Experts at “Repair, Reuse and Recycle”

A portion of this article appeared in One Man’s Trash Summer 2013 Newsletter.

EnviroStars Certified Auto Body and Painting Shops

Are Experts at “Repair, Reuse and Recycle”

Everyone knows that auto collisions can be traumatic for drivers and vehicles alike. But did you know that our environment can suffer too?  Over 10.9 million vehicle crashes in the USA and 103,000 in WA State were reported in 2009.  Twisted metal, broken tail lights, and crunched plastic bumpers… where do they all go? 

By using Spokane EnviroStars certified auto body shops you’ll back on the road and know that environmental waste is being disposed of and handled properly. Go to www.spokaneenvirostars.org to find a certified shop near you.  Here’s how they do it.  Nationally, it is estimated that 10 million pounds of non-degradable plastic bumper waste goes to landfills each year. Washington Auto Collision technicians have been trained in plastic welding because owners, Joan and Gary Tolerico, know this will save their customers money and reduce waste.

Jay and Karla Breesnee, owners of JJ’s Auto Collision, found a local company, Allied Plating, to recycle plastic bumpers.

  American Way Auto Collision owners, John, Bob and Beverly Wallace, were the first in Spokane to convert to water borne paint.   “It took training, time and capital to make the change but the painting results are excellent, paint waste is minimal and our employees are safer,” says John.  “Now, we’re working on ideas to redirect and use compressor heat to warm the shop.” Kevin Sprague and Terry Werle of American Way Auto Body converted their basecoat and some primers to water based products, reducing paint wastes by as much as 75 percent. They also recycle all office paper, magazines, cardboard, aluminum cans, steel parts, radiators, and wheels. Brothers Jason and Brian Keen, are the third generation to own and operate, Ed’s Premier Auto Body. They received the 2013 Clean Air Award for increasing efficiency while reducing air emissions, toxic air pollutants and volatile organic compounds. Auto body shops have found many other ways to repair, recycle & reduce wastes. These include: managing stormwater by cleaning out drywells and installing grassy swales; conserving electricity by installing energy efficient windows and lights;  refurbishing broken headlights and taillights; participating in manufacturer’s parts recycling; and working with local auto recyclers like EnviroStars Certified Bill’s Auto Parts & Gears. Bill’s recycles everything possible including a clever design for seatbelt handbags. EnviroStars is a voluntary certification program for small businesses that demonstrate proper management and reduction of hazardous waste and contaminants of concern. Certified Spokane EnviroStars:  American Way Auto Body, American Way Auto Collision, Ed’s Premier Auto Body, Glamour Collision, J.J.’s Auto Collision, K & M Unibody Works, Maaco Auto Body & Collision, Washington Auto Collision.  To apply for EnviroStars certification, go to www.spokaneenvirostars.org or call Tonilee Hanson at 509-847-4337.  As consumers, you’re shopping smart when you choose EnviroStars certified businesses.  You’ll be helping to protect the land, air, river and aquifer.