MHW Magazine News and stories from the Materials Handling Industry
Many companies are falling fowl of pollution regulations according to the MD of PermaClear UK, by not following Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPG13 – Vehicle Washing & Cleaning). Richard Barker comments, "Dirty water and run-off from vehicle washing and cleaning carried out as a business or industrial activity is called trade effluent. Whether you’re cleaning just one vehicle or are responsible for a large fleet you must arrange for the collection and disposal of effluent to prevent pollution. It is illegal to discharge trade effluent into the environment or into drains without permission."
Guidelines from The Environmental Agency outline the affects of surface run-off from vehicle cleaning. Pollutants such as detergents, suspended solids, grease and antifreeze are entering surface water drains; this is classed as pollution and could expose companies to fines and/or prosecution.
In order to prevent the risk of prosecution, companies must not allow trade effluent, run-off or cleaning chemicals to enter drains. It is a company’s responsibility to provide an appropriate way of containing and reducing the volume of water used. Recycling effluent and reusing the water is one environmental option for dealing with vehicle washing. Using washing equipment that has a collection and re-circulation process will usually require regular off-site removal of water which means that waste management licensing legislations will therefore apply. Washing equipment that re-uses water is more cost effective than using a nearby commercial wash facility but is still time consuming and potentially costly.
Richard sums up, "The guidelines make reference to new technology that is a suitable alternative – that does not rely on the use of water to wash vehicles. For many companies involved in haulage funds may not exist to put in place a water collection and removal system. Products like Permaclear’s, Pro"Dry"Clean Waterless Wash & Wax System may be the solution. Pro"Dry"Clean cleans and polishes vehicles without the use of water. It is an environmentally friendly product, as it leaves no detergent residue or dirt to run into the drains. Pro"Dry"Clean can be used anywhere and at any time, quickly and easily. It cleans, shines and protects all elements of a vehicle including bodywork, glass, wheels and trim. It can be used anywhere and is ideal for a quick clean – even when vehicles are away from the depot/office.
