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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. If your operation still uses a parts washing system that contains a hazardous solvent, you may be generating listed hazardous wastes. In addition, many solvents may be hazardous because of ignitability. You may also be subject to state requirements. For more information on these, contact your regional office (see Contacts section below). When using hazardous solvents in your parts washing system, you are required to keep track of the amount generated each month and dispose of them as hazardous waste. For more information on handling, storing and disposing hazardous wastes, see the Auto Recycling Plain Language Guide to Solid/Hazardous Waste Management. The following are some of the common spent halogenated and non-halogenated solvents used in degreasing operations that are considered hazardous:
Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to aqueous cleaning processes. Federal Hazardous Waste regulations Part 261 - Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste Federal Hazardous Waste regulations Part 262 - Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste New York Conservation Rules and Regulations on Solvent Cleaning Processes (6 NYCRR 226) 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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