown onto the extruded polymer, causing it to rapidly cool and solidify into a fibrous mat. The resulting nonwoven fabric has a random arrangement of fine fibers with a high surface area.

• Absorbent

• Durable

• Non-flammable

• High chemical compatibility

• Not Environmentally Friendly

A type of absorbent material that consists of small granules or particles designed to soak up and contain liquids. These granules are typically made from materials such as clay, silica gel, cellulose, or other absorbent substances. Works by utilizing capillary action to draw liquids into their porous structure. When they come into contact with a liquid, the granules absorb the liquid and retain it within their network of pores. This helps to prevent the liquid from spreading or causing further contamination.

• Absorbent

• Easily adjust to different spill sizes

• Can create slip and fall hazards if saturated granules aren't cleaned up right away

• Will not work on water surfaces or areas with high air movement

40 CFR – EPA
(Environmental Protection Agency)

40 CFR 112.7(c)(1)
Summary: Facilities must have “appropriate containment and/or diversionary structures to prevent discharge oil from reaching a navigable water course.”

40 CFR 122.26
Summary: Facilities must have a detailed plan in place to prevent illegal discharge of pollutants into waterways.

40 CFR 263.30(a)
Summary: Requires immediate action, such as diking discharge area, by transporter if hazardous waste is accidentally discharged during transportation.

40 CFR 263.31
Summary: A transporter must clean up any hazardous waste discharges that occur during transportation.

40 CFR 264.175
Summary: A hazardous waste container must not sit in its own spill, and it must be able to hold 10% of total volume of liquid or 100% of largest container, whichever is greater.

29 CFR – OSHA
(Occupational Health & Safety Administration) 

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2)
Summary: Floors in your workplace should be “maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition.”

29 CFR 1910.107(b)(3)
Summary: Combustible floors in a spray booth or work area “shall be covered with noncombustible material to facilitate the safe cleaning and removal of residues.” 

29 CFR 1910.107(g)(2)
Summary: OSHA requires spraying areas to be “kept as free from the accumulation of deposits of combustible residues as practical.”

29 CFR 1910.120(j)(1)
Summary: Commonly known as HAZWOPER, requires DOT containers and proper absorbents be kept available and used wherever spills, leaks or ruptures may occur.

29 CFR 1910.1450(e)
Summary: OSHA requires containment and cleanup materials for spills in laboratories to reduce occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals.

49 CFR – DOT
(Department of Transportation)

49 CFR 173.3(c)(1)
Summary: If a container of hazardous waste is damaged or leaking, it can be placed in a compatible salvage drum that meets UN criteria for shipping by air, highway, rail or water.

49 CFR 173.12(b)
Summary: A lab packing container must be “a UN 1A2 or UN 1B2 metal drum, a UN 1D plywood drum, a UN 1G fiber drum or a UN 1H2 plastic drum tested and marked for the Packing Group III performance level.”

49 CFR 173.12(b)(2)(iv)
Summary: When lab packing, “inner packagings… must be surrounded by a chemically compatible absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the total liquid contents.”

33 CFR – USCG (United States Coast Guard) 

33 CFR 154.1047(c)(2)
Summary: Concerning navigation and navigable waters, a facility which handles, stores or transports Group V petroleum oils must identify response plan resources such as containment booms or other methods.