How Are Auto Body Repair Shops Going Green?

Many of us share a passion for protecting the earth’s environment by using increasingly “green” behaviors and technologies.  Many collision repair shops are also now adopting more eco-friendly processes and materials in an effort to do so.   Here are a few of the green practices now being used at an auto body repair shop near you.

Eco-Friendly Auto Body Paints

In the past, body shops used solvent-based paints and coatings.  Those contain chemicals like xylene, toluene and methyl ethyl ketone which are classified as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).  VOCs are hazardous to humans and contaminate our water and air supplies.  Today, more and more collision repair shops use earth-friendly waterborne paint systems on vehicles.

Water-based paints still provide vibrant colors, meet OEM factory standards, and result in tough acrylic paint finishes that protect well.  Other advantages of green painting methods include:

• Better air quality for the repair technicians and environment
• Reduce hazardous waste amounts
• Lower costs because no additives or hardeners are required

The next time your car needs collision repairs, ask the shop first if they’ve gone green with their painting processes.

Collision Repair Shops are Recycling Parts  

Whenever a vehicle has been involved in an accident, there are parts that need to be replaced, and old ones that must be disposed of.  Decades ago many of those would end up cluttering landfills, while possibly releasing harmful chemicals into the surrounding environment.  Today, auto body shops routinely send used materials to recycling centers, including:

• Scrap metals like aluminum and steel
• Plastic bumper covers
• Batteries
• Radiators
• Tires & wheels
• Glass
• Paint & paint solvents

These materials are being recycled whenever possible, and then reused again by auto replacement part and paint suppliers.  In the end, the Earth stays healthier.

Other Green Auto Body Repair Advancements

In addition to the environmentally-friendly methods mentioned above, collision repair businesses are doing the following in an attempt to produce less waste:

• Employing paintless dent repair that uses existing body parts rather than replacing them
• Purchasing materials like oil, cleaning solutions and antifreeze in large bulk containers versus individual plastic bottles
• Using biodegradable cleaners to tackle spills and clean bay floors with
• Properly disposing of potentially hazardous materials such as oil, A/C refrigerant, antifreeze and chemical solvents

All of the advancements mentioned above are not only making auto body shops safer and healthier places to work, but also are protecting the world outside their walls as green practices become more widely accepted.

Finding Green Collision Repair Shops Near You

All of us desire for our families an environment that’s cleaner and healthier.  Auto body shops are now doing their part while helping to save the earth one greener repair process at a time.  For a list of green collision repair shops in your area, search your zip code on: www.carwise.com now.