The provisions of the Montreal Protocol and the revised Clean Air Act pose a challenge to many companies with metal-cleaning operations. The mandated scale-down and eventual phase-out of methyl chloroform (MCF or 1,1,1-trichloroethane) and CFC 113 (trichlorotrifluoroethane) has sent metal cleaners on a long and difficult search for alternative solvents and processes. During the 10-year graduated phase-out period, it is possible to continue using these solvents while evaluating alternatives. At the same time, users should begin adopting techniques for reducing solvent emissions and waste and possibly eliminating emissions entirely.