Charity Car Washes

The Problem:
Holding a car wash is a popular way to raise funds for various organizations but all too often, while they may help the organization, such car washes hurt the environment. That's because these washes are often held in public parking lots that drain into the storm water system, which leads directly into our areas rivers and streams. Soap suds, oil, grease, and other contaminants are washing into the curb and end up polluting local waterways. Putting these material into the stormdrain is the same as dumping them directly into nearby streams. Dirt, grime, oil, soap, and other car wash residuals are harmful to fish, wildlife, and plants that grow in and around waterways. Even biodegradable soap causes trouble because when it enters a waterway and begins to degrade, it uses up oxygen needed by fish, plants and other marine life.

Not only is this type of fundraiser environmentally unfriendly, but it is also illegal. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency passed the Clean Water Act in 1972. Phase 2 of this act went into effect December 8th, 1999. This phase makes it illegal for anyone to put anything in local storm drains except rain water.

The Solution: 
Does this mean that local non-profits can no longer use car washing as a means to raise well needed funds? No. Prime Shine has developed a very successful fundraising program that any qualifying non-profit organization can use to raise funds. Prime Shine's program has proven to be more successful and safer than traditional corner parking lot washes. And most importantly the Prime Shine program is environmentally friendly and will not harm our local waterways.