Lube-Tech Liquid Recycling is committed to protecting the environment from the toxic effects of antifreeze.
Antifreeze is commonly comprised of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol – two chemicals that transfer heat from a vehicle’s engine to the radiator. These substances can create serious water quality problems and are poisonous to people, pets and wildlife.
In addition to used antifreeze pollution control, leaking antifreeze can also have a negative impact on ground water systems. To prevent contamination from leaks, repair damaged hoses and equipment immediately upon discovery and place drip trays beneath vehicles, equipment and any other units that utilize antifreeze.
Is Antifreeze Hazardous?
Most antifreeze waste is not typically considered a hazardous material. However, in some cases, it may contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and chromium in high enough levels to regulate it as a hazardous material. While antifreeze reporting requirements vary by region, your local pollution control agency can provide up-to-date standards for your area to ensure proper handling and classification.
Tips for Preventing Antifreeze Waste:
| Work carefully on the cooling system when making repairs or replacing hoses and pumps. |
| Use a clean, dedicated drain pan to catch antifreeze. It can be placed back in the vehicle if properly handled during a flush. |
| Consider replacing unusable antifreeze with long-life formulations. |
| If a vehicle is experiencing major engine block problems and fluids are mixed, keep the collected antifreeze separate to prevent contaminating used supply. Antifreeze that contains excessive fuel, dirt and oil can be more expensive to recycle. |