Most P2 options in this industry involve reducing the amount of pollutants that are discharged through wastewater and air emissions. Waste water discharges can be reduced by collecting used cleaning solutions. Often these can be reused. Other options include using less hazardous cleaning compounds.

Most P2 efforts in this sector reduce wastewater and wastewater contamination from tank residues and cleaning solvents. Other efforts involve reusing water and solvents. Still other efforts reduce the toxicity of the solvents.

Many equipment cleaning systems (for both large and small pieces) can be converted to closed-loop systems to reuse water. Reuse reduces waste water treatment costs and solvent purchase costs. Some of the solvent that remains in the water as it passes through such a system can be reused in a portion of the system that does not require clean water or clean solvent.

Even if a business does not have or use a closed-loop system, the business may still be able to reuse wash and rinse solutions in other ways. Runoff can be captured in a tank by means of a dedicated drainage system. Evaporated solvent can be captured in an enclosed area. As it condenses, it can be collected in a dedicated drainage system for disposal or reuse.

Whatever system a business uses, it should always segregate waste streams. Segregation prevents the further contamination of other waste streams. It can make it less costly and easier to treat waste water. Further, some forms of waste segregation and in-house treatment allow businesses to recover materials for reuse or resale. In some cases, ultrasonic parts washing can completely eliminate wastewater.

Another example of a transportation equipment cleaning process is aircraft deicing. P2 in this activity focus on collection and reuse or recycling. Deicer can be collected in a dedicated drainage system in a dedicated deicing station. This closed system prevents deicing fluid from entering sewage or storm water drainage systems.

Businesses should look for ways to use less-hazardous deicing solutions and to modify application techniques to reduce waste. These choices can reduce pollution and prevent contamination of ground and surface water.

Whenever possible, businesses should look for less-hazardous (less-toxic) alternatives. They should also review their practices to identify those can could be wasteful. Then businesses could make changes as needed. Controlling the application and the collection of materials can greatly reduce pollution.