Going Green At The Car Wash

Kevin Johns | FOX43 News

June 23, 2008

If you're looking to spruce up your ride with out doing a number on the environment, there's now an option. Mark Zimmerman is passing through the fast lane, as in the Fast Lane Auto Wash.

The state-of-the-art car wash, located just off of union deposit road in lower paxton township, uses technology to keep more than just vehicles clean.

"The business is directly involved, based on what I read, in conserving its resources which are water," said Mark Zimmerman of Harrisburg.

The four self-serve lanes are built with recycled materials and feature energy saving technologies. The entire project, costing about three millions dollars.

"The downside to the whole thing is it was very expensive to build. Upside is, it should pay back over a five to ten year period," said owner, Marc Tyndale.

The owners expect to save up to 40 percent on their gas bills and use up to 50 percent less electricity. What you can't see is a 14-thousand gallon storage tank sitting below the ground. It, along with the technology, enables the car wash to recycle up to 90 percent of its water.

"It's actually a live bacteria system. So it feeds on oil, grease and solvents," said Tyndale.

"And it doesn't stink. That's great. I'm passing the word on," said Nathan Yingst after making his way through the wash.

The system was developed in Europe, and appears to be a hit here too. "Did a great job. I'll be back," said Zimmerman.

It will cost you about eight to ten dollars to get your car cleaned at the Fast Lane Auto Wash, taking between three and five minutes.

The business is open. It will be having a grand opening event on July 19th.