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Environmental and Health Issues and Recommendations  Prevents Waste:
Parts washing equipment with cleaning and filtering stages keeps solvent cleaner longer, resulting in less solvent being disposed.  Less Hazardous:
Some shops have switched from ignitable parts cleaners to those with higher flashpoints in order to reduce the hazards of storing and using cleaners and disposing of waste.  Air Quality -- Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):
Several shops have switched to aqueous- (water-) based cleaners that do not contain VOCs. This reduces exposure risks to workers and is better for the environment.
See the Introduction for complete descriptions of these environmental and health issues.
BACKGROUND AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH ISSUES
In the course of routine cleaning, many shops use parts washing systems for engines and other equipment parts. Parts washing systems include standard recirculating parts washers, distillation units, and those with multiple filters. In choosing the right parts cleaning system, a department should evaluate both the equipment and the cleaning solvent it uses, as well as the type of parts to be cleaned.
Start by determining your needs. The right choice will be a combination of system and cleaner that is safe, effective, and convenient while minimizing unnecessary costs. With parts washing services, seek out an appropriate level or frequency of service; also important are its record-keeping and management services that assure regulatory compliance.
Whether water-based (aqueous) or petroleum-based, cleaning solvents present their own environmental concerns. Along with the waste produced during usage, cleaners may pose exposure risks to employees. In most instances, shops must manage wastes produced during parts cleaning as hazardous.
By investigating regulations first, the State can avoid costly testing and compliance problems later. Failure to gain the necessary approvals prior to disposal of parts cleaning wastes can result in enforcement action and other liabilities.
LAWS AND GUIDELINES
The laws and regulations that apply to parts cleaning wastes include California Hazardous Waste regulations, California statutes, and federal regulations.
Before deciding on a parts washing system, know the regulatory advantages and disadvantages of each type. Whether aqueous- or petroleum-based, waste parts washer solvent must be managed as hazardous waste - unless an evaluation determines that the waste is non-hazardous. Waste evaluations may consist of knowledge regarding the chemical ingredients in the cleaner and the contaminants introduced to the cleaning solutions during cleaning; sometimes, additional testing may be necessary. If your parts cleaner service or supplier does not address regulatory concerns that apply to your parts washer, consult with your hazardous waste regulatory program for assistance.
PERFORMANCE
There are several different parts washing systems. Based on the type of parts that are routinely cleaned as well as the type and amount of grime on the parts, determine which system is best for your shop.
First, decide whether you need a parts washer. Some small repair shops have eliminated the need for their parts washers. They directly apply small amounts of cleaners to parts and then wipe them clean with rags instead. The rags are later laundered and reused.
If you need a parts washer, decide what parts washing system and solvent you will require. Types range from standard recirculating parts washers and distillation units to units with multiple filters. Additional consideration should be given to the size of the parts to be cleaned, the dirtiness of the parts, and the frequency with which the system will be used.
After identifying a parts washing system, choose a cleaning solvent. Solvents are either aqueous- or petroleum-based.
Aqueous-based solvents
These water-based solvents are usually less hazardous to the user than their petroleum-based counterparts. They clean by using a surfactant (such as soap or detergent), a corrosive or alkaline ingredient, or another type of chemical to remove soil from parts. Unlike those of 10 to 15 years ago, most aqueous solutions today are pH neutral.
Although water-based cleaners are often touted as being "non-hazardous", "sewer-able", or "environmentally friendly", they must be managed as a hazardous waste unless the waste has been evaluated and found not to exhibit hazardous characteristics. It is important for users of parts washers to understand that the solvent is water-based and that no other fluids except greases and oils are added.
Petroleum-based cleaners
Many areas in California now ban the use of VOC solvents. See your local air district's rules. Most petroleum-based systems use mineral spirits, Stoddard, or similar petroleum-based solvents. Exposure to concentrated vapors from these solvents can cause breathing problems and headaches. These solvents are also ignitable. Cleaners with higher flashpoints (>140°F) are available to reduce the risk of ignition. Shops using petroleum-based cleaners must take extra precautions when using and storing the product and managing the wastes.
AVAILABILITY
There are many different kinds of equipment, cleaners, and services, including simple "sink-on-a-drum" equipment and spray cabinets. Cleaners are available through vendor representatives. Parts cleaner collection and disposal services are available statewide.
COST
Parts Cleaner Services
Service costs vary according to equipment type and service level required. Disposal of used cleaner is included in the equipment-servicing contract.
Some parts washers, such as those with filters and skimmers, extend the bath life of the cleaner so that it is less expensive to utilize. This saves money on original setup and frequency.
Shops that can purchase their own parts washers and dispose of the solution through their hazardous waste disposal contracts may achieve higher cost savings over a more convenient service contract. See the DTSC document titled Case Studies in Aqueous Parts Cleaning.
Aqueous-Based Cleaners
Although aqueous cleaners cost more per gallon than petroleum-based cleaners, they generally last 25 percent to 50 percent longer. Aqueous cleaners can therefore reduce waste production. Because they must be heated in order to be effective, electricity costs are higher than with petroleum-based cleaners. See the DTSC's fact sheets.
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for parts cleaning equipment, cleaners, and services vary depending on the types of parts you are cleaning, amount and type of grime you are trying to remove, and the volume. See the Performance section. When writing specifications for a parts washer, include a preference for equipment with two-stage cleaning and a recirculating feature with built-in filtration to continuously remove dirt and contaminants. If you are purchasing equipment that utilizes aqueous-based cleaners, also include a preference for equipment with a skimmer to remove oils and other floating contaminants.
VENDORS
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Contract
The Caltrans Division of Equipment has three regional service contracts: 32A0087, 32A0088 and 32A0089 with Safety-Kleen Systems -- for supplying and maintaining automatic parts washers that use aqueous-based less-toxic cleaners. This contract is only available for use by Caltrans; however, it can be used as a model by others. The term of the agreement is June 1, 2007 through May 31, 2010.
Other Vendors
To find equipment manufacturers and distributors, conduct an Internet search using the words "parts washers."
SUCCESS STORIES
California Local Agencies
Each of the local agency operations featured in the DTSC document titled Case Studies in Aqueous Parts Cleaning successfully switched from solvent to aqueous (water-based) parts cleaning, or from one brand of aqueous cleaner to another. These case studies, which are based upon studies conducted between 1997 and 1999, prove that aqueous cleaners are capable of meeting or exceeding the many parts cleaning challenges encountered in a wide variety of fleet maintenance operations.
Anoka County, Minnesota
In 1998, the Anoka County Highway Department switched one of two parts washers to an aqueous-based system. In the other solvent-based parts washer, the department began using a solvent with a higher flash point. Besides increasing worker safety, these changes resulted in a 50 percent reduction in the amount of solvent requiring disposal as hazardous waste.
RESOURCES AND WEBSITES
California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB)
Sacramento, CA
(916) 341-6000
The CIWMB's mission is to reduce waste, promote the management of all materials to their highest and best use, and protect public health and safety and the environment, in partnership with all Californians. See the Waste Prevention Information Exchange Automotive Waste Prevention Web page.
California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
Pollution Prevention - Vehicle Service and Repair Program
(800) 700-5854
The goal of the DTSC's Vehicle Service and Repair Industry Pollution Prevention Program is to reduce environmental and health impacts of vehicle repair and maintenance operations in California.
National Pollution Prevention Roundtable
Washington, DC
(202) 299-9701
The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (Roundtable), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the largest membership organization in the United States devoted solely to pollution prevention. The mission of the Roundtable is to provide a national forum for promoting the development, implementation, and evaluation of efforts to avoid, eliminate, or reduce pollution at the source.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Region 9
Environmental Information Center
San Francisco, CA
(866) EPA-WEST
Region 9 of the USEPA provides executive summaries of studies of water-based parts washing systems.
Caltrans Parts Washing Service Contract
Agreement 32A0040 Summary STD 215
Bid Proposal
Agreement 32A0040 STD 213
Appendix A to Agreement 32A0040
Special Note: Portions of the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Best Practices Manual were borrowed or adapted from the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide published by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board of Minnesota.
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