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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 Various methods are used to clean oil and grease from auto parts before sale. This fact sheet covers the environmental issues associated with solvent cleaning methods such as parts washers containing mineral spirits. Aqueous cleaning (e.g., pressure washers, enclosed spray washers, steam cleaning) is covered under a separate fact sheet. Used solvents are often the largest hazardous waste stream created by automotive recyclers. Used solvents can be harmful to workers and the environment because they are toxic and they emit dangerous vapors. In addition, solvent parts washers use cleaning solutions that eventually become spent and must be disposed of. If your operation still uses a parts washing system that contains a hazardous solvent, you are likely generating listed hazardous wastes. In addition, many solvents may be hazardous because of ignitability (low flash points). The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has incorporated by reference, the U.S. EPA's hazardous waste regulations at N.J.A.C. 7:26G. Therefore, when using hazardous solvents in your parts washing system, you are required to prove the solvents are non-hazardous or assume that they are hazardous and manage them accordingly. This means keeping track of the amount generated each month and disposing of them as hazardous waste. For more information on handling, storing and disposing hazardous wastes, see the ECAR Hazardous Waste fact sheet. The following are some of the common spent halogenated and non-halogenated solvents used in degreasing operations that are considered hazardous:
In addition to the solvents used, the parts washing systems generate sludge, which is usually hazardous because it contains toxic metals and solvents from the parts cleaned. Rags used to wipe parts off after being washed are also hazardous if they contain toxic metals at concentrations exceeding regulatory limits or listed hazardous solvents. See the ECAR Shop Towels fact sheet. Many parts washers use filters that must be periodically changed. You need to determine if your used filters are hazardous by using the same process you used to determine if your solvent is hazardous. The skimmed oil may contain hazardous waste. However, you may still be able to manage it as used oil. Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to solvent cleaning processes. New Jersey Hazardous Waste Regulations 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 solvent cleaning operations.
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 solvent cleaning.
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