Frequently Asked Questions


What is GREEN STUFF® Absorbent made from?

The material is a thermal-set plastic made from a phenolic resin compound with an open cell matrix. 

GREEN STUFF® is not mineral based.


Is the Product Hydrophobic or Hydrophilic?

GREEN STUFF® Absorbent products are hydrophilic. This means GREEN STUFF® will absorb water-based liquids and hydrocarbon-based liquids.


Is GREEN STUFF® an absorbent or an adsorbent?

GREEN STUFF® is technically an adsorbent. A true absorbent is a material that swells up when it absorbs a liquid (such as super absorbent polymers found in diapers.) A true adsorbent is a fiber material that the absorbed liquid clings to (like clay type kitty litter.) GREEN STUFF® Absorbent has an open cell structure that does not swell as liquid is absorbed into it. GREEN STUFF® is similar to a cross between sponge and foam. 


What type of liquids can GREEN STUFF® absorb?

GREEN STUFF® Absorbent can absorb virtually ANY chemical except cyanide based plating solutions, decomposable peroxides, and concentrated nitric acid. GREEN STUFF® can absorb any viscosity liquid from thick sludge and paint to light solvents and water. GREEN STUFF® will absorb hydrofluoric acid and is also particularly effective in absorbing body fluids.


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How much liquid will GREEN STUFF® absorb?

GREEN STUFF® Absorbent products will typically absorb between 8-26 times more liquid than clay based kitty litter depending on the viscosity and weight of the liquid. A good rule to follow is 2 pounds of GREEN STUFF® to 1 gallon of liquid. A clay-type product (like kitty litter) takes an average of 25 pounds to absorb 1 gallon of liquid.


How fast does GREEN STUFF® Absorbent absorb liquid?

Independent tests have shown GREEN STUFF® Absorbent to be the fastest absorbent on the market. 

Tests were conducted on a variety of liquids and viscosities including gasoline, diesel fuel, oil, paint 

and water finding GREEN STUFF® to be on average 5 times faster.


Why is fast absorbency important?

The most important reason is SAFETY. The quicker a spill can be contained and absorbed, the less chance of physical harm or environmental contamination, and cleanup costs are minimized. Fast absorption also reduces vapors and minimizes harmful chemical effects.


Why is GREEN STUFF® Absorbent’s light weight beneficial?

GREEN STUFF® Absorbent’s light weight makes it easy to handle, easy to apply, easy to clean up and easy to dispose of. This also makes for less waste generated which reduces overall cleanup costs. Sixteen pounds of GREEN STUFF® does the equivalent work of about 200 pounds of clay-type products.


Because GREEN STUFF® Absorbent is so light weight, won’t I have problems using it in windy conditions?

Most highly absorbent products that are lighter will have some dusting, including GREEN STUFF® Absorbent. GREEN STUFF® overcomes this by being light and extremely fast in absorbency which allows the user to pour much closer to the spill. GREEN STUFF® then becomes heavy and will not blow away. Heavier absorbents like clay based products have 20-25% fine particles that include silica dust, a known carcinogen.


Can GREEN STUFF® Absorbent be land filled?

Yes. GREEN STUFF® Absorbent passes all EPA tests for both non-hazardous and hazardous landfills. 

GREEN STUFF® is non-biodegradable and will not leach out any hazardous chemicals into a landfill.


Can GREEN STUFF® Absorbent be incinerated?

Yes. GREEN STUFF® Absorbent can be incinerated and, with post incineration ash content of less than 1%, there is virtually nothing to send to a landfill.


Can GREEN STUFF® Absorbent be fuel-blended?

Yes. GREEN STUFF® will allow fuel blending as it will not clog filters and contains about 13,000 BTUs 

per pound. 


What are the benefits of fuel blending over other types of disposal?

Fuel blending is a waste-to-energy recycling program that has no long-term liability, as with other forms of waste disposal. Fuel blending costs are lower than other forms of disposal and with GREEN STUFF® Absorbent’s high BTU content, waste turns from a liability into a power generator.


Is GREEN STUFF® Absorbent packaged in other than a bailed form?

Yes. GREEN STUFF® Absorbent can be packaged in emergency spill kits, easy to use plastic bottles, barrels, socks, pillows and other customized options.


How can I avoid workers using too much GREEN STUFF® Absorbent when they only need a small amount?

GREEN STUFF® Absorbent is much lighter than clay based absorbents which will allow workers to get closer to the spill and pour directly on to it. Users will quickly learn that “a little goes a long way.” Two pounds of GREEN STUFF® will absorb an average gallon of liquid. 


Is it harmful to breathe GREEN STUFF® Absorbent?  

While any material with dust can be an irritant, GREEN STUFF® Absorbent does not contain toxic silica 

dust (as do clay and sand products). Silica dust exposure can cause “silicosis,” a disabling and sometimes fatal disease. Use a mask if not in a well ventilated area.


Does GREEN STUFF® Absorbent suppress vapors?

When a vaporous liquid is covered with any fibrous material, vapors will be somewhat suppressed. 

However, GREEN STUFF® Absorbent is not recommended solely as a vapor suppressant. The only true vapor suppressant is one that breaks down the hydrocarbon chain, such as a liquid foam spray.


What if I open the bag but don’t immediately use the rest?  What will happen to it?

Nothing. GREEN STUFF® Absorbent does not have a “shelf life” and absorbs virtually no moisture from 

the air.


Will it hurt my skin if I get it on me?

No, GREEN STUFF® Absorbent alone has no irritating effect on the skin. Protective gloves should always 

be worn when using any absorbent with hazardous materials.