Commercial car washing can result in the discharge of harmful waste water containing phosphates, detergents, surfactants, oils, silts/sediments, rubber, copper and other metals. Untreated, these pollutants will enter into surface water drains and ultimately, impair water quality.

At Rainbow we are committed to treating wash water correctly

Waste water undergoes a multi-step process with the end result being that c.98% of all fresh water is recovered and re-used within a closed system. Both significantly reducing fresh water consumption and ensuring harmful effluent/run-off is successfully removed from the water and collected separately for disposal.

In the first stage of treatment, the waste water from the vehicle wash is fed to a three-stage interceptor, separating heavy metals, oil and other substances from the water. Suspended particles will rise to the top of the interceptor, allowing these to be effectively removed.

The pre-treated water then flows through an advanced water reclamation system involving filtering and backwashing.

The above process applies to all water used by Rainbow including the soft cloth car wash, commercial wash, self-service laundrette and DIY Jet Washes.

Rainbow is a SEPA -regulated business and is a member of the Car Wash Association.

Hand car washes - Environmental Audit Committee - House of Commons (parliament.uk)

Fully biodegradable chemicals

Our eco-friendly car wash chemicals are made from sustainable materials and are fully biodegradable. These are gentler on cars whilst not compromising on wash quality or on our commitment to the environment.