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.
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MA DEP) recommendations for environmentally responsible car washing. Nonpoint Source Pollution Education: Car Washing
To locate a NECA member car wash near you, search our web site listing of members or contact the NECA office directly.
DEP posted material on the impact of hose and bucket charity car washes: http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dcr/watersupply/watershed/npdescarwash.pdf
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 car 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 75,000 professional car wash operators across the United States, most 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 …
WashforaCause.com is NECA's alternative to bucket and hose charity car washes that both waste water and pollute the ground water. Charities set up their fundraiser on the site and use social media to encourage donors to purchase washes for themselves or as gifts. Wash for a Cause expands the geographic reach of donations since participating facilities are located throughout the region.