Before starting a home improvement project that involves oil-based paint, stain, varnish, polyurethane, linseed oil, teak oil, or similar products, make a plan for safely storing and disposing oily rags.
As oil-based products dry, they release heat. When rags are bunched together, that heat can build up and cause the rags to ignite without a spark or flame. This “spontaneous combustion” has caused multiple fires in Piedmont over the past three years.
The Piedmont Fire Department reminds residents, property owners, and contractors that oily rags should never be left in a pile, tossed in a trash can, or stored in a garage, shed, or work area without proper precautions. Always follow the instruction on the product you or your contractor use.
Confirm cleanup and disposal plans before work begins
Before your next home improvement project, take a few minutes to plan for cleanup. If you are hiring someone to work on your property, talk to them about how they will store and dispose of oily rags during and after the job.
Whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring someone:
• Read and follow the disposal instructions on the paint, stain, varnish, oil, or solvent container.
• Plan where oily rags will be safely stored while work is underway.
• Make sure oily rags are not left in piles, bags, trash cans, garages, sheds, or enclosed work areas.
• Confirm that oily rags will be removed from the property or handled safely at the end of each day.
How to safely handle oily rags
After using rags with oil-based products:
• Take rags outside and lay them flat in a single layer to dry.
• Keep drying rags away from buildings, decks, fences, vehicles, and anything that can burn.
• Weigh rags down so they do not blow away.
• Once dry, place rags in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Follow the product manufacturer’s disposal instructions.
Oily rags, oil-based paints, stains, solvents, and similar materials should not be placed in regular trash. Residents can use Alameda County household hazardous waste drop-off facilities for safe disposal of oil-based paints, stains, solvents, and similar materials. The closest drop-off facility is at 2100 East 7th Street in Oakland.