Did you know that using recycled antifreeze
is less expensive than virgin antifreeze and helps reduce our
dependence on limited natural resources? In fact, waste antifreeze
should be recycled either in an on-site unit, by a mobile service
or off-site.
Waste antifreeze may contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium
and chromium in high enough levels to make it a regulated hazardous
waste. Antifreeze is not considered hazardous waste if recycled
into a closed loop system on site. A hazardous waste may never
be dumped on land or discharged into a sanitary sewer, stormdrain,
ditch, dry well or septic system.
Dumping waste antifreeze into a stormdrain or waterway, is
a violation of the Cleanwater Act. Antifreeze is harmful to
all life and is especially deadly to dogs, cats and other domestic
animals that like the sweet taste of antifreeze.
Most states forbids the discharge of antifreeze into the sanitary
sewer system. Always use the easy Four-Step clean-up method
for antifreeze spill cleanups.
Waste antifreeze should never be disposed of down stormdrains
or into surface waters because it causes serious water quality
problems and may harm people, pets and wildlife. Dumping of
antifreeze is illegal and is punishable by fines of $25,000
per day and possible jail time.
Cause for Concern
Disposal of waste antifreeze important not only for legal and
environmental reasons, but how you treat, store and dispose
of your waste antifreeze will help determine your status as
a hazardous waste generator.
If you generate any amount of hazardous waste in a calendar
month you will become a small quantity generator of hazardous
waste and will become subject to the regulatory reporting requirements
associated with this status.
If you produce more than 27 gallons (about one-half drum) or
220 pounds of hazardous waste per month you are considered a
large quantity generator and will become subject to even more
intrusive, time-consuming, and frustrating regulations. See
Your Generator Status for more information about this subject.
The solution to pollution is not dilution! Do not mix antifreeze
or any other liquid with water and expect it to become a non-hazardous
waste. A non-hazardous waste mixed with a hazardous waste will
always assume the characteristics of a hazardous waste and must
be treated as such.
As always, the best way to dispose of waste antifreeze is by
contracting with a licensed recycler.
With many on-site and off site-recycling options available,
recycling waste antifreeze is always the best option. Waste
antifreeze can be recycled by three methods.
All waste antifreeze recycling methods involve two steps:
The most appropriate type antifreeze recycling
that is suited for your facility is best determined by you.
Managing Recycled Wastes
Antifreeze recycling wastes may be contaminated with metals
such as lead, chromium, cadmium, copper, or zinc.
Depending on the type of recycling performed, wastes may include
filters, sludge or resins. As with all wastes, you should obtain
data, or test the waste to determine whether it is hazardous
and dispose of it accordingly. Off-site and some mobile recycling
service vendors will dispose of the wastes for you. If your
vendor manages wastes for you, make sure that proper waste determination
and disposal is performed.
 Note:
There is no single national recycled antifreeze
standard that all recycling methods must achieve. Therefore,
you should select an antifreeze recycling method after
discussing coolant quality specifications and vehicle
warranty concerns directly with your recycling service
vendors. Some vendors can provide certification letters
from vehicle manufacturers or state agencies, or will
otherwise guarantee the recycled antifreeze they produce.
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Antifreeze Spill Cleanup
Minimize spills and drips, always use drip pans and funnels
when transferring antifreeze.
If a spill can be cleaned with three or fewer rags, use them
to clean the spill until the floor is dry. Place used rags in
properly labeled waste containers and send rags to an industrial
laundry. Do not saturate the rags, otherwise you will have drips
on the floor as you transfer them to the waste containers.
Four-Step Floor Cleanup Method
 If
the spill contains oil, mop it first, only using a hydrophobic
mop and restrict back-and-forth movement of the mop to avoid
spreading spill. Transfer collected oil to the properly labeled
waste oil container for recycling.
 If
the spill is antifreeze, mop it immediately using a dedicated
cloth mop. Transfer collected antifreeze to the properly labeled
antifreeze waste container for recycling.
 Use
rags to dry the floor. Place used rags in properly labeled waste
containers and send rags to an industrial laundry. Do not saturate
the rags; otherwise you will have drips on the floor as you
transfer them to the waste containers.
 Use
a wet mop only if necessary for final cleaning. Use mild, non-caustic
detergent. Caustic detergents are corrosive to skin, eyes and
mucous membranes, and can react with other chemicals. Refer
to the Your Generator Status factsheet for a definition of corrosive
products.
Proper storage of waste antifreeze
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Test used antifreeze at least one time
for hazardous constituents. In particular, test for lead and
benzene.
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Always keep the results on file.
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Segregate used antifreeze from other wastes
and always label the container "waste antifreeze."
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Always keep the container closed with a
tight fitting lid and provide containment around the waste
antifreeze storage containers to prevent spills from entering
storm- drains or surface water.
-
Always use a permitted hauler for transportation
to a permitted facility for recycling, treatment, storage,
or disposal. You are responsible for the waste antifreeze
from cradle to grave.
Remember!
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Keep drains covered.
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Use proper container management.
-
Have the appropriate spill response
equipment and supplies. Refer to the MSDS’s
of each product.
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Never pour antifreeze into a septic
system. The organisms in the system will be damaged.
-
Wear eye protection, clothing that
covers exposed skin and rubber gloves when transferring
antifreeze and always pour slowly and carefully to
avoid splashing.
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More Information
Visit the CCAR-GreenLink
website, or call CCAR-GreenLink
toll free (888.476.5465) for assistance with your waste management
questions.
above information was provided
by:
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