The Risks of Hazardous Waste, and How One Auto Repair Shop Solved Them

If you operate auto repair or collision facilities in multiple states, dealing with hazardous waste can be considerably complex. Improperly handling and disposing of these materials, such as by putting them in garbage cans, down drains or in sewage systems can be harmful, potentially life-threatening, and illegal. During the pandemic, EPA enforcement of these practices was relaxed. But renewed vigor in EPA enforcement, now ramping back to pre-COVID-19 levels, has put proper hazard disposal back on the forefront, and should be a priority for auto repair facilities.

The Waste Streams of Auto Repair Shops

Hazardous waste is defined as any waste with characteristics such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity or toxicity, all of which can make their handling dangerous, or harmful to the environment and people’s health. Many materials and liquids in auto repair shops may be considered hazardous waste including (but not limited to) paint and solvents, used oil, used antifreeze, waste gasoline, chemical containers, spent aerosol cans, shop dust, oil filters, batteries and vehicle lights. While the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act gives EPA the authority to control hazardous waste “from cradle to grave,” items that are considered hazardous, as well as their disposal requirements, vary from state to state. For example, some states (such as California) have more stringent requirements, resulting in more hazardous waste streams. States may also differ in how long certain materials or liquids can be kept before their required disposal.

Inadequate hazardous waste handling can put your company at significant financial risk. Large chains such as Firestone Auto Care, AutoZone, AutoNation and Service King have spent millions of dollars in recent years to settle cases where they were accused of improperly handling and disposing of hazardous waste.

A sample of recent settlements from improper hazardous waste disposal, 2018-2022

Visit our website to learn more https://www.gmgenvirosafe.com/