Auto Repair and Maintenance

Water Quality Practices for Auto Repair and Maintenance

  • Label all used motor oil containers and tanks and keep containers and tanks in good condition. Store in safe areas. Never mix used motor oil with anything. Recycle all used motor oil.
  • Never dispose of anything into a street, gutter, ditch, stream, creek, or storm drain. All hazardous waste should be recycled properly. Contact a hazardous waste hauler to dispose of:
    • Antifreeze
    • Batteries
    • Lubricants
    • Oil
    • Oily Rags
    • Solvents
    • Used Oil Filters
  • Place drip pans under areas where liquids are poured and under spouts of liquid storage containers.
  • Place drip pans underneath vehicles to capture all fluids. Remember, automobiles and trucks that are waiting for repair can leak fuel, oil and other harmful fluids that can be picked up by stormwater runoff.
  • Prevent all oil, grease, suspended solids, and toxins from washing into storm drains by designing a paved washing site where water drains to the sanitary sewer system. Use biodegradable, phosphate-free detergents.
  • Store all fluids under cover or inside to prevent contamination by rainwater.
  • Train all employees to properly clean up spills of hazardous materials.
  • Use dry methods for spill cleanup (sweeping, using absorbent materials, etc.). Never hose fluids into a street, ditch, gutters, creek, stream, or storm drain.
  • Use a funnel when pouring liquids, such as lubricants or motor oil.
  • Keep vehicles tuned up to avoid drips and leaks.
  • Inspect for leaks, malfunctions, and staining on ar around vehicles and equipment.
  • Do not leave full drip pans or other open containers of used liquids sitting around.
  • Post signs warning against "topping off".


*Information on this Web Page excerpted from City of Concord, Copyright 2019, and City of Winston-Salem, Copyright 2006-2020