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Training and Test
for Surface Cleaners
and Pressure Washers

Auto Repair and Auto Body Shops

Auto Repair
Auto Body

AUTO REPAIR

As a commercial sector, automotive service and repair shops constitute the largest small quantity generators of hazardous waste in the U.S. Boulder County has approximately 300 auto repair shops, of which approximately 130 shops operate in the city of Boulder. Source: Generation and Management of CESQG Waste, Office of Solid Waste, Municipal and Industrial Solid Waste Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, July 1994

Charlie Curran, of  Gene's Continental Coach, with Sarah Van Pelt, PACE Coordinator. 
His shop is fully a certified PACE partner.

Sources of Pollution from Auto Repair Shops

This table lists the primary waste streams in an auto repair shop. For most of these sources, less hazardous alternatives are available, or wastes can be reused or recycled.

Cleaning solvents and degreasers are usually the largest hazardous waste stream in a shop. Many solvents contain chlorinated compounds which can deplete the earth's protective ozone layer. Most solvents currently used are highly flammable and contain VOCs which contribute to smog. Chemicals commonly found in cleaning solvents may cause significant worker health concerns; examples include 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) which causes lung, liver, and brain damage, and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) which causes liver and kidney damage. Alternatives to petroleum-based solvents include detergent or citrus-based cleaners.

Another significant waste stream are lubricants (primarily used oil). Used oil contains toxic chemicals, and small amounts will contaminate a large quantity of water. Re-refining of used oil is an excellent pollution prevention option because it is much more efficient than refining crude oil. Used oil can also be burned on- or off-site for heat or energy production.

Other solid and hazardous waste streams include rags and absorbents, used tires and rubber parts, used filters, and used batteries. All of these streams can be reused or recycled to avoid landfilling of waste and possible contamination of soil and water from hazardous materials.

Pollution Prevention Successes

Examples of pollution prevention measures implemented by auto repair shops in 1997 and the related benefits are provided in this table.

AUTO BODY
Paints and solvents used in auto body shops are significant sources of air pollutant emissions. New technologies such as HVLP paint guns and high solids paints help to decrease air emissions. Because of the cost savings associated with the use of these products, most of the shops in the city of Boulder have implemented these changes. Boulder County has approximately 45 auto body shops, 26 of which are in the city of Boulder.

Sources of Pollution

The primary pollutants of concern for auto body shops are VOCs emitted during painting operations, hazardous wastes generated from solvents, thinners and metal-based paints, and dust emitted during sanding operations that may be washed into storm water drains. In addition, body shops may generate wastes similar to general auto repair shops, such as lubricating fluids, antifreeze, tires, batteries, brakes, refrigerants, filters, and rags, as listed in this table.

Pollution Prevention Successes

A number of pollution prevention measures implemented at auto body shops have resulted in significant savings due to reduced raw material purchases and disposal costs. Some of the most successful measures are listed in this table.