Aug 03, 2026 Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), Dewald Ranft, recovering engine oil, recycling air-conditioning gases
MIWA comment - Every vehicle service can help protect the environment
When motorists take their vehicles in for a service, they expect qualified technicians, quality workmanship and reliable repairs. What many don't realise is that a professional automotive workshop is also playing an important role in protecting South Africa's environment. From recovering used engine oil and recycling air-conditioning gases to safely disposing of coolant and hazardous waste, today's responsible workshops do far more than maintain vehicles. They help prevent pollutants from entering our rivers, groundwater and ecosystems.
According to Dewald Ranft, National Chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), environmental responsibility has become an essential part of running a modern workshop. "Every vehicle service generates waste that has the potential to harm the environment if it is not handled correctly. Professional workshops have a responsibility to ensure that hazardous materials are managed safely, responsibly and in accordance with environmental requirements."
One of the most important environmental safeguards found in MIWA-accredited workshops is something most customers never see. “All workshops are required to install a three-stage stainless steel oil separator. These systems prevent oil, fuel, grease and suspended solids from entering municipal sewer systems, where they could ultimately contaminate rivers, groundwater and, eventually, our oceans,” he says.
Ranft says the average motorist probably has no idea these systems even exist but they form an important first line of defence in preventing automotive pollutants from reaching our natural water resources.
Used oil is too valuable – and too dangerous – to waste. Every routine oil service produces used engine oil that must be carefully managed. Ranft says just one litre of used engine oil has the potential to contaminate up to one million litres of fresh water if improperly disposed of. “That is why used oil is classified as hazardous waste and should never be poured into drains, onto the ground or discarded with general refuse,” he explains.
Instead, MIWA-accredited workshops partner with licensed used oil collectors and recyclers who ensure the oil is safely recovered and either recycled or reprocessed for further industrial use. The same applies to used oil filters, oily rags and empty oil containers. “Although they may appear harmless, they retain oil residues that can contaminate soil and groundwater if sent to landfill.”
These materials are also collected by licensed hazardous waste recyclers rather than being disposed of with ordinary waste. Improper disposal also creates risks beyond environmental pollution and may impact people, pets and even livestock. Many workshops still receive requests from members of the public asking for used engine oil to treat skin conditions on livestock or for various domestic uses. "This is a dangerous misconception that has persisted for many years," says Ranft. "Used engine oil contains contaminants, heavy metals and combustion by-products that can be harmful to animals, people and the environment. It should never be used as a home remedy."
The same warning applies to used coolant and antifreeze. Most modern coolants contain ethylene glycol, a chemical that is highly toxic to people, pets and wildlife. Because it has a sweet taste, animals may be attracted to it, making accidental poisoning a real risk. Coolant should never be poured into stormwater drains, sewer systems or onto the ground. Like used oil, it must be collected and disposed of through approved recycling or hazardous waste management systems.
Recovering harmful refrigerant gases - Vehicle air-conditioning systems also require specialised environmental management. Modern workshops use dedicated air-conditioning service machines that recover refrigerant gas before repairs are carried out. Rather than allowing these gases to escape into the atmosphere, recovery equipment captures and recycles as much of the refrigerant as possible for reuse.
Many refrigerants have a significant global warming impact if released into the atmosphere, making proper recovery an important part of responsible vehicle servicing.
"Professional servicing is about far more than keeping your air conditioner cold," explains Ranft. "It's also about preventing unnecessary emissions that contribute to climate change."
Environmental responsibility extends beyond compliance. It reflects a workshop's commitment to protecting the communities it serves. From safely managing hazardous waste and preventing contaminated wastewater from entering municipal systems to working with licensed recycling partners, these everyday practices often go unnoticed by customers but they make a significant difference to the environment.
“As South Africans become increasingly aware of sustainability and environmental stewardship, the automotive aftermarket has an important role to play. Every litre of oil recovered, every oil filter recycled, every drop of coolant safely disposed of and every gram of refrigerant gas reclaimed contributes to a cleaner, healthier future,” concludes Ranft.
The next time you book your vehicle in for a service, it is worth remembering that the work happening behind the workshop doors is helping to protect far more than just your engine.
Four questions to ask your workshop
• What happens to my used engine oil?
• Do you recycle oil filters and contaminated containers?
• How do you dispose of used coolant?
• Do you recover and recycle air-conditioning refrigerant?
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