Car Maintenance
Automobile repair and maintenance activities have the potential to contribute directly to water pollution primarily through spills or direct dumping of waste fluids into storm drains. Common automobile maintenance pollutants include:
- Oil
- Grease
- Solvents
- Sediment
- Metals
- Hydrocarbons
- Hazardous materials
Use these tips to help prevent polluted runoff from entering our storm drain system, and remember, the ocean starts at your front door.
Required Activities
- Recycle used oil and antifreeze by taking them to service stations and other recycling centers, and never pour oil in storm drains. Find a certified Used Oil Recycling Center near you here: http://www.ochealthinfo.com/eh/waste/oil
- Do not perform repair and maintenance activities during rain events
- Immediately clean up and contain any spills. Dispose of all waste and absorbent materials properly
- Store hazardous materials and wastes indoors, under cover, or in watertight containers. These include but are not limited to: fluids, solvents, parts containing fluids, and batteries
- Perform automobile maintenance and repairs over water-resistant surfaces like concrete, so spills and waste material can be quickly and easily cleaned up. Use preventative tools like drip pans and plastic sheeting to contain spills and waste material
- Dispose of cleaning solvents at your designated hazardous waste center
Recommended Activities
- Wash your car on permeable surfaces, like your lawn; this allows water to infiltrate instead of running off your property
- Conduct auto repair activities at a commercial repair facility
- Perform automobile repair and maintenance activities under a covered area
- Do not buy fluids containing target pollutants like degreasers containing PERC
- Monitor parked or stored vehicles and equipment for leaks, and place pans under leaks to collect fluids for proper disposal or recycling
More Information
For more information about proactive automobile care to prevent polluted runoff, check out our applicable brochures below:
Recycle at Your Local Used Oil Collection Center (in North, Central, and South OC)