Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MA DEP) recommends environmentally responsible car washing at a professional car wash. Click on the following link and scroll to learn why: Nonpoint Source Pollution Education: Car Washing
To provide consumers with a better understanding of how professional car washes use and dispose of waste water, we are posting a variety of material from sources such as the Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental Protection (MA DEP), and water use and disposal studies.
Besides reducing water usage, limiting driveway (hard surface) washing has another important benefit. The run-off will not go untreated into the storm drains, polluting your sensitive water supply and potentially harming the environment. Commercial car washes are required to dispose of water and solid waste from car washing in an environmentally safe manner. For example, the water may not flow into storm drains, and solid waste must be trapped and hauled away. Many car washes recycle water, all use high pressure systems that use water efficiently, and all must use EPA approved cleaning agents.
To locate a NECA member car wash near you, search zip code based listing of members (carwashsafe.com) or contact the NECA office directly.Some Facts About Charity Car Washes
Excerpts from a presentation by Randy Cressall, 2006 President, Western Carwash Association
Charity parking lot car washes have always been a popular fundraising tool for school groups and non-profit organizations. But, most charity car washes are held in parking lots that are not designed to collect or treat run-off.
Do you know how much pollution a typical non-professional charity caScroll abut halfway down the page to learn about ther wash dumps down the drain?
Specialized technology, allows professional car washes to clean cars thoroughly while conserving water.
Professional car wash operators work effectively with communities across the United States to develop charity car wash fund-raisers that are environmentally safe.
There are over 75,000 professional car wash operators across the United States, many of whom are willing to work collaboratively with municipalities formulating tailor made charity carwash programs for their respective communities. Partner with your local car wash and their Association to develop your community’s home driveway and charity car wash best management practices.