Specific businesses

Automotive repair facilities generate a variety of wastes that may be hazardous.

AEROSOL CANS

Aerosol cans (brake cleaner, carburetor cleaner, etc.) that are not completely empty may designate as hazardous waste. Empty cans can be disposed of as a solid waste or scrap metal.

CLEAN UP AND PREVENT SPILLS or LEAKS

Use drip pans and ground cloths under vehicles. Drain and recycle fluids from leaking vehicles as soon as possible. Train employees on spill prevention and response procedures. Keep a fully stocked spill kit accessible.

CLEANING AUTO PARTS

Arrange drip pans, drying racks, and drain boards so the fluids are directed into a holding tank. Recycle used solutions through a licensed hazardous waste hauler.

Dispose of waste properly

Recycle oil, oil filters, and antifreeze. Never mix hazardous wastes, and label all hazardous materials clearly. Use a licensed hazardous waste vendor or self-haul to the Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Station.

BRAKE FLUID

Because brake fluid is not crude-based, it shouldn't be added to used oil. Due to toxicity, brake fluid is typically hazardous. It also becomes hazardous when contaminated with chlorinated solvents from spray can brake cleaner.

PARTS WASHER (SOLVENTS)

Used parts washer solvents often become dangerous waste. The solvent itself can often be recycled but likely must be managed as dangerous waste.

SPENT ANTIFREEZE

Antifreeze may contain a toxic substance called ethylene glycol. Drain spent antifreeze from radiators and heater cores promptly to prevent spills. If spent antifreeze is recycled, it does not need to be counted as a hazardous waste.

USED OIL

Do not mix oil with other waste. Your business can either hire a hazardous waste vendor, self-haul to the Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Station, or burn onsite in an appropriate furnace.

OIL FILTERS

Used oil filters can be processed to recycle both the used oil and steel remains. To drain, puncture the top of the filter, turn upside down for 24 hours into a suitable container, or crush the filter to force the oil and sludge out. Properly drained oil filters can be recycled as scrap metal.

Operate a clean, dry shop and dumpster area

Sweep, mop or vacuum instead of hosing down garage floors or outdoor work areas. Keep dumpster areas clean and the lids closed. Do not fill dumpsters with liquid waste or hose them out.

Protect Outdoor Work and Storage areas

Cover equipment, materials, and work or storage areas. All hazardous waste stored outside must be stored undercover and in secondary containment.

Shop towels

If your towels are being laundered by a vendor, they do not need to be managed and counted as a hazardous waste. If your towels are being disposed of, they are considered hazardous waste if they fail hazardous waste tests (ignitable, toxic, etc.) or have solvents on them.