Vehicle maintenance involves handling a wide variety of materials and wastes. Some of these wastes can be toxic when improperly managed. It’s important to manage these wastes properly and prevent pollution.
The following tips can help you make sure that your shop wastes do not end up in the wrong place.
Oil
Recycle used oil. Set up equipment, such as a drip table or screen table with a used oil
collection bucket, to collect oils that drip 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 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 the requirements and obtain necessary permits.
Oil filters
Drain the oil filters for at least 24 hours. Crush and recycle used oil filters whenever possible.
Batteries
Recycle batteries by sending them to a reclaimer or returning them back to the distributor. Keep shipping receipts to 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 or 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 getting into a storm drain.
Containers
Cap, label, cover, and properly store aboveground, outdoor liquid containers and small tanks within a diked area and on a paved, impermeable surface to keep spills from running into surface or ground water.
Tires and other solid wastes
Store materials such as scrap metal, old machine parts, and worn tires under a roof or tarpaulin to protect them from the elements and avoid contaminating runoff. Be sure to recycle tires.
Liquid recycling
Collect and recycle coolants from radiators.
Store transmission fluids, brake fluids, and solvents containing chlorinated hydrocarbons separately, and recycle or dispose of them properly.
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