An On-line Manual for
Pollution Prevention

The following on-line manual addresses a wide range of cost-effective processes and product substitutions which are beneficial to vehicle maintenance providers and to the environment.

All of the suggestions offered are designed to reduce the use of hazardous materials, material storage and disposal costs, as well as liability and regulatory concerns connected with those materials.

The Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Workbook is part of the Department of Environmental Protection's ongoing efforts to prevent pollution and improve the quality of life and the environment in Montgomery County.

In 2005, the Department of Environmental Protection partnered with a number of vehicle maintenance and repair shops interested in improving their pollution prevention practices. These shops worked with DEP through a certification process that incorporated best environmental practices into many aspects of their businesses. DEP is proud to recognize the following businesses that have made important contributions to restoring and preserving the quality of our environment and our community by reducing pollution and improving productivity and safety.

For more information,please contact the Division of Environmental Policy and Compliance by  phone at 240.777.7770  or email.

Summary of Topics

Aerosol Cans
Effective alternatives to aerosol cans are readily available. Using the alternatives outlined in this factsheet can reduce your product costs, regulatory requirements, and eliminate or reduce your worker's exposure to harmful vapors. Some of the alternatives to aerosol cans include refillable spray bottles and aqueous brake washers.  For example, aqueous brake washers may be substituted for cans of solvent-based aerosol brake cleaners.

Parts Washing
Using some of the effective alternatives which are readily available, you can reduce the amount of labor previously needed for parts scrubbing, while also reducing the paperwork for materials purchasing, and simplifying the reporting in response to regulatory requirements. For example, there are hundreds of aqueous cleaners on the market. These water-based cleaners contain less than five percent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and, unlike petroleum-based solvents, they are typically nonflammable.

Refrigerants
Refrigerants containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), such as CFC-12, are suspected of contributing to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. The ozone layer acts as a blanket in the stratosphere that protects us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Scientists worldwide believe that man-made chemicals such as CFC-12 (also known by the trade name freon) are rapidly destroying this layer of gas 10 to 30 miles above the earth’s surface.

Your Generator Status
It is important to know whether you generate hazardous waste and the amount of hazardous waste you generate. It is equally important to realize that you may be able to significantly reduce this quantity, saving your shop both money and time.

Hazardous & Toxic Substances:
Employees "Right-to-Know" Law
The "Right-to-Know" Law gives employees a right to learn about chemical hazards in the workplace and how to work safely with these materials. The law requires employers to prepare a list of all hazardous and toxic substances used in the workplace and to obtain material safety data sheets (MSDS) for these substances. Employers also must label or otherwise identify containers of hazardous chemicals. Employees must be told how to obtain information about the hazardous substances in their workplaces and must be provided proper training in the safe use of these materials.

Managing Used Oil
Through normal use, metal and dirt can contaminate vehicle oils. These potentially toxic contaminants could cause the used oil to be characterized as hazardous. Fortunately, used oils are exempt from federal and some state hazardous waste regulations as long as the oils are reused or recycled and are not mixed with other hazardous materials, such as chlorinated solvents.

Spill Prevention and Cleanup
The purpose of spill prevention is to prevent and contain spills, thus avoiding discharges to the stormwater or the sanitary sewer system. If you are successful, your discharges will be limited to wastewater from your bathrooms entering the sewers and rain water from your roof and parking lot flowing down stormdrains. Cleanup cost can be very high, so it pays to prevent spills or leaks.

Shop Towels & Absorbents
Used towels containing oil, solvent, or other potentially hazardous waste should be stored in a non-combustible container away from any ignition source between the time they are used and washed for re-use, or properly disposed. This method will reduce the risk of fire and explosion.

Automotive Filter Recycling
Auto repair shops produce several different types of sed filters: engine oil, fuel, transmission and antifreeze (from antifreeze recycling units). You can minimize waste and reduce the potential impact on the environment either by recycling used filters or properly storing and disposing of them.

Antifreeze Recycling & Disposal
Did you know that using recycled antifreeze is less expensive than virgin antifreeze and helps reduce our dependence on limited natural resources? In fact, waste antifreeze should be recycled either in an on-site unit, by a mobile service or off-site. Waste antifreeze may contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and chromium in high enough levels to make it a regulated hazardous waste. Antifreeze is not considered hazardous waste if recycled into a closed loop system on site.

Proper Battery Storage & Disposal
Used Lead Acid Batteries can be classified as hazardous waste under federal and state law. You can avoid the liability and reporting responsibilities associated with hazardous waste storage and disposal by properly recycling your used lead acid batteries. Battery components are toxic and corrosive. Lead and sulfuric acid can contaminate the air, soil and water. Direct contact with sulfuric acid can burn the skin and eyes. Exposure to lead in the environment can pose a serious health hazard.

Tire Recycling & Storage
The improper storage of scrap tires can create health, environmental and safety risks to you. Piles of scrap tires exposed to the elements create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes that are known carriers of West Nile Virus and other diseases. Scrap tires also provide perfect habitat for rats and other vectors and presents a fire hazard when improperly stored.

Engine, Floor & Vehicle Washing
Vehicle maintenance and repair shops can generate wastewater from engine, vehicle and floor washing. Wastewater includes any water or fluids that go down floor drains or sinks. Because, vehicle repair wastewater may contain chemicals such as oils, degreasers, heavy metals, antifreeze, and solvents, the wastewater may be considered a hazardous waste. Wastewater contaminated with these chemicals can cause serious pollution if discharged to stormdrains or septic systems.