ECAR
Fact Sheet for Delaware
Window-Washing Fluid
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The
following fact sheet was prepared by the ECAR Center staff. Once
prepared, each ECAR Center fact sheet undergoes a review process
with the applicable state environmental agency(ies). You can check
on the status of the review process here.
Please read the disclaimer on the status page. While we have tried
to present a summary of the essential information on this topic,
you should be aware that other items, such as local regulations,
may apply to you.
What You Need to Know
The
main thing to remember about window-washing fluid is not to mix
it with any other fluid that could turn it into a hazardous waste.
If you keep it uncontaminated, it does not have to be a waste
at all -- it can even be of value to you, since recovered window-washing
fluid can be resold or given to customers or employees.
But
even if you have kept it clean, do not pour it down the drain.
The
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
(DNREC) has prepared a guidance document to help auto recyclers
manage window-washing fluid. You can access the guidance for window-washing
fluid under "Other Relevant Resources."
Regulations
Window-washing
fluid is mainly water with small amounts of alcohol and detergent
and possibly antifreeze. The regulations for handling window wiper
fluid are similar from state to state, meaning that if window wiper
fluid is not mixed with other fluids, it can be recycled without
any regulatory impacts. In Delaware, window-washing fluid cannot
be disposed of onto the ground, in septic tanks, in sewer systems,
or storm drains.
If
window-washing fluid is combined with other fluids, the mixture
may be a hazardous waste and you should perform a hazardous waste
determination. See the ECAR Hazardous Waste fact sheet
for more information.
Links
to the Regulations.
Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to window
washing fluid.
Delaware's
Hazardous Waste Management Requirements
Federal
EPA Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste
Self-Audit
Checklist
When
an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things he
or she checks to see if you are in compliance with environmental
regulations. It makes good sense for you to perform a "self-audit"
and catch and correct problems before they result in penalties.
Also, there are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits
(see Audit Policy Page).
Use
the following list to audit your procedures for recycle/disposal
of window-washing fluid.
- Window-washing fluid can be managed as a non-hazardous
waste if it is not combined with other fluids. Verify that window-washing
fluid is accumulated into separate storage containers and that
no other types of fluids are added to these containers.
- Window-washing fluid cannot be disposed of onto
the ground, in septic tanks, in sewer systems, or storm drains. Verify that procedures are
in place to properly manage and dispose/recycle window-washing
fluid.
Best
Management Practices (BMPs)
Most
regulations tell you what you have to do to be in compliance, but
they don't explain how to do it. That's where "best management
practices" come into play. BMPs are proven methods that help
you to get into compliance and stay there.
The
following BMPs are recommended for management and recycle of window-washing
fluid:
- Drain window-washing
fluid from vehicles as soon as possible after they enter your
facility.
- Reuse
window-washing fluid in salvage facility or employee vehicles.
- Sell
or give away removed window-washing fluid to customers.
- Store
window-washing fluid in covered containers on a curbed, coated
or lined, concrete surface with spill controls, including drip-pans
and absorbents.
- Do
not pour window-washing fluid on the ground.
- Do
not pour window-washing fluid down sanitary sewers, storm water
sewers or septic drains.
- Do
not mix window-washing fluid with other fluids.
Contacts
- For more information, contact the Delaware Department of Natural Resources
and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Air and Waste Management,
Hazardous Waste Program at 302-739-3689.
- To report an emergency spill or leak, call the DNREC 24-hour Release
Reporting Hotline at 800-662-8802, or 302-739-5072 (business hours),
or the National Response Center at 800-424-8802. Releases by transporters
must be reported by calling the 24-hour hotline at 800-662-8802,
or the DNREC at 302-739-3689 or 302-739-4580.
- To
report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest
regional office, or call the Toll-Free
24-Hour Environmental Complaint Line.
Related
ECAR Fact Sheets
None.
Other
Relevant Resources
- Delaware - Window-Washing Fluid Guidance
in Salvage Yard Guidance Document (Chapter 2b)
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