• Saving money on raw materials and waste management costs.

• Reducing concerns about penalties and liability.

• Creating a safer, healthier workplace.

How Do I Begin?

• Make a commitment to reducing wastes in every area of your business.

• Evaluate your shop?s wastes and identify areas where changes can be made.

• Encourage the participation of all employees through education, training and incentives.

Solvents

• Reduce or eliminate solvent use by determining whether cleaning is really necessary.

• Use a multi-purpose solvent to reduce the types of hazardous waste that need to be managed.

• Find less hazardous substitutes for solvents, such as citrus- based cleaners.

• Remove parts slowly from parts washers to minimize splashing and evaporation.

• Use solvent sinks properly: use drip trays, allow more drainage time, use filters to prolong solvent life and keep lids closed when not in use.

• Replace solvent only when necessary.

• Use dedicated equipment to minimize cross-contamination.

Training

• Train employees to use solvents and chemicals efficiently, using minimal amounts required to get the job done.

Automotive Fluids

• Keep used oil and other vehicle fluids segregated from solvent wastes and carburetor cleaner.

• Label waste containers clearly to prevent contamination of non-hazardous wastes.

• Contract with approved recycling services for used antifreeze, old lead acid batteries, used oil and oil filters.

• Use separate receptacles for draining used oil and antifreeze.

• Educate customers about recommended maintenance schedules and replacing fluids only when necessary.

Shop Practices

• Minimize inventory and use a ?first-in, first-out? system to prevent the need for disposal of old unused materials.

• Store raw materials and wastes in closed containers in a covered area protected from rain and sunlight.

• Use drip trays under leaking cars and removed parts to keep floors free of contamination.

• Prevent leaks and spills. Keep floors clean.

• Use the least hazardous type of floor cleaner available.

• For dirty rags, use an approved laundry service that discharges its water to a publicly owned sewer system.

• Do not discharge shop wastes to the ground surface, or to septic tanks.  Plug floor drains