Auto workshops, oil change shops and car washes are among the most widespread activities in commercial and industrial districts, and among the most exposed to environmental inspection findings, because their impacts are obvious: used oil and filters, wash water mixed with oil and detergents, damaged batteries, coolants and brake fluids, and paint vapors in body shops. The Implementing Regulation for Environmental Permits applies to every commercial or service activity expected to have an environmental impact, and the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) sets a workshop's category after reviewing the classification form, based on its size, activities and location.

Used oil: the first thing inspectors ask about

The Waste Management Law defines hazardous waste as including oils, solvents and degreasers. So used oil and filters are never disposed of with general waste or into drains. They are stored in sealed containers on leak-proof floors and handed to a carrier licensed by the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN), with a transport document for every handover kept in the environmental records. Anyone handing waste to an unlicensed party is jointly liable for damages. Details are in our guide to used oil from the workshop to the licensed carrier.

Car washes: water first

The main issue for car washes is wash water. An oil separator and settling basin before discharge, maintained with documented cleaning, is one of the first things checked. Dumping untreated wastewater into any environmental medium, such as the street or neighboring land, is among the violations heard by the competent court under the Penalties Regulation, and high water consumption is also an assessment factor.

Paint and body shops

Adding painting to a repair workshop changes the type of activity and needs a new operating permit before it happens. Spraying is done inside an enclosed booth with ventilation and filters, and paint and solvent residues, containers and booth filters are hazardous waste. See our guide to paint and body shop requirements.

Noise and neighbors

Workshops inside neighborhoods are subject to the Noise Regulation's limits: 65 dB by day and 55 at night in commercial areas, and 60 by day and 50 at night in mixed residential-commercial areas. Working in the street in front of the workshop or running compressors at night are among the main causes of complaints.

Most common inspection findings at workshops

  • Operating without a valid environmental permit.
  • Used oil in open drums or on bare soil.
  • No proof of oil handover to a licensed carrier.
  • Contaminated water discharged without treatment.
  • An activity (such as painting) added without being in the permit.
  • Damaged batteries piled with general waste.

Quick checklist for a workshop

  • A valid permit matching the workshop's actual activities.
  • Closed oil drums on containment, filters in separate containers.
  • A contract with a licensed carrier and a document for every handover.
  • A clean, documented oil separator for car washes.
  • No work in the street and no noisy work at night near homes.

Related guides

How Abak Green helps workshops and car washes

We visit your workshop or car wash, identify the requirements for its activities, manage the environmental permit file, environmental management plan and records, verify carrier licenses, and follow the file until the permit is issued. Request a visit to your workshop.