Applicable Regulations
40 CFR Part 260-268. 49 CFR Part 170-173.
State of Michigan Act 451 Part 111.
Overview of Procedure
During vehicle and equipment
maintenance, many parts must be cleaned. Because most lubricating fluids in engines are
petroleum based, a petroleum-based solvent is needed to clean the parts. As the solvent is
reused, its cleaning capacity diminishes until it no longer efficiently cleans the parts
and is "spent." Spent petroleum based solvents are typically considered
hazardous waste, and therefore expensive to dispose. Centralized parts cleaning stations
are used to dispense and collect spent solvent for recycling.
Waste
Minimization Procedure
Several self-contained
parts cleaning stations have been installed around the maintenance garages. The stations
centralize the solvent use. As the solvent is used, it is collected at the parts cleaning
station. Spent solvent is accumulated, picked up by the supplier, and transported off-site
for recycling. The spent solvent is replaced with new solvent, as needed, at the time the
spent solvent is picked up for recycling.
Known
Limitations
Used solvent soiled rags, and other
miscellaneous materials that are contaminated during the cleaning process, are not
recycled.
Safety
& Health Precautions/Personal Protective Equipment
Follow all applicable
safety and health protocols and regulations as established by your institution.
Benefits
Centralized stations
designed for cleaning parts helps control solvent usage. Supplier pick up and replacement
of spent solvent is a very convenient, closed system. Recycling reduces waste disposal
costs, and the paperwork associated with it.
Disadvantages
Spent solvent must still
be handled and transported as hazardous waste to the recycling facility.
Project
Related Costs
The approximate annual
cost for solvent supply and recycling is $6,000. The $6,000 is representative of a service
contract with a vendor who replaces approximately 2,000 gallons of new solvent from five
degreasing stations, and costs associated with transportation and recycling of 2,000
gallons of used solvent.
If the 2,000 gallons of solvents were
disposed of as opposed to being recycled, current disposal costs would approximately be
$8,500, annually. |
