78 Auto Fundamentals
Green Tech—Recycling
Shops generate many solid wastes, such as
paper cartons, plastic oil containers, and used
parts. Paper and plastic can be recycled at
local recycling drop-off sites. Many munici-
palities pick up recyclable paper and plastic.
Many defective parts can be returned for
rebuilding. These are called cores and always
have some value. Parts that are not recyclable
can be sent to scrap recyclers for the value of
their metal content. This is especially true of
iron and steel, aluminum, and copper.
Disposing of Waste Chemicals
Probably the most common cause of envi-
ronmental damage by auto shops is the unwise
disposal of used oil and other chemicals. These
used chemicals are classified as hazardous
waste. Pouring motor oil, transmission or brake
fl uid, antifreeze, or used cleaning solutions on
the ground immediately contaminates the soil.
These liquids sink further into the ground with
every rainstorm. Eventually, the chemicals will
contaminate the local source for drinking water.
Another common way in which liquids can
contaminate the ground and water is through
leaking storage tanks. Although this problem
is usually confi ned to underground gasoline
tanks, any kind of tank can begin leaking. The
shop is responsible for the safe disposal of these
chemicals.
While the shop is using these chemicals, the
shop is subject only to safety regulations con-
cerning employee exposure to hazardous chem-
icals. Once the shop is done with the chemicals,
however, they must be disposed of in a manner
approved by federal, state, and local guidelines.
Liquid wastes should never be disposed of by
pouring them into the local drainage system.
Municipal waste treatment plants cannot handle
the petroleum products, theirmanyadditives,and
the heavy metals absorbed from the vehicle during
their use. The Environmental Protection Agency
has established strict guidelines for disposing of
hazardous waste. In some cases, a company may
be liable for cleaning up a contaminated area
years after the actual violation occurred.
In many areas, local companies recycle haz-
ardous wastes. These companies accept used
oil and antifreeze for recycling. The used oil
and antifreeze is then refi ned and reused. Some
shops use heaters that burn used oil as a fuel,
eliminating the oil. Some used oil is burned by
power plants to produce electricity. Additional
information on waste disposal and vehicle emis-
sions can be obtained from the Environmental
Protection Agency.