Page 513 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

39

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

APPLICATIONS

39.1 Industry Overview

NAICS code: all 44700s

INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT

121,446 auto service and gasoline operations in the United States
926,792 employees
$249.1 billion in annual sales
0.5 tons of solid waste generation per employee
Major waste streams: paper, plastics, and metals

Industries in the gasoline stations subsector retail automotive products and automotive
oils with or without convenience-store items. These establishments have specialized
equipment for the storage and dispensing of automotive fuels.
Automotive service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light
trucks that run on gasoline, electricity, or alternative fuels such as ethanol. Automotive
service technicians’ and mechanics’ responsibilities have evolved from simple
mechanical repairs to high-level technology-related work. The increasing sophistica-
tion of automobiles requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and
work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional hand
tools. As a result, automotive service workers are now usually called technicians rather
than mechanics. (Service technicians who work on diesel-powered trucks, buses, and
equipment are diesel service technicians and mechanics. Motorcycle technicians—
who repair and service motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, and small all-terrain
vehicles—are small engine mechanics.)

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