United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
EPA 305-K-96-002
September 1996
Enforcement & Compliance Assurance (2223A)
Fuel for ~~
Thought^.
How to Reduce
Wastes at Your
Shop
\
Vehicle maintenance involves Handling and managing a
wide variety of materials and wastes. Some of these
wastes can be toxic to fish, wildlife, and humans when
improperly managed. No matter the amount of waste
produced, it is to the shop's legal and financial
advantage to manage the wastes properly and, even
more importantly, to prevent pollution.
This.brochure identifies some waste reduction and
pollution prevention (P2) options that may be followed
to ensure that wastes do not end up in the wrong place
where they can cause harm. In addition, a list of
important contacts and useful waste reduction and P2
tips Is provided.
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HANDLING SHOP WASTES
Oil
i&faXsa^s ^cycle used oil. Set up equipment, such as a drip
iLssB^r table or screen table with a used oil collection bucket,
to collect Oils dripping off parts. Place drip pans underneath vehicles
that are leaking fluids onto the storage area.
Do not mix other wastes with used oil, except as
allowed by your recycler.
Used oil generated by a shop (and/or oil received from
household "do-it-yourself generators) may be burned
on site in a commercial space heater. Also, used oil (on and off-
specification, and hazardous waste fuel) may be burned for energy
recovery. Contact State and local authorities to determine
requirements and to obtain necessary permits.
Oil Filters
Drain (for at least 24 hours), crush, and recycle used oil
filters whenever possible.
Batteries
Recycle batteries by sending them to a reclaimer.or
back to the distributor. Keeping shipping receipts can
demonstrate that you have recycled. Store batteries in
a water-tight, acid-resistant container. Inspect
batteries for cracks and leaks when they come in. Treat a dropped
battery as if it were cracked. Acid residue is hazardous because it is
corrosive and may contain lead and other toxics. Neutralize spilled acid
(e.g., by using baking soda or lime) and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Metal Residue from Machining
Collect metal filings when machining metal parts. Keep
separate and recycle if possible. Prevent metal filings
from falling into a storm drain.
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REFRIGERANTS
Recover and/or recycle refrigerants during the service and
disposal of motor vehicle air conditioners and
refrigeration equipment. It is not allowable to knowingly
vent refrigerants to the atmosphere. Recovery and/or recycling during
servicing must hep-formed by an EPA-certified technician using
certified equipment and following specified procedures.
SOLVENTS
Replace hazardous chemicals with less toxic alternatives
that have equal performance. For example, substitute
water-based cleaning solvents for petroleum-based
solvent degreasers.
To reduce the amount of solvent used when cleaning
parts, use a two stage process; dirty solvent followed by
fresh solvent.
Hire a|hazardous waste management service to clean and
recycle solvents. (Some spent solvents matte disposed
of as hazardous waste, unless recycled properly.)
psasBBEBa ^ore ?°'vents in closed containers to prevent evaporation.
JSolTCntsI EvaP°ration of solvents contribute to ozone depletion and
|^§Bal mog formation. In addition, the residue from
evaporation must be treated as a hazardous waste.
Properly, label spent solvents and store on drip pads or in
diked areas and only with compatible materials.
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VEHICLE WASHWATER
Wash .vehicles in an area where the washwater can
be collected, treated, and recycled. Eventually, the
recycled wastewater will need to either be removed
and disposed of by a licensed hauler or discharged to sewers or surface
waters. State and local authorities need to be contacted prior to any
discharge to obtain the necessary permits and to determine if treatment
is necessary prior to discharge or disposal.
FUELING OPERATIONS
Prevent fuel overflows during tank filling by regularly
monitoring transfers.
Prevent spills resulting from "topping off tanks by
training employees on proper fueling techniques.
Prevent contamination of runoff by not cleaning the
fueling area with running water. Consider using
absorbent pads or a mop to clean fueling area.
To avoid liabilities associated with using high sulfur
content diesel fuel (dyed fuels), use only undyed diesel
fuel, suitable for highway vehicles. Air pollution is
reduced by using undyed fuels because they contain less sulfur. Use the
following precautions when purchasing fuels: know your supplier,
observe pump labels, visually inspect the fuel, look for evidence of
tampering'and keep receipts.
UNDERGROUND STORAGE
TANKS (UST)
If your shop maintains an underground
storage tank (UST) for used oil, motor
oil, or fuel (gasoline* diesel, kerosene)
you are probably subject to UST
regulations. Leaking USTs can contaminate ground water. For the
requirements that apply to your UST, call your State or local agency.
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RAINWATER OR SNOWMELT
RUN OFF
Surround vehicle storage areas, with a dike to prevent
leaking fluids from being carried by rainwater or
snowmelt runoff. Diked run off can be directed to an
oil/water separator and discharged to a wastewater treatment plant or
surface waters, with proper permits. Check with local and state
authorities to determine permit requirements.
RESPONDING TO SPILLS
Construct dikes around material storage areas to contain
spills.
Contain and control leaks and spills as quickly as
possible. Clean leaks and spills immediately using dry
i methods, such as absorbent wipes. Portable absorbent
booms should be readily available for a quick response. Use dry
absorbent materials such as kitty litter or organic-based absorbents to
absorb oil and grease. Dispose of used absorbent properly, in
accordance with Federal and State regulations.
.Keep a log book of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in
a central location that is easily accessible. All employees
should understand the properties and the adverse effects
of the materials they use and be aware of this reference for use during
an emergency.
An emergency response plan and spill kit should be
accessible at all times.
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HANDLING WASTEWATER
Shop wastewater (water contaminated by antifreeze, oil, etc.)
can either be directed to a wastewater treatment plant, surface
waters, or to a holding tank for removal by a waste hauler.
If wastewater is discharged to a municipal wastewater treatment plant,
. treatment may be required and it may be necessary to obtain a permit
from the municipality. If wastewater is discharged to surface waters,
(ponds, rivers, lakes, etc.) via pipe or storm sewer a discharge permit
must be obtained. Check with local and State authorities to
determine requirements and the appropriate permitting authority. If a
wastewater treatment plant is not available or will not accept your
wastewater, or if you do not have,an discharge permit, route your
wastewater to a tank or container for proper collection and disposal by
a licensed waste hauler.
Water used for cleaning often contains solvents, degreasers, and
cleaning solutions, as well as contaminants from the cleaned
areas. This process wastewater cannot be easily disposed of and
may require treatment. Eliminating water from cleaning processes may
enable a shop to reduce its wastewater volume. Keep wastewater from
service bay clean-up out of storm drains.
If you have a septic system, do not discharge shop wastewater
to the system. This wastewater interferes with the ability of the
septic system to break down sanitary wastes. Use an oil/water
separator to, trap sediments and skim oils and contain your shop
wastewater for removal by a licensed waste hauler.
Floor drains should be connected to an oil/water separator to
treat wastewater prior to discharge to sewers, surface waters, or
containment. It is preferable to equip the separator with an
emergency shut-off to prevent spills from entering the sewer, or
* discharging directly to surface waters. It is important to inspect the
j separator periodically and arrange for waste removal by a licensed
• waste hauler when required.
Do not discharge toxic or hazardous wastes to drain fields, dry
wells, cesspools, pits, separate storm drains, sewers, surface
waters, or septic tanks. Otherwise you may be in violation of
Federal, State or local requirements and subject to monetary penalties.
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WASTE REDUCTION &L P2 TIPS
yr
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lilt
a law
CENTERS & CLEARINGHOUSES
National Automotive Repair Compliance Assistance
Center-Coordinating Committee for Automotive Kepair-
CCAWreenLink, 888-GRN-LINK (888-476-5465),
(ccarinfo@unicom.net), and
(http://www.ccar-greenlink.org)
Pollution Prevention Clearinghouse (202-260-1023);
Recycling Hotline (800-947-3873);
Small Business Ombudsman (800-368-5888)
Solid & Hazardous Waste (RCRA), Superfund (CERCLA)
(800-424-9346);
Solid Waste Information Clearinghouse (800-677-9424);
Storm Water: Office of Water Resource Center
(202-260-7786);
Waste Water/Small Flows Clearinghouse
(800-624-8301);
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
& ASSISTANCE.
^M/Moperated by Chemical Manufacturers Association
on Health and Safety (Emergency: 800-424-9300 and
Non-Emergency: 800-262-8200);
Environmental Health Effects: (National Institute of Health)
Information on chemicals in ground and surface water,
hazardous wastes (800-643-4794).
National Response Center - U.S. Coast Guard Oil & Hazardous
Material Spills (800-424-8802);
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HANDLING HAZARDOUS WASTt
Waste Storage
Always keep hazardous waste separate, properly label
and sealed in the recommended containers. The stora
area should be covered and may need to be fenced anc
locked if vandalism could be a problem. Select a
licensed hazardous waste hauler after seeking
recommendations and reviewing the firm's permits and authorization
Asbestos
CONTAINS
ASBESTOS
FIBERS
Generally, EPA does not regulate the removal of asbesl
brakes unless debonding or grinding of asbestos brake
pads constitutes over 50% of the shop's work. At sue!
facilities, the asbestos materials are regulated as a
hazardous waste and handled accordingly and stored
an enclosed container, and sent to a hazardous waste hauler.
However, even when asbestos wastes are not regulatet
as hazardous wastes, EPA recommends that shops
capture asbestos from brake shoes in a separate
container. Use a low pressure/wet cleaning method,
OSHA-preferred method of compliance. DONOTBLO
BRAKE DUST and never use an air hose for cleaning!
CONTAINS
ASBESTOS
FIBERS
U.S; EPA Office of Compliance has additional environmental
information available through Enviro$en$e (http://es.inel.go
DISCLAIMER:
This document is designed to increase one's general environmental knowledge ano
awareness. The contents are not intended to create rights and cannot be relied q
to replace Federal and State regulations. State and local requirements maydiffei
from this document. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reserves the right
change the contents of this document without public notice.
This document has been prepared by the Manufacturing, Energy, and Transportat
Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. July 1996.
•frU.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1996-0-712-821
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