ECAR
Fact Sheet for North Carolina
Window-Washing
Fluid

Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources
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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.
Regulations
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.
North
Carolina Hazardous Waste Management Regulations
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 during
dismantling and before vehicle is stored in the yard.
- Store window-washing fluid on
a concrete (impermeable) surface in covered containers that are
clearly marked (e.g., "Reclaimed Window-washing Fluid."
- Reuse reclaimed window-washing
fluid in facility or employee vehicles.
- Sell or give away reclaimed window-washing
fluid to customers.
Contacts
- For additional information, please
contact the North Carolina Hazardous Waste Section at
919-508-8400.
- To report a spill or leak, call
1-800-662-7956.
- To report an environmental incident
or complaint, contact the nearest DENR
Regional Office.
Related
ECAR Fact Sheets
None.
Other
Relevant Resources
None.
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