Replacing a shop’s parts washer or everyday degreaser can be a substantial expense. Washington has a program that may help with the bill, along with local specialists who can walk owners through the process.
The Department of Ecology’s Automotive Degreaser Replacement Project is accepting new participants. Qualifying vehicle-maintenance operations can seek reimbursement of up to $10,000 for an approved switch. Funding is limited, and the amount depends on the replacement product.
For a new purchase, start with a Pollution Prevention Assistance specialist before placing an order. The program involves approval, a voucher and follow-up documentation.
Which local operations can apply?
Ecology lists Washington businesses, nonprofits and local governments that service road-use cars, trucks, buses, semi-trucks or motorcycles. That can include qualifying fleet-maintenance operations as well as repair shops.
The July 2026 application and voucher adds important conditions: applicants need a valid business license or UBI number, must generate dangerous waste at their Washington facility and cannot be subject to a current administrative or criminal environmental enforcement action. The program does not reimburse off-site businesses merely providing services to waste generators.
How much help is available?
Ecology’s product list has four reimbursement tiers:
- Up to $10,000: water-based products independently certified as safer, including EPA Safer Choice products.
- Up to $5,000: water-based products meeting Ecology’s criteria without that certification.
- Up to $2,500: independently certified safer solvent-based products. Ecology currently lists no products meeting this tier.
- Up to $1,000: qualifying lower-hazard solvent-based products.
These are ceilings, rather than promised payments. Have the specialist confirm the exact product and amount. A product missing from the list can be submitted for review.
EPA’s Safer Choice program helps purchasers identify products with safer ingredients. Ecology says its reimbursement review assesses chemical hazards, rather than whether a cleaner will perform well in a particular shop. Discuss the jobs you need it to do with your specialist and supplier.
Plan the purchase and reimbursement together
The voucher describes this sequence:
- Complete the initial specialist visit and resolve identified high-priority issues.
- Submit the application with the specialist’s help and register as a state payee.
- Receive Ecology’s voucher number before making a prospective purchase.
- Buy and use the agreed replacement, properly dispose of the old products or equipment, and arrange a follow-up visit.
- Submit the completed voucher and receipts.
Acknowledgment that an application arrived is not purchase approval. The voucher gives applicants six months after receiving a voucher number to make the first purchase, dispose of old items, arrange the follow-up and submit the completed voucher and receipts.
The form lists equipment, installation, training and up to a year’s supply of approved cleaner among possible costs. Replacement equipment must be comparable in size or capacity. Applicants pay their costs before reimbursement. Read the full terms, including responsibilities for suppliers and waste disposal, before committing.
Already bought a replacement?
Ecology’s FAQ says applicants may seek reimbursement for eligible products purchased after July 1, 2025. Ask the specialist to review your purchase and receipts. That provision is not automatic approval, and it should not replace advance approval for a purchase you are still planning.
The program focuses on replacing your primary, most-used degreaser. Ecology says shops can retain small amounts of other cleaners for specific work.
Who to contact in our area
Both counties offer free Pollution Prevention Assistance visits. Ask about the automotive-degreaser program when requesting one.
- Snohomish County: Health Department PPA assistance, 425-339-5250. The page’s current Safe Environments contact lists shd-ehq@snoco.org.
- Camano Island and the rest of Island County: Lana Brammann, Pollution Prevention Program, 360-678-2316, l.brammann@islandcountywa.gov.
Have your current cleaner’s name, typical usage and proposed replacement ready for the conversation. Ask which costs qualify, how much you would pay yourself and what deadline your voucher carries. Those answers can help you compare options before spending money.
Program details, July 2026 voucher and local contacts checked Nov. 12, 2026. Availability and individual eligibility require confirmation with the program.
