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Auto shops that use solvent-based degreasers can apply for reimbursement to switch to safer degreasers. Solvent-based degreasers may contain chemicals that are harmful to human health and the environment.
Businesses that make the switch could qualify for reimbursement up to $10,000. Funding is limited and not guaranteed until you meet with your PPA specialist and meet all requirements.
Shops and businesses, non-profits, and local governments in Washington that work on motor vehicles intended for use on public roads are eligible to apply if you service at least one of the following:
Cars
Trucks
Buses
Semi-trucks
Motorcycles
How does the program work?
In order to receive reimbursement, auto shops must follow these steps:
Step 1: Complete an initial PPA visit
Contact your local PPA specialist to schedule a visit. The visit may highlight changes you need to make with your hazardous waste, stormwater, or spill response — often minor and inexpensive changes — if you are not already following best management practices.
No enforcement actionswill come from participating in the program, unless there is significant harm to the environment or human health.
Step 2: Fill out paperwork
After your initial visit, your PPA specialist will go over the reimbursement process and work with you to fill out the required forms.
Step 3: Make the switch
After your paperwork is approved, you’re ready to purchase your new water-based product and equipment and dispose of your old solvent.
Step 4: Submit your reimbursement request
Schedule a follow-up visit with your PPA specialist to submit your reimbursement request. Businesses can expect to receive reimbursement 4-8 weeks after submitting the request.
What products are eligible for reimbursement?
EPA Safer Choice program certified products are eligible for up to $10,000 in reimbursement. Most other water-based products are eligible for up to $5,000 in reimbursement. Below is a list of products we’ve reviewed for reimbursement eligibility. We do not endorse any manufacturers or products, and we haven't evaluated performance. Our review is based on a product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and third-party verification like .
If a product isn’t on the list, that doesn’t mean it’s ineligible. Let us know what product you’d like to switch to. We can review it to determine its eligibility and reimbursement level.
Platinum tier products: Reimbursable up to $10,000
We will review the product, and if it meets our eligibility requirements, we will work with you to determine the eligibility tier, then add it to our list of eligible products.
Manufacturers and suppliers do not receive money through this program.
If your product is added to the list, you are welcome to market your products and the program to auto shops.
We assess products for chemical hazards, not performance or cost.
Frequently asked questions
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, 2025.
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.
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 EPA Safer Choice products. Every ingredient in Safer Choice products has been reviewed for health and safety.
We are also reimbursing shops that switch to non-certified water-based degreasers. Even without going through a rigorous review process, water-based products have lower emissions than solvents and 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 project 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.
La mayoría de desengrasantes a base de solventes contienen químicos tóxicos que son dañosos para el medio ambiente y a la salud humana. Usted puede cambiar su lavadora de partes, limpiador de frenos, u otros desengrasantes por alternativas más seguras. Estamos ofreciendo rembolsos de hasta $10,000 para negocios que quieran hacer el cambio.
We offer free language services about our programs and services for people whose primary language is not English. We can provide written information in your preferred language and interpreters in person or over the telephone.
