This article describes the impact of considerate vehicle washing on the environment. Storm drains are designed to carry rainwater away from roads and facilities to help prevent flooding. Unlike sanitary sewer systems, storm drains typically discharge directly into local rivers, streams, and bays, without treatment. Because of this, pollutants that enter storm drains can degrade water quality and harm aquatic life. To protect the environment, most jurisdictions in the United States, Mexico, and Canada regulate what can and cannot enter storm drain systems. In general, only uncontaminated rainwater is allowed. Any discharge containing pollutants may be considered a regulatory violation.
For Fleet Managers
Why Vehicle Washwater Matters
Vehicle washing is a routine activity at Ryder operations, including Fleet Maintenance Solutions (FMS) shops, Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) warehouses, and customer locations. During the washing process, washwater is generated, and it may contain oil and grease, metals, dirt and road debris, soaps, and detergents. Because of these contaminants, washwater is considered a regulated waste and must be properly collected, managed, and disposed of. Allowing washwater to enter storm drains, intentionally or unintentionally, can result in environmental harm, regulatory violations, fines, penalties, and increased regulatory scrutiny.
Washing Vehicles the Right Way
Ryder has established approved methods to ensure vehicle washing is performed in compliance with environmental regulations.
- Use Approved Wash Bays When Available
- Only approved detergents and degreasers should be used in these wash bays to ensure compliance.
- Some FMS shops are equipped with dedicated wash bays designed for commercial vehicle washing. These wash bays are:
- Reviewed during the design process by the Environmental Engineering team.
- Built to meet applicable regulatory requirements.
- Equipped with systems such as oil-water separators to capture oil and grease.
Use Fleetwash for Mobile Vehicle Washing
When a fixed wash bay is not available or when mobile washing is required, Ryder teams should use Fleetwash, Ryder’s preferred mobile wash vendor. Fleetwash uses documented, compliant processes, collects and properly manages all washwater, and prevents washwater from entering storm drains. Using Fleetwash helps Ryder demonstrate consistent compliance across locations and simplifies regulatory oversight.
Alternative Wash Vendors
If Fleetwash is not an option, such as when a customer requires the use of their own wash vendor or the location is outside of Fleetwash’s service area, you may request approval for another wash vendor by emailing environmental_services@ryder.com. The Environmental Services team will review the vendor’s compliance history, standard operating procedures, washwater collection and disposal practices, and potential environmental and regulatory risks. Vendors must be approved before they are used for vehicle washing operations.
Washwater should never be allowed to enter storm drains. By using approved wash bays, Fleetwash services, or pre-approved alternative vendors, Ryder teams help protect local waterways, maintain regulatory compliance, and reduce environmental risk.
Common Questions
What is a storm drain, and why does it matter?
Storm drains are designed to carry rainwater away from roads and facilities to help prevent flooding. Unlike sanitary sewer systems, storm drains typically discharge directly into nearby rivers, streams, and bays without treatment. Because of this, anything that enters a storm drain can directly impact local water quality and aquatic life.
What is vehicle washwater?
Vehicle washwater is the wastewater generated during vehicle washing. It often contains:
- Oil and grease
- Metals
- Dirt and road debris
- Soaps and detergents
Because of these contaminants, washwater is considered a regulated waste and must be properly collected, managed, and disposed of.
What is the approved way to wash vehicles at Ryder facilities?
Ryder has established approved methods to ensure vehicle washing complies with environmental regulations, including:
- Using approved wash bays where available.
- Using Fleetwash for mobile vehicle washing.
- Using only vendors that have been reviewed and approved by Environmental Services.
What are approved wash bays?
Some FMS shops have dedicated wash bays designed for commercial vehicle washing. These wash bays:
- Are reviewed by the Environmental Engineering team during design.
- Meet applicable regulatory requirements.
- Use systems such as oil-water separators to capture oil and grease.
- Only approved detergents and degreasers may be used in these wash bays.
When should Fleetwash be used?
Fleetwash, Ryder’s preferred mobile wash vendor, should be used when a fixed wash bay is not available or mobile vehicle washing is required. Fleetwash uses documented, compliant processes to collect and properly manage all washwater, preventing it from entering storm drains. Fleetwash collects and manages all washwater, prevents discharge to storm drains, and uses consistent, documented compliance processes. Using Fleetwash helps Ryder maintain consistent environmental compliance across locations and simplifies regulatory oversight.
If Fleetwash is not an option, such as when a customer requires the use of their own wash vendor or the location is outside of Fleetwash’s service area, you may request approval for another wash vendor by emailing environmental_services@ryder.com. The Environmental Services team will review the vendor’s compliance history, standard operating procedures, washwater collection and disposal practices, and potential environmental and regulatory risks. Vendors must be approved before they are used for vehicle washing operations. Washwater should never be allowed to enter storm drains. By using approved wash bays, Fleetwash services, or pre-approved alternative vendors, Ryder teams help protect local waterways, maintain regulatory compliance, and reduce environmental risk.