ECAR
Fact Sheet for Nebraska
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. 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 Nebraska, 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.
Nebraska’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 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 more information, contact the Nebraska Department
of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) Waste Management Program at 402-471-2186.
- To report a spill or leak, call the NDEQ spill hotline
at 402-471-2186, or 402-471-4545 (weeknights, weekends and holidays).
- To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact
the nearest NDEQ
Regional Office.
Related
ECAR Fact Sheets
None.
Other
Relevant Resources
None.
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