What to Do with Used Fluid from a Workshop Parts Washer? Legal Disposal and BDO Waste Codes Step by Step
When the fluid in a workshop washer loses its properties and turns into a cloudy liquid saturated with grease and oils, a problem arises. To you, it may look like dirty water, but from the perspective of environmental law and environmental inspection authorities (WIOŚ), it is classified as hazardous waste.
Illegal disposal of hazardous waste may result in high administrative fines and even criminal liability. So how should used cleaning fluid be disposed of legally and correctly? The answer is the BDO system. Below you will find a complete step-by-step guide.
Why Is Washer Fluid Considered Hazardous Waste?
Even if you use fully biodegradable, eco-friendly water-based chemicals, after several weeks of cleaning parts the fluid becomes toxic. Why? During operation, the liquid washes away used oils, greases, heavy metal particles, carbon deposits, and fuel residues from the cleaned components.
These contaminants from engines and gearboxes cause the entire cleaning bath to be classified as hazardous waste (marked in regulations with an asterisk * next to the waste code).
Which BDO Waste Codes Apply to Used Fluid?
BDO (Waste Database System) is the national system in which most companies generating hazardous waste must be registered, including workshops producing non-municipal waste.
Waste classification depends on the type of chemicals used and the business profile, but in the case of standard water-based workshop and basket washers, the following waste codes are most commonly used:
- 12 03 01* – Degreasing waste containing hazardous substances (the most common and precise code for water-based washer solutions).
- 16 10 01* – Aqueous liquid waste containing hazardous substances.
- 14 06 03* – Other solvents and solvent mixtures (if older solvent-based cleaning systems are still in use).
Note: The final waste code should always be confirmed with the waste collection company.
Fluid Disposal Step by Step
Here is a proven process that will protect your workshop during inspections:
Step 1: Safe Storage
Used fluid cannot simply be stored “in buckets against the wall.” The liquid must be drained from the washer into certified, sealed containers such as HDPE plastic drums or IBC/Mauser tanks.
The containers must be clearly labeled with the waste code and placed on spill containment trays to prevent leaks into the floor or groundwater in case of damage.
Step 2: Agreement with an Authorized Waste Collector
You cannot hand over the fluid to just anyone. You must cooperate with a certified company specializing in industrial waste collection and disposal that holds the appropriate BDO registrations.
Step 3: Issuing a Waste Transfer Note (KPO) in the BDO System
Before the waste collection vehicle arrives, you must log into the BDO system and generate a Waste Transfer Note (KPO).
The document should include the waste type (e.g. 12 03 01*), approximate weight (in tonnes, e.g. 0.200 Mg), and the transport company’s details.
Step 4: Collection and Record Keeping
The driver of the waste collection company confirms receipt of the waste in their system or mobile application. From that moment, the legal responsibility for disposal is transferred to the contractor.
At the same time, you receive an electronic confirmation in the BDO system proving that the waste was disposed of fully legally. Remember to submit the annual waste report in the system by March 15 each year.
How to Reduce Disposal Costs in a Workshop?
The disposal of hazardous waste becomes more expensive every year (charged per kilogram/liter). The simplest way to lower sludge disposal costs is to reduce the frequency of fluid replacement in the washer.
To achieve this, the cleaning bath should be maintained properly through:
- Using oil separators (skimmers): They continuously remove oil contamination and prevent the chemicals from deteriorating.
- Mechanical filtration: Bag or cartridge filters trap fine contaminants.
- Using professional demulsifying cleaning fluids: High-quality water-based chemicals separate from dirt more effectively, significantly extending fluid life compared to cheap alternatives.
Thanks to modern washing systems with properly selected purification solutions, the fluid replacement cycle can be extended from a few weeks to even several months, resulting in real annual savings worth thousands.
