Don't let it all come out in the wash

MSW MTA’s environmental manager, Sarah Walton, advises on washing vehicles in the workshop.

NSW MTA’s environmental manager, Sarah Walton, advises on washing vehicles in the workshop.Just as when we’re at home we can’t wash cars on the street in case the run-off drains in the stormwater system, washing vehicles in the work environment requires the same discipline.

The only difference is that while at home we can wash vehicles on the grass, in the workplace vehicles are only allowed to be washed in a dedicated wash bay that drains to an oil-separation system or where the run off is removed by a licensed contractor.

The run-off from washing a vehicle seems harmless enough, but it actually contains a combination of oil, degreaser, metal, detergent, grease, rubber and sediment – none of which does the environment any favours. To avoid sending these contaminants down any drains, vehicles need to be washed in a wash bay.

A wash bay is a dedicated vehicle washing area that captures all run-off from a vehicle. The run-off could be captured by way of a sloping floor that drains the run off or a bund around the perimeter.

The run-off also requires treatment before disposal. All wash bay run off must be treated by an oil water separator before being allowed into the sewer system. If an oil water separator is not installed, then all run-off must be captured and removed by a licensed waste contractor.