Aside from the sewage woes in Wellington and Canterbury, with effluent getting into the stormwater systems, Councils around the country are cracking down on carwashing on roads. No mention of trucks but the same will apply, in spades.

Soap, dirt and oil end up in stormwater systems and then, depending on discharge, in rivers, streams and the sea.

Best to use commercial washing companies instead of carwashing on roads

The advice is to wash on areas that seep into the ground and soak up the water, dirt and soap. Like on gravel, unsealed road or grass. Better to use commercial washers regulated to deal with waste appropriately. Some Councils, like Napier City, have bylaws that ban car washing on driveways all together. Napier’s is to protect Ahuriri Estuary.

Some Councils issue fines and it’s only a matter of time before others follow suit.

Minimising waste to stormwater drains is our standard practice

We follow strict Council regulations for our waste water management. Proud to recycle almost all of the water used in our Christchurch and Palmerston North truck washing sites. Interceptor wastes at our other truck sites process and remove contaminants. This means sifting out the dirt and reusing the water so little if any goes to run off.

We also use biodegradable products, particularly our soaps, which we use a lot of.

Christchurch General Manager, Steve Hohaia, received an Environmental award in recognition of his site’s practices around sludge management. With thousands of tonnes of sludge contained each week, which means not sending it to waterways, and reusing 95% of the recycled water.

Newest CleanCo sites, Christchurch and Palmerston North, are clean and green, recycling 95% of water and also collecting rainwater to minimise impact on local water supply and stormwater systems.

Hefty fines may be coming for carwashing on roads or driveways

Washing your truck yourself is not an easy Sunday task. Leave it to us to do, we have the gear that streamlines the whole process. Outlawing by your local Council may be on its way any way or you could face a hefty fine.

Councils taking an education-first approach

Councils’ ‘education-first approach’ is reminding residents what happens to their water and soap etc after it’s cleaned off their vehicles. With better practices encouraged. A truck being washed on the side of the road or even the driveway is a bit harder to justify and hide!

Get in touch. We will have you back on the road in no time and you can be assured the dirt and grime will be carefully managed.