Are you an auto or motorcycle repair shop owner looking to “green” your operations? First, you must bring your business into compliance with all local, state and federal environmental regulations. Then you must adopt pollution prevention and resource conservation practices. Here are some examples of some of the practices you can adopt.
Good Housekeeping & Pollution Prevention
- Minimize the liquids that you use and discharge. Clean up spills immediately and use dry clean-up practices.
- Eliminate the use of absorbent material such as kitty litter, rice hulls, and dry sweep. Instead use a squeegee and dust pan or an oil mop.
- Replace your petroleum naphtha solvent (crude oil based industrial strength degreaser) sink with an aqueous-based (water based industrial strength degreaser) sink or parts washer.
Solid Waste Reduction
- Purchase and encourage employees to use recycling containers for newspapers, cardboard, plastic, and glass.
- Order motor oil, anti-freeze, and all other fresh fluids in bulk, rather than in multiple, individual containers.
- Eliminate the use of spray cans. Replace with brake cleaning sinks or refillable spray containers.
Energy Savings
- Replace T-12 bulbs (high output fluorescent bulbs) and fixtures with T-8’s whenever feasible to produce good lighting with lower energy use. T-8’s use 20% less power compared to standard T-12 fluorescent bulbs.
- Install timers and/or motion sensors to shut off lights in rooms and work areas that are not in constant use throughout the work day.
Water Savings
- Eliminate all unnecessary car and equipment washing. When exterior cleaning is required, use only plain water to prevent soapy water from entering the storm drain system.
- Check your water bill monthly to look for and investigate spikes in use. Those spikes may indicate a leak in your plumbing. Repair any leaks you find.
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