TIPS: Pollution Prevention Guide for
Fleet Maintenance Facilities

ANTIFREEZE

• Recycle antifreeze either on-site or off-site. If more than 1,000 gallons per year of antifreeze is used, then the payback period will generally be less than one year.

PARTS CLEANING

• Reuse solvent by installing filtration or distillation units.
• Cover sinks to prevent solvent evaporation loss.
• To prevent spillage, remove parts from washers slowly.
• Consider alternatives to hazardous solvents. Many nonhazardous solvent substitutes are available, including high flash point hydrocarbon solvents (greater than 150 degrees F) and aqueous-based (water-based) solvents. (Note: Nonhazardous solvents can become hazardous as a result of contamination from, for example, carburetor cleaner, gasoline, or hazardous solvents.)
• Consider installing a bioremediation parts washer that uses enzymes to eat oil and grease.

OIL CONVERSION AND FILTRATION

• Contract with an oil recycler for waste oil collection and recycling.
• Institute an oil analysis program to ensure that oil is only changed when necessary. Reliable, low cost oil analysis equipment is available.
• Consider installing bypass filtration systems to extend oil life. Bypass filtration systems generally remove impurities as small as 1 micron in size.
• Drain and crush used oil filters and send to a recycling company. Certain companies recycle every component of the filter, including residual oil, metal, and the filter component.
• Install reusable screen filters for the main oil filter.

AEROSOL PRODUCTS

(Pressurized aerosol cans are considered hazardous and cannot legally be thrown in the trash. Cans may be depressurized by spraying remaining propellant or by special equipment that allows the can to be punctured in a safe manner.)

• Purchase chemicals (such as spray lubricant) in bulk and apply with either pump sprayers or new specialized spray cans which can be pressurized up to 200 pounds per square inch with shop air.
• Empty and depressurize used aerosol cans. Send the empty cans for metal recycling.

FACILITY MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING

• Minimize spills and clean-up by using drip pans.
• Use reusable absorbents and recovering spilled fluids with wringers for recycling. If wringing out flammable solvents, be sure to electrically ground the wringer.
• Sweep shop floors instead of hosing them down with water.
• Build a solids tray to reduce solids in the sump. Reassess the need for sumps. If you don't need a sump, plug it.
• Send contaminated shop rags to an industrial laundering facility for cleaning and reuse.
  (Note: The facility must be in compliance with all federal and state wastewater discharge regulations.)

BATTERIES

• Store lead-acid batteries, upright and off ground with a leak containment system around the area.
• Extend lead-acid battery life with advanced battery management programs. Trickle charge systems, solar trickle charge systems, and brass connectors can significantly extend battery life by improving conductivity and reducing sulfation of the lead plates in the battery.
• Consider new deep-cycle batteries which can last much longer than conventional batteries

RESOURCE PUBLICATIONS

• Recycle Texas (publication GI-224) lists companies that recycle various materials such as antifreeze, oil, and metals.

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