...BUT IT DOESN'T HAVE TO!
Read on for easy and inexpensive practices that can and should be implemented by any auto shop...

Keep the Shop Dry
After being washed down the drain, water flows untreated directly to our creeks, streams, lakes, bays and oceans.
~Never hose down the work area!
~Close off floor drains!

Use Absorbants Wisely
Cleaning an oil spill up with absorbants (kitty litter, rice hulls etc) and throwing those absorbants in the trash just moves that oil from the shop to the landfill, where it is then sent off to our waterways.
~Clean up the spill with shop vacs and transfer to the proper bins for recycling.
~Wipe up the spill with a rag and clean the rag with Microbial parts cleaner. Let the bacteria eat up the oil.

Find Alternatives to VOC's
Many of the cleaners used in auto repair (brake cleaner, carb cleaner etc.) are in aerosol cans. These cans contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's), which are harmful to the ozone. When used up those cans end up in the landfill.
~Buy cleaners in bulk and administer from refillable spray bottles

Use Aqueous Parts Cleaners
Mineral spirits, the method most commonly used to effectively clean grimy parts, is also effective at being hard on our environment. In addition, it is potentially hard on worker health and is a fire hazard. It contains VOC’s, which when inhaled can be toxic. Also, mineral spirits is considered a hazardous waste and is difficult to dispose of.
~Use aqueous parts cleaners
Two common types of cleaners are
1. Spray Cabinets - use heat and agitation to clean parts
2. Microbial Units - Remember how they cleaned up the Exxon Valdez spill?
.... These cleaners implement the same technology to clean up your brakes.

Recycle, Recycle, Recycle
So much of the waste generated in an auto repair shop can be recycled.
~Antifreeze
Two ounces of ethylene glycol antifreeze can kill a dog, one teaspoon can be lethal to a cat, and two tablespoons can be hazardous to children.
It is estimated that only 12% of antifreeze is recycled each year. And the thing is, it’s not hard!
~Used Oil
Used oil materials contain small quantities of substances that could contaminate air, soil and ground water. They may contain trace metals, chlorinated solvents, gasoline, hydrocarbons, glycols and PCBs.
~Cardboard
All those little bits (and big bits) for your car come in cardboard boxes. We generate a large amount of cardboard in our business. Luckily, it can all be recycled!

Remember Your Power As A Consumer!!!