Solid Waste
Auto Body Shops
Pollution Prevention Guide
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During automotive repair, glass, metals, plastics, cardboard, tires and rubber
parts, and other non-hazardous solid wastes are generated. Fortunately, the
majority of these used materials can be reused or recycled in Montana. Solid
wastes that cannot be reused or recycled can be disposed of at your local solid
waste management facility (such as a landfill) as long as it has not come in
contact with regulated hazardous waste. Contact your local solid waste authority
for help in disposing of your waste.
To reduce solid waste in auto body shops:
- Buy products in bulk whenever possible
- Reuse used materials on-site
- Recycle what cannot be reused
Special Note:
Most brake shoes contain asbestos, a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral.
When disturbed, asbestos fibers can be released into the air where they
can be inhaled by you andyour co-workers. Lung cancer and other cancers
can result from inhaling asbestos. Contact your local solid waste authority
for help in disposing of asbestos-containing brake shoes. |
The following series of questions will help you develop ways of preventing
pollution in solid waste management:
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Auto Body Solid Waste
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NO
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| 1) How much of the vehicle do you reuse? By salvaging
and reusing parts from the automobiles, you can save money on new parts.
Many suppliers also sell at reduced cost used or refurbished parts. |
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| 2) What is recyclable in your area? Check with your
local recycling business to determine what is recyclable in your area. The
most commonly recycled materials include metal parts, corrugated cardboard,
newspapers, white paper, colored paper, computer paper, aluminum cans, and
some plastics. Depending upon the market, you might get money for each pound
of recyclables you bring in. |
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| 3) Do you pay to have used tires disposed? Used tires
are subject to different regulations and disposal fees across the country.
Consult for local regulations and opportunities to recycle or legally dispose. |
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| 4) Are tires stored in a way that reduces the hazard of fire and
the accumulation of water? Tires stored outside can be breeding
grounds for disease carrying mosquitos and present a fire hazard. Tires
should be stored in a way that keeps out pests and moisture. Do not store
them on-site for more than six months. |
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| 5) When replacing asbestos brake shoes and pads, do you collect
and contain any loose asbestos that might be released? Asbestos-containing
brake linings include drum brake linings, disc brake pads, and brake blocks.
Because of the health and safety concern with handling asbestos, it is important
to minimize dust and waste. Never spray the brake with a high pressure stream
of water or air. The spray could blow fibers into the shop's air. Gently
wet down loose asbestos dust before sweeping the shop floor. If a vacuum
is used to contain the asbestos dust, use a system with a HEPA filter (removes
dust, fumes, and mist); standard and wet/dry vacuums will not contain the
dust.Non-asbestos brake linings have been developed and are beginning
to replace asbestos containing linings in some applications. |
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Fact sheet 7 of 18
Montana State University Extension Service
Pollution Prevention Program Taylor Hall Bozeman, Montana 59717
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