Does it matter where I maintain my car?
Fluid spills and improper disposal of materials result in pollutants, heavy metals and toxic materials entering ground and surface water supplies, creating public health and environmental risks. It has been estimated that each year over 180 million gallons of used oil is disposed of improperly (Alameda CCWP, 1992), and that a single quart of oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water (NDRC, 1994) For this reason, it is important that residents follow proper automotive maintenance. Alteration of practices involving the cleanup and proper storage of automotive fluids and cleaning of vehicle parts
can help reduce pollution in our drinking water resources.
How can I reduce automobile maintenance waste?
The number of solvents used should be kept to a minimum to make recycling easier and to reduce the hazardous waste management costs. All liquid cleaning should be done in a centralized station to ensure that solvents and residues stay in one area. Drip pans and draining boards should be properly located to direct solvents and oils into a holding tank for reuse or proper disposal.
What are safer alternatives?
Use non-hazardous cleaners when possible. Reduce chlorinated solvents with non-chlorinated
solvents such as kerosene or mineral spirits. Recycled products such as engine oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze and hydraulic fluid can be recycled.
What is the proper method for controlling spills?
Use as little water as possible to clean spills, leaks and drips. Rags should be used to clean small spills, dry absorbent material for larger spills, and a mop for general cleanup. Mop water can be disposed of via the sink or toilet which eventually leads to the sanitary sewer.
General household pollution prevention
The following is a list of good housekeeping methods to prevent and reduce the amount of pollution caused by routine automobile maintenance.
• Conduct maintenance work such as fluid changes indoors.
• Parked vehicles should be monitored closely for leaks and pans should be placed under any leaks to collect the fluids for proper disposal or recycling.
• Promptly take all fluids into the proper waste facility for recycling or disposal.
• Do not pour liquid waste down floor drains, sinks or outdoor storm drains.
• Obtain and use drain mats to cover drains in case of a spill.
• Store cracked batteries in leak proof secondary containers.
References and Resources
Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program. 1992. Keeping it All in Tune: Car Repair and
Pollution Prevention. Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program, Hayward, CA.
Center for Watershed Protection. 1995. Auto Recyclers-Onsite BMP's Mitigate Urban
Runoff Hotspots. Watershed Protection Techniques, Vol. 1, No. 4.
Natural Resources Defense Council. 1999. Stormwater Strategies: Community Responses
to Runoff Pollution. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., New York, New York.
