North Carolina National Guard

Year Submitted: 2007

Process: Vehicle Washing

Industry: Automotive Maintenance

Wastes Reduced: Solvent

Location: Raleigh NC

Contact: Joseph Howard

Phone: (919) 664-6283

Description:

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P2 Application:

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Video: 1

• Total Cost Savings: $5,500.00
• Comments: The aqueous jet washer saves $600 per year in operating costs. The oil recycling saves approximately $500 per year. Total cost savings from all recycling at the facility are approximately $3200 per year. At an estimated cost of $0.05 per rag, washable shop rags save approximately $1200 per year. The total cost savings for all waste reduction projects is approximately $5500.

Details of Reductions

• Mineral spirits based cleaners
  Comments: The facility recently began a trial period with a Safety-Kleen aqueous solution parts washer. This new unit uses a baking soda type cleaner in place of traditional mineral spirits based cleaners. The vendor claims the spent solution may not have to be handled as a hazardous waste depending on the nature of the parts being cleaned. If this proves to be the case, the facility will begin implementing the new machines at the end of the trial period, and plan to replace the majority of the mineral based solvent cleaners with biodegradable ones.

• 1,275.0 - Gallons of   Oil
  Comments: Oil Testing When a vehicle is serviced, the oil is sampled and tested for metals content at a military laboratory to determine if the oil needs to be replaced. If the metals content is above a threshold level, the oil is removed for recycling the next time the vehicle comes to the shop. Replacing oil only when it is contaminated rather than at certain mileage intervals has significantly reduced the frequency of oil changes and also reduced virgin oil consumption and spent oil management. The facility estimates this practice has reduced oil consumption by 15-20%. (Several laboratories in NC provide this testing service. The charge is around $5, which is generally cheaper than the cost of the replacement oil and labor required).

• 575.0 - Gallons of   Antifreeze
  Comments: Recycling Used oil and antifreeze is collected and recycled. Additionally, the facility purchased an oil filter crusher. After the filters are crushed, the oil is drained and recycled.

• 1.0 - Barrels of   Crushed Oil Filters
  Comments: Additionally, the facility purchased an oil filter crusher. After the filters are crushed, the oil is drained and recycled.

Additional Information :

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Source: WRRC