On the list of hot button issues in the engine rebuilding business, the disposal of waste usually takes a backseat to supplier consolidations, market share position, profitability and other topics. On the other hand, the amount of time, effort and money that rebuilders spend, all of it non-productive, in meeting regulatory requirements can be significant. The bottom line is, sound waste disposal practices can save money and keep people in this business out of trouble.
Compared to many other industries, the nature of the waste generated in rebuilding internal combustion engines and other auto components is not highly toxic or hazardous in the quantities typically produced. But it can be both, and one should never assume that the EPA and various state environmental agencies, not to mention local water treatment facilities, aren