Auto & Household Maintenance
The Issue
When it rains, or when water flows over pavement (driveways), urban runoff is produced, which picks up household and automotive pollutants. These pollutants are eventually washed down storm drains and flow completely untreated into our local waterways. Toxic chemicals in many automotive and household products and can contribute to surface, groundwater and storm water contamination. Some of these chemicals include motor oil, antifreeze, battery acid, gasoline, car waxes/soap, paints, cleaners and pool chemicals.
Help keep our waterways clean and pollutant-free by practicing the prevention measures down below!
Your Work Area
When you're working on your car, place something below such as a tarp or drip pan (depending on the size of your work area) that can catch fluids or debris. If you notice that your car is leaking, place something under the leak to catch fluids and have the leak repaired as soon as possible.
Brake Work
Most brake pads contain copper, which wears off as the brake pads wear, and contribute to storm water pollution. Cleaning brake dust with a paper towel is recommended. You can also ask your auto parts supplier about no-copper or low-copper brake pads for your vehicle.
Engine Cleaning and Degreasing
Many de-greasers contain highly toxic solvents that are dangerous to both human health and the environment. Do not clean your engine at home unless you can contain and properly dispose of the rinse water. Instead, take your vehicle, engine, or auto parts, to an auto business that offers cleaning services, or collects and treats engine wastewater.
Changing Oil, Antifreeze, and Other Fluids
Changing vehicle fluids can very easily be done at home without compromising the environment. Proper use and disposal of auto fluids can prevent storm water pollution. Remember to drain fluid into a drain pan, and use a funnel to pour any fluids. Place an absorbent (such as an old towel or absorbent pad) under the drain pan to catch any drips. Recycle any used oil and used oil filters.
Arcata residents are eligible to receive a FREE motor oil container. Pick one up at the City of Arcata Environmental Services Department during regular business hours.
For more information on how or where to properly dispose of hazardous materials, click here.
Is Car washing Illegal?
No! However, car wash water and rinse water contains a mixture of detergents, oils, metals, and other pollutants that we wash off our vehicles. This soapy, polluted water can harm wildlife if it enters a storm drain. To protect water quality, it is better to take your car to a commercial car wash than to wash it at home. Commercial car washes are connected to the City's sewer system which ensures that wash water is properly treated.
A Note on Soaps
All soaps, including biodegradable ones, can harm our local water bodies. Soaps in general decrease the surface tension of water, lower oxygen levels, and injure fish gills and skin. Some soaps even contain phosphates, a nutrient that causes unwanted and dangerous algae blooms in surface waters.
Car Washing in Arcata
It is best to take your vehicle to an authorized commercial car wash. If you do decide to wash your vehicle yourself, be sure to follow these practices:
- Wash your vehicle on a lawn, gravel driveway, or area where rinse water will not run into a street or storm drain.
- Use paper tools to wipe brake dust off wheels before washing.
- Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose to conserve water.
- Use soap sparingly.
- Choose a soap that contains little to no phosphates, chlorine, bleach, nitrates, or ammonia. Avoid labels with "Caution", "Danger", or "Warning".
- Pour your bucket of soapy water down the sink when finished.
What is paint waste and why is it a problem?
All paints, solvents, and adhesives contain chemicals that harmful to humans, water quality, and aquatic wildlife. These toxic chemicals can come in liquid or solid form.
Managing Paint Wisely
Cleanup, Storage, and Removal
- Never clean brushes or rinse paint containers into a street, gutter, storm drain, or stream.
- For water-based paints, paint out brushes to the extent possible, and rinse in the sink.
- For oil-based paints, paint out brushes to the extent possible. Clean with thinner and then, filter and reuse thinner or solvent. Dispose of excess paint and thinner as hazardous waste.
- Store products used for painting, solvents, adhesives, thinners, and cleaners in closed containers. Keep in a dry location that will not be exposed to possible rain and runoff.
- Chips and dust from marine paints or paints containing lead or tributyltin are hazardous wastes. Dry sweep the waste and dispose of as hazardous waste.
- Paint chips and dust from non-hazardous dry stripping and sandblasting may be swept up and disposed of as garbage. Place a tarp or cloth below your work area to catch paint chips for easier disposal.
Paint Disposal
At a low fee of $5.00, up to 15 gallons of paint can be taken to the Humboldt Waste Management Authority for recycling.
For more information on how or where to properly dispose of hazardous materials, click here.