Small-Scale Spill Cleanup

Spills Happen, and Even Smaller Spills Require Professional Cleanup

Not all hazardous spills happen in car accidents, on highways or industrial sites. Sometimes fuel, oil, or chemicals leak right in your backyard, garage, workplace or school. And even small spills can create big problems for the environment, safety, and health.

Pro-Enviro specializes in spill recovery and cleanup throughout the state of Washington. Though many of our jobs are large-scale cleanups, we can also help with small spills. We offer fast and professional small-scale spill cleanup for residential, commercial, and municipal customers. Our team is there to offer expert advice and ensure your spill clean-up is compliant with government regulations.

No matter the size of the incident, health and safety of people, properties and the environment is our top-priority.
Have a spill you’re unsure about? Contact us for guidance.

What are Examples of Small Spills That May Need Professional Spill Cleanup?

Not all spills require a professional cleanup service, and there are some you can clean up yourself with the right materials or with a spill kit. Here are typical types of spills that our team can help with:

  • Gas and diesel leaks from vehicles, lawn mowers, garden equipment, heavy equipment or generators in driveways, parking lots and yards.
  • Oil spills in commercial parking lots, automotive repair shops or residential garages.
  • Chemical spills at schools, hospitals, office buildings and construction sites.
  • Farm machinery leaking fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, etc.
  • Coolant leaks or hydraulic fluid spills from equipment at a home or business.
  • Paint and solvent spills during construction or DIY projects.
  • Pesticide or herbicide spills in yards, commercial properties and municipal parks.

Small spills can still be dangerous, and fast, professional cleanup helps prevent bigger problems like soil contamination, water pollution, fines, and liability claims.

Do You Need Professional Spill Cleanup?

You’ve spilled a little oil or a chemical in your home or business – do you need professional spill cleanup? If you’re unsure, the best thing you can do is call our spill recovery team. Here are some examples of when you might need us to come help with cleanup:

  • What you spilled is flammable, toxic, corrosive, or otherwise hazardous
  • The spill could reach a storm drain, sewer, ditch, or groundwater
  • The spill covers a large area (more than a few square feet)
  • You think there might be a risk to people, pets, or the environment
  • You aren’t sure how to clean it up safely
  • Your insurance, city regulations, or workplace policy requires professional cleanup. We can help answer questions around this.
  • You are unable to fully contain and remove it safely with basic materials

For example, a half-gallon fuel spill onto asphalt might be manageable with a spill kit. However, a few cups of pesticide spilled near a drain could require professional containment and cleanup. There are some grey areas regarding small spills on private property, so it is always best to ask a pro for advice on Washington State and federal requirements and spill cleanup.

Even a small spill can cause damage or be a safety risk if not handled properly. No worries, we’re here to help! Feel free to call us anytime for free advice.

Spill Prevention Tips for Home, Work and School

While accidents happen, many small spills can be avoided with smart prevention practices. Here are a few.

Maintain Vehicles and Equipment

Preventive maintenance on private and commercial vehicles, equipment, and machinery can help catch issues that might cause leaks down the road. Regular maintenance keeps vehicles and equipment in good condition, improving efficiency and reducing impact on the environment.

Storing Hazardous Materials Properly

Materials that can harm health, safety, and the environment must be stored properly. That means keeping chemicals, fuels, oils, and other materials in labelled, sealed containers and storing them properly.

Use Tools to Prevent Spills

Using the right tools when working with these materials can help you prevent spills. For example, if you are making oil changes on all your farm equipment, lay down protective tarps on the ground and use a wide oil pan to catch the used oil. Then, ensure you dispose of the oil properly by taking it to a certified facility.

If you’re storing fuel, oil or chemicals, consider using trays and berms to catch potential spills and reduce the need for spill cleanup.

Never Wash Dangerous Materials Down the Drain!

Household chemicals, medication, oil, paint, solvents, pesticides and other hazardous waste should never go down the drain or a storm drain. They can contaminate water sources, harm aquatic life, ecosystems and human health. In addition, many substances can damage plumbing and infrastructure.

Learn About Spill Prevention and Cleanup

Training staff, students and family members on spill prevention and what to do if there’s a spill can make a big difference! If you have a hobby or run a business that handles these materials, follow safety protocol, always use containment tools when necessary, store materials properly, and have a spill kit on site.

What is a spill kit? A spill kit is a collection of tools and supplies to help you contain and clean up hazardous spills. For example, a spill kit might contain absorbent materials, personal protective equipment (PPE), containment booms, waste disposal bags, shovels, etc. It is typically stored in a concealed container and can be stored in your garage, shop, vehicle, or workplace.

Act Quickly

Small spills are easier and cheaper to clean up before they spread. If you have a spill, contact us as soon as you can. We will advise you on the next steps, whether it’s DIY cleanup or getting us on-site to handle the spill cleanup.

Contact Us About Your Small Spill Incident

If you have a small spill, it’s essential to clean it up. In many cases, legislation requires it, and neglecting spill cleanup can lead to fines and legal penalties. No fear—we offer 24-hour spill cleanup across all of Washington State. We’ll provide expert advice and ensure any spill, big or small, is cleaned safely, quickly, and in compliance with local, state, and federal legislation.

Call Pro-Enviro!