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ECAR
Fact Sheet for Minnesota
Regulations BACK to VIRTUAL TOUR 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. Window-washing fluid is mainly water with small amounts of alcohol and detergent and possibly antifreeze. Unless window wiper fluid is mixed with other fluids, it can be recycled without any regulatory impacts. Window-washing fluid should be carefully drained, stored and recycled to prevent pollution from spills. 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. Minnesota Hazardous Waste Rules Federal EPA Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste 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.
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:
For more information, contact the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Regional Office closest to you:
*Report petroleum and fuel spills of five or more gallons, and any other chemical spill (including lead-acid batteries) which may cause pollution, to the State Duty Officer at 651-649-5451 or 1-800-422-0798. None. BACK
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