In the first program of its kind, designed to prevent the unnecessary disposal of aerosol spray cans still containing chemical solutions that can eventually leak into the environment, Safety-Kleen and Richard Childress Racing are teaming up to make sure those cans are empty and recycled.
"We've been helping keep NASCAR events and teams 'green' for years by properly managing a wide range of recyclable fluids used in their shops and cars," said Eric Zimmer, executive vice president of branch sales and service for Safety-Kleen. "Now we're taking that to the next level by focusing in on some of the less obvious potential sources of environmental contamination – such as spray cans – and we're proud to be undertaking this industry-leading effort with Richard Childress Racing."
Many businesses simply throw used aerosol cans in the trash, which is perfectly legal, without even thinking about the fact that those cans are not completely empty and that the contents will eventually find their way into the environment. The better option is to make sure the cans are completely empty and then have them recycled, but that has not been easy to do.
Now, using a new drain system developed by Safety-Kleen partner Justrite Manufacturing, businesses can easily get all of the material out of an aerosol can, simultaneously preparing the can for recycling and collecting the liquids for recycling or proper disposal. The Childress Racing teams will now be pioneering the use of these machines in their shops.
"We chose to start with the Childress team because we have been recycling their oil and solvents for years," Zimmer said. "Richard and his team lead the way on the track and off, so it makes perfect sense that they are the first team to address this issue."
"We're committed to protecting the environment, and Safety-Kleen handles everything for us that needs specialized management," said Bill Patterson, vice president for Richard Childress Racing. "They take care of all of the hard stuff – the things no one wants getting into the environment, like oil, paint, solvents and unused fuel. With Safety-Kleen, we know these materials will be properly managed."
Buddy Judy, manager of Safety-Kleen Motorsports, noted that while aerosol can disposal in landfills is currently allowed, they may soon become a regulated item and Safety-Kleen is trying to help businesses and industries get ahead of the regulatory curve by providing a viable, protective solution today.
"In the racing business, teams follow the good practices of other teams," said Richard Childress. "Safety-Kleen has tested this new system at the track, and we know it will work just as well in our shops, so we're taking the lead - something we like to do in all aspects of racing – and we're driving our industry in the right direction – a green direction."
About Safety-Kleen
Safety-Kleen is a leading North American used oil recycling and re-refining, parts cleaning and environmental solutions company, with approximately 4,100 employees serving approximately 330,000 customer locations in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Safety-Kleen provides a broad set of environmentally responsible products and services that keep North American businesses in balance with the environment.
About Richard Childress Racing
Richard Childress Racing has earned more than 180 victories and 12 NASCAR championships, including six in the Sprint Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series. Its 2010 Sprint Cup Series lineup includes Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet), Jeff Burton (No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet) and Clint Bowyer (No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet). Bowyer drives the No. 21 Zaxby's Chevrolet in the 2010 Nationwide Series, Austin Dillon drives the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet in the 2010 Camping World Truck Series and Tim George Jr. drives the No 31 RCR Development Chevrolet in the 2010 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards. Ty Dillon and Ryan Gifford are RCR developmental drivers in both asphalt and dirt track racing.
