Environmental quality - dry cleaning
Since October 2007 dry cleaners are also regulated under the Environmental Permitting Regulations (2007). Therefore in order to operate a dry cleaning machine you need to have a permit from the Local Council.
The permit is essentially a legal document which allows an 'operator' of a dry cleaning machine to emit air pollution. There are strict controls in place to limit the amount of pollution allowed. Operators have to show compliance with this.
Why do I need a Permit
Dry Cleaning uses chemicals, such as Perc which are also known as Volaile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs contribute to air pollution and can be harmful to human health. The aim of the Solvent Emissions Directive is to reduce the emission of VOCs by applying emission limit values.
How do I apply for a Permit
In order to operate as a dry cleaners a permit is required from the Council. Please complete the following:
- Contact the Council by one of the methods below to obtain an application form
- Complete the Application Form
- Make a cheque payable for the appropriate fee to the 'London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham'
- Send it to the address below:
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Public Protection and Safety
6th Floor Hammersmith Town Hall Extension
King Street
London
W6 9JU
As part of the application process we will inspect your premises to make sure that we feel that you will be able to comply with the requirements of the permit. We will explain to you the requirements of the permit. If there are any works required before issuing you with a permit we will require that these are undertaken before issuing you with a permit.
What costs do I have to pay
In addition to a one-time application fee as mentioned above you will have to pay an annual subsistence fee. We will send you an invoice annually for this. Fees and charges.
How do I comply with the permit
Your permit will outline all the requirements for complying with your permit. In order to make your life as a dry cleaner easier we will shortly be producing a simple guidance document to help you comply with the requirements of the permit. Essentially the requirements are to use less than 1 litre of Perc for every 80 kilograms of clothes cleaned.
You need to keep accurate records of the weight (in kilograms) of each load cleaned and how much solvent (Perc) you use. These values need to be recorded on weekly and annual sheets.
Do I need to buy a new dry cleaning machine?
You will only need to upgrade your machine if it can't meet the requirements of the SED. Generally, older machines will find probably find it difficult to meet the requirements of the SED.
I run a Receiving Shop only and do not have a dry cleaning machine. Do I need a permit.
If you are only a receiving shop and do not have a dry cleaning machine at your premises then you do not need a permit. However, please let us know this so we can keep our records up to date.
I am closing my dry cleaning shop down. Do I need to inform the Council?
Yes. You will need to complete the following steps:
- Contact the Council by one of the methods below to obtain a Surrender Form
- Complete a Surrender Form
- Send it to the address lited at the bottom of this page
- Complete a Surrender Form
I am getting a new Dry Cleaning Machine. Do I need to inform the Council?
Yes. You will need to complete a Variation Form. A variation notice will then be issued to you giving details of the new machine.
I am selling my business. Do I need to inform the Council?
Yes. You will need to complete a Transfer Form. There is no fee associated with this if it is a full transfer. However, a partial transfer incurs a fee. Please note that there sections within the form that require both parties to complete.
What are the penalties of not applying for a permit
It is an offence under Section 38 of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 to operate a dry cleaning facility without a permit. The mximum penalty in a court of law is a fine up to £50,000 or imprisonment up to 5 years.
| Office: | 020 8753 3454 |
| Fax: | 020 8753 3922 |
| Address: | Public Protection & Safety Division 6th floor Hammersmith Town Hall Extension King Street London W6 9JU |
Page last updated: 30/03/2011
