Car detailers
Car detailers wash and polish the exterior of vehicles, as well as vacuum and polish the interior of vehicles. Most companies use water under pressure with some type of detergent to clean the vehicle exterior. However there are a few companies that use citrus-based solvent compounds to 'dry wash' the vehicle.
If the vehicle cannot be cleaned on the ground where the wastewater can soak in, operators should either use a wash mat to capture the water or bunding to direct it to a suitable disposal area. Wash mats work by parking the vehicle on top and then the sides are popped up to capture the water. A portable pump is attached to pump wastewater into holding tanks for later disposal.
An issue of particular concern is detergents and other cleaning additives entering the stormwater system. This occurs when cars are washed on hard surfaces where there is nowhere for the water to soak in.
Tips for giving your business a cleaner and greener edge
To reduce the risk of pollution from your car detailing activities, follow these tips to ensure your business is operating to best environmental practice and reduces the risk of a fine:
- Never allow wash water to flow into the gutter or stormwater drain.
- Never dispose of wash water to dry streambeds or where it can flow into wetlands or waterways.
- Only clean water should be allowed to run into gutters or stormwater drains, as they empty into our rivers and sea without any treatment. The drain is just for rain.
Be aware of your legal responsibilities
Although mobile businesses do not work from fixed premises, they do have to comply with a range of legislation. Review the Environmental legislation and compliance overview for further information.
On-the-spot fines of $1500 for companies and $750 for individuals could be issued under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) if you put anything other than clean water down the stormwater drain.
Businesses using chemicals also have to comply with the Dangerous Goods Act 1975. Make sure you're aware of the legal requirements before using, storing, transporting and disposing of hazardous materials (such as chemicals). The laws relating to chemical storage vary depending on the amount that you are storing. For more information contact WorkCover NSW.
Keep your knowledge of environmental protection laws up-to-date by regularly visiting What's new in law.
Where to wash?
Before you start work, determine how you are going to dispose of the wash water - it should not go down the drain. Vehicles should be washed:
- on the ground where the wash water can soak in (Be careful not to block the footpath)
- on a wash mat where the wash water can be collected for disposal
- on a driveway only if the water is able to drain to a garden or grassy area
Wash mats
Wash mats are essential for washing vehicles in areas where there is a risk of wash water flowing into the gutter or stormwater drain.
These are light, portable, easy to use mats that are rolled out onto the ground and the vehicle is parked on top. The mats have pop-up sides to hold the water, and a small pump so wastewater can be directed to a suitable disposal location or storage tank.
Bunds
Portable bunds that do not allow water to pass through, can be used to direct water away from stormwater drains. They can also be used to surround the vehicle to contain wastewater. These bunds are tubes of geotextile filled with impermeable material. Sand filled bunds allow water to filter through and are not suitable for trapping the dissolved pollutants in carwash water.
Spill clean-up kit
No matter how careful you are, accidents do happen – so be prepared and carry a spill response kit. This can be as simple as sand or kitty litter to soak up spilled chemicals and detergent, a brush and dustpan to sweep up, and a bag to package the material for safe disposal.
Best wash practice
- Use a wash mat and bunds to prevent wash water running into the gutter and stormwater drain.
- Always use the smallest possible amount of soap, detergent and polish
- Use a trigger hose to reduce the amount of water required
- Dispose of vacuum cleaner waste in the garbage bin
- Recycle empty detergent containers
- Place a protective cover on the ground before spraying the car with polish
Cleaning oily surfaces and engines
Wastewater containing oil must be passed through an oil separator before disposal. Portable separators are available or wastewater can be stored in a tank and then emptied into a separator at your garage base.
We do not recommend cleaning engines as a mobile operation, due to the difficulties in handling large quantities of oil-contaminated wastewater.
Biodegradable detergents
Biodegradable detergents although less damaging to the environment, run-off containing these products must not be allowed to enter stormwater drains.
Biodegradable detergents have been designed to be easily broken down by the microorganisms in the sewage treatment process. Use biodegradable alternatives wherever they are available.
Natural products
Natural products - are not always harmless. Many 'natural' products are highly toxic. Follow the same guidelines for natural products as for other chemicals.
Further information
- DECC Environment Line on 131 555
- Your local Council
- For suppliers of wash mats, bunds and spill kit suppliers can be found in the Yellow Pages under 'Oil and Chemical Spill Recovery or Dispersal'
Page last updated: 27 February 2011
