1. Which substances are classified as “environmentally hazardous” (Umweltgefährdung)?
| Substance | Legal classification |
|---|---|
| Brake cleaner (Bremsenreiniger) | Usually contains chlorinated hydrocarbons or flammable solvents – classified as a hazardous substance (Gefahrstoff). |
| Paints / varnishes (Lacke / Farben) | Contain organic solvents (VOC) and fall under the Solvent Ordinance (Lösemittelverordnung). |
| Thinners, primers (Verdünner, Haftgrund) | Solvent-based products – must be kept separate from wastewater. |
2. Do you have to install a separator (Abscheider)?
Yes, in the following situations:
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If there is a sink or cleaning area where brake cleaner or solvents are used.
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If painting, coating, or paint removal is carried out and tools, guns or parts are cleaned with liquid agents.
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Whenever wastewater might come into contact with hazardous / water-polluting substances.
In these cases, the authorities will usually require you to install:
| Type of system | Function |
|---|---|
| Solvent or coalescence separator (Lösemittelabscheider / Koaleszenzabscheider) | Separates oils and solvents from the wastewater. |
| Paint separator (Lackabscheider) | Traps paint and coating residues. |
| Filter units with activated carbon | Reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the exhaust air. |
| Air separators / filter stages for spray booths | Filter vapours and aerosols before the air is released into the environment. |
3. Which technical legal requirements apply?
The main legal and technical requirements are based on:
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Wasserhaushaltsgesetz (WHG) – German Water Resources Act, especially §§ 62 ff.
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AwSV – Ordinance on installations handling substances hazardous to water
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TA Luft 2021 – Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control
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TRwS 781 – Technical rules for separator systems (including related DIN standards)
4. What do the authorities usually require from you in practice?
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| System inspection (Anlagenprüfung) | Inspection of the separator when it is installed + re-inspection every 5 years by an authorised expert. |
| Maintenance record (Wartungsnachweis) | Regular maintenance (quarterly or semi-annually, depending on the system) by a certified specialist company. |
| Operating log (Betriebstagebuch) | An operating logbook documenting separator maintenance, filter changes, emptying and any malfunctions. |
| Hazardous substances register (Gefahrstoffverzeichnis) | A list of all hazardous substances used on site, including their safety data sheets (SDS). |
Indicative cost ranges:
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Small separator (under-sink, small workshop) | Approx. €1,000 – €3,000 |
| Full separation system (e.g. for a paint shop) | Approx. €5,000 – €15,000 |
| Annual maintenance | Approx. €300 – €800 |
| Periodic inspection | Approx. €500 – €1,000 every 5 years |
The editorial team of the website strives to provide reliable and well-researched information. However, errors or incomplete details cannot be completely ruled out, and technical rules as well as legal requirements may change. Therefore, this article should be treated as preliminary guidance only. For binding and project-specific advice, please contact the competent authorities, specialised planners or certified experts for water protection and air pollution control.
