Auto Repair Case Study: Larry's AutoWorks

Larry’s AutoWorks, a Mountain View automotive repair shop, has practiced hazardous waste reduction since 1989. The shop’s "total quality" approach makes it environmentally sound and successful.

Through profit-sharing, a unique benefit in this industry, Larry provides strong incentive to employees for performing well and cost-effectively. From customer service to repair work to hazardous waste management, each employee is held accountable for their individual performance. Minimizing the hazardous waste needing to be managed is one way the shop tries to operate efficiently. To this end, Larry . . .

• Uses services to recycle all cleaning solvents, waste oil and oil filters, antifreeze, and shop rags.
• Wet-cleans brakes with a recirculating solution to prevent airborne brake dust.
• Collects and recycles freon during air conditioning repair work.
• Uses cleanup methods that minimize absorbent wastes, including a "hydrophobic" mop that separates oil from coolant/water so both can be recycled.

Education about environmental protection is important to Larry, so he also . . .

• Holds weekly safety/idea-exchange meetings with employees.
• Tries to help other shops through his trade association.
• Encourages customers to keep their cars properly smogged and tuned to reduce emissions and hazardous fluid losses. He even developed a customer newsletter to help do this more effectively.

Benefits from Larry’s efforts include becoming a "dry" shop (no wastewater permit) and reduced hazardous materials/waste storage fees and disposal costs. Additionally, recycling of cans, bottles, cardboard, and paper has resulted in a 1/3 reduction of solid waste disposal costs. Most importantly, Larry’s customers express their appreciation for his shop’s concern for environmental protection.