Prevention Basics

Wastes are regulated more strictly than ever as we discover more about the serious environmental impact of improper handling. Think of all the negative effects of waste in your shop alone: wasted inventory, wasted labor, reduced productivity, time spent on waste management administration and paperwork and, of course, waste disposal costs.

Pollution prevention means not producing waste in the first place or, at least, reducing the volume produced. It can also mean producing waste that is less hazardous to the environment or in the workplace. In the auto shop, pollution prevention opportunities include reducing packaging and non-recyclable office waste, task training, labeling, spill cleanup and more.

Packaging Running for parts can result in plenty of waste plastic bags and cardboard boxes. Check out these web pages developed by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board of the Twin Cities metro area for more information on reusable packaging that can save you and the supplier money and disposal hassles.

Refillable spray bottles Shops and facilities that switch to refillable spray bottles save money by avoiding the high cost of aerosol cans and help protect the environment by eliminating the solid and potentially hazardous waste stream they produce. This fact sheet helps auto repair shop owners and fleet managers make informed decisions about implementing refillable spray bottles.

Organizing
Key Practices for Small Businesses with Regulated Waste A place for everything and everything in its place. This common-sense idea makes efficiency sense in a busy shop with lots of technicians. The tips in this MnTAP fact sheet can help you evaluate current waste management practices, increase efficiency and improve waste reduction at your shop.

Videos
MnTAP can loan your shop videos that discuss alternative thinking in many areas of auto repair, fleet maintenance or trucking. To borrow any of these videos, contact Mick Jost at 612.624.4694 or e-mail Mick.

Profit through Prevention-Best Environmental Practices for Auto Repair Features pollution prevention "fixes" at work in auto repair shops, includes operator testimonials and case studies. U.S. EPA Region 9, 1999, 30 minutes.

Profit through Prevention-Best Environmental Practices for Fleet Maintenance. Features pollution prevention "fixes" at work in fleet maintenance operations, includes operator testimonials and case studies. U.S. EPA Region 9, 1999, 35 minutes.

Ten Tips for Truckers & the Environment This video reviews basic sources of pollution both at the facility and in the truck and instructs viewers on ways to reduce or prevent contaminants reaching the environment. Although the video was originally produced specifically for the trucking industry, the information presented applies equally well to buses and cars. American Trucking Association, 1994.