Automotive degreaser replacement program

We will schedule an appointment for a PPA representative or Ecology staff to visit your place of business.

At this visit, we will:

• Help you with the rest of the application process.
• Provide information about safer alternatives. Based on the products you choose, this will determine the amount of your reimbursement.
• Provide you with your reimbursement voucher. Note: Review all eligibility requirements on the voucher.
• Perform a walkthrough of your business.

What is the purpose of the walkthrough?

The walkthrough may highlight changes you need to make to how you manage your hazardous waste or stormwater — often minor and inexpensive changes — if you are not already following best management practices.

No enforcement actions will come from participating in the program, unless there is significant harm to the environment or human health.

Review the eligibility requirements on the voucher

To be eligible for reimbursement, you must meet the terms and conditions noted on your voucher, such as:

• Have a valid business license.
• Not be under environmental enforcement actions.
• Properly manage and dispose of your dangerous waste.

Replace your current degreaser with a less-hazardous alternative.

If you currently use:

• A solvent-based degreaser, there are many eligible water-based alternatives.
• A water-based degreaser, there may be few to no options that qualify as safer. However, you may still be able to find one that qualifies for reimbursement. Reach out to your PPA representative for options.

See the list of eligible products for reimbursement for more information.

Purchase the new product(s) and any equipment required. Make sure to purchase the same product as the one listed — sometimes names can be very similar!

Dispose of your old product and equipment: 

• Remaining solvent is a hazardous waste. Dispose of it through a hazardous waste vendor or Moderate Risk Waste facility.
• Dispose of empty parts washers as scrap metal.

Schedule a follow-up visit with your PPA representative or Ecology staff member. At this visit, we will:

• Confirm that the new product(s) and any required equipment are in place.
• Answer any final questions, and go over paperwork.

Submit receipts and paperwork to receive reimbursement. You should receive your reimbursement by the end of the month after you submit paperwork.

For example, if you submit your completed paperwork and receipts in February, you would receive reimbursement by the end of March.

Have questions?

• Contact Thatcher Montgomery
  or
• Contact your local PPA representative.

Platinum tier products: Reimbursable up to $10,000

Water-based products independently certified as safer by programs such as EPA's Safer Choice program

Gold tier products: Reimbursable up to $5,000

Water-based products with no chemicals of highest concern.

Silver tier products: Reimbursable up to $2,500

Solvent-based products that are independently certified as safer.

• We aren’t aware of products that currently meet these criteria.

Bronze tier products: Reimbursable up to $1,000

Solvent-based products with no chemicals of highest concern; total carcinogens below 0.1%.

Chemicals in solvent-based degreasers can have short-term health effects like:

• Skin rashes
• Slowed reactions
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headaches

Long-term exposure can cause:

• Kidney, liver, or nervous system damage.
• Increased chance of cancer.

Many solvent-based degreasers are also harmful to the environment and become dangerous waste once the product has been used.

You can apply for reimbursement if you purchased the product after July 1, 2021.

If you purchased the product before July 1, 2021, then you cannot be reimbursed for that product. However, you may be able switch to an even safer product than the one you purchased and be reimbursed for this new product. Reach out to your PPA representative to find out more.

Some examples of expenses we could reimburse you for include:

• Refillable canisters to replace aerosol cans.
• New parts washer.
• Water-based cleaning system.
• Service contract to use an eligible product.

If you are approved for the program, we will work with you to determine the products and other expenses you could receive reimbursement for.

We select businesses based on the potential toxics-reduction impact and environmental justice concerns.

We’re offering higher reimbursements for all water-based degreasers because they often have higher initial costs for installation of required parts and equipment. We want to encourage businesses to switch to the safest products possible through this program.

No. You must transition your primary (most-used) degreaser to the safer alternative to receive funding, but we understand you may need small amounts of other cleaners for specific jobs.

Our preferred alternatives are water-based degreasers because they:

• Have lower emissions.
• Are often less hazardous than solvent-based degreasers.

No. Even though water-based products are generally safer for human health and the environment, they can still be hazardous:

• Some water-based cleaners are caustic (i.e. able to burn skin).
• Sludge, skimmed oil, filters, and other wastes could designate as dangerous —  especially if the water-based cleaner is contaminated with solvents.

No. This reimbursement program is to encourage auto shops to voluntarily make environmentally friendly changes. There is no upcoming law or regulation at the state or federal level that will limit the use of solvents typically found in auto shops.

EPA is evaluating some halogenated solvents, like methylene chloride and perchloroethylene, and could place restrictions on their use. These solvents are not commonly used in auto shops, and there are many solvent-based or water-based replacements on the market.

Complete la solicitud de reemplazo de desengrasante automotriz.

• Revisaremos las solicitudes a partir del 3 de septiembre de 2021.
• Si califica para el programa, nos comunicaremos con usted.

Si califica para el programa, nos comunicaremos con usted. Continúe con los siguientes pasos solo si le hemos notificado.

Paso 1: Programe una visita con nosotros

Programaremos una cita para que un representante de PPA o personal de Ecología lo visite en su lugar de trabajo.

En esta visita le ayudaremos:

• Con el resto del proceso de su solicitud.
• A determinar las mejores alternativas a comprar para su negocio.

Basado en los productos que usted escoja, esto determinara la cantidad del rembolso.

Paso 2: Compra las alternativas más seguras

Compra los productos y equipo necesario, o firme un contrato de servicio para usar el producto. 

Paso 3: Programe una visita de seguimiento

En esta visita le ayudaremos a:

• Asegurar que el nuevo producto(s) o equipo estén en su lugar.
• Responder cualquier última pregunta y revisar el papeleo.

Paso 4: Entregue su vale para el rembolso

Llene y entregue su vale a nosotros para el rembolso.

¿Tiene preguntas?

• Comuníquese con Thatcher Montgomery: Thatcher.Montgomery@ecy.wa.gov o al (509)571-7339 o

• Comuníquese con el representante local de PPA.

Los químicos en los desengrasantes a base de solvente pueden tener efectos de plazo corto a la salud como:

• Erupciones cutáneas
• Reacciones lentas
• Cansancio
• Mareos
• Dolores de cabeza

Exposición a largo plazo puede causar:

• Daño a los riñones, hígado o sistema nervioso
• Mayor probabilidad de cáncer.

Muchos desengrasantes a base de solvente también son dañinos al ambiente y son considerados residuos peligrosos una vez usados.

Nuestras alternativas preferidas son los desengrasantes a base de agua porque:

• Tienen bajo nivel de emisiones.
• A menudo son menos peligrosos que desengrasantes a base de solvente.

Si realizo el cambio después del 1 de julio de 2021, puede solicitar el reembolso de ese producto.

Si compró el producto más seguro antes de esta fecha, no se le puede reembolsar ese producto.

Sin embargo, puede optar por cambiar su producto a uno más seguro al que ya haya comprado y recibir un reembolso por este nuevo producto.