Testimonials
Automotive Shop Environmental Stewardship
Vehicle repair involves handling a wide variety of waste materials, some toxic, if not properly managed. A modern auto shop can be a model of recycling and environmental awareness.
Recycling is a large segment of the auto industry. Increased costs in metals and petroleum products make it easier and more cost effective to recycle. We recycle both on and off site.
Addison Auto has incorporated a large variety of environmental and safety standards into its design and operation.
Auto Air Conditioning
Few are aware of the environmental effects that refrigerants have. The original refrigerant, R-12 was found to be harmful to the earth’s ozone layer. We recovered the recycled R-12 until it was phased out in the mid 90’s. After R-12 was discontinued, the industry standard became R134a. This refrigerant is ozone safe but is a greenhouse gas that can contribute to global warming. It too is recovered and recycled. Because R135a has a greenhouse gas rating of 1200, and the European Union standard is 150, the EU is mandating the phase out of R134a for a yet to be determined refrigerant for new models beginning in about three years.
Solvents
Instead of a solvent type parts cleaner, we use a water-based system which works like a dishwasher.
Tires
Tires are picked up by a company who shreds them, and uses the product for fuel in a cement kiln. Not one used tire from our shop goes into a landfill.
Recycling Auto Parts
Many of our electrical parts are sent back to the manufacturer to be rebuilt, and old batteries are returned to the supplier.
Recycling Body Parts
Damaged bumpers and headlights are remanufactured.
Scrap Metal
Steel, aluminum and other metals are collected, and recycled.
Paint Shop
By using a computerized scale we mix just the right amount of paint, and little is wasted. Our equipment distills the thinner to be reused and bakes the non-distillable into a solid “puck” that’s stored safely until the hazardous waste is picked up by an approved environment disposal company for documented manifested disposal.
Currently, we are training in the use of water-borne paint systems which will reduce the use of solvents.
Waste Oil
Our waste oil is held in double walled approved waste tanks for use during the cooler months to heat the shops. What we don’t burn, is picked up by an approved recycling company. We crush oil filters, and recover that oil.
Re-refining oil uses about 1/3 of the energy of refining oil from crude.
Facility wastewater
Floor wastewater goes into a sand trap where the solids are separated, and hauled off by an approved waste disposal company.
Federal Law Prohibits Improper Disposal
The companies who remove our hazardous materials properly dispose of the waste.
Our office manager, Betty Hunt, has been working with an EPA automotive focus group, helping to create an environmental compliance assistance program for auto shops.
In addition to protecting the environment, recycling is often a good economic alternative.
Affiliations & Awards
Addison Auto Repair & Body Shop
2005 South Holly Street • Denver, CO 80222 • 303-691-9484