Antifreeze & Coolant Disposal Services
Professional Antifreeze Collection & Recycling for Businesses Nationwide
Antifreeze and engine coolant contain toxic ethylene glycol that requires proper disposal or recycling. Whether you have used antifreeze from vehicle maintenance or industrial cooling systems, EPA regulations require responsible management. Hazardous Waste Disposal has been helping businesses safely dispose of and recycle antifreeze since 1992.
Call (800) 582-4833 for antifreeze disposal services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
Types of Antifreeze We Handle
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze
The most common automotive antifreeze.
What we handle:
Green antifreeze (traditional)
Universal antifreeze
Heavy-duty antifreeze
Extended-life antifreeze
Contaminated ethylene glycol
Toxicity: Highly toxic to humans and animals Recycling: Can be filtered and reprocessed Cost: $2-$7 per gallon depending on condition
Propylene Glycol Antifreeze
Less toxic alternative antifreeze.
What we handle:
RV antifreeze
Marine antifreeze
Pet-safe antifreeze
Food-grade propylene glycol
Toxicity: Lower toxicity than ethylene glycol Recycling: Recyclable but less common Cost: $2-$6 per gallon
Extended Life Coolants (OAT/HOAT)
Modern long-life antifreeze formulations.
What we handle:
Dex-Cool (orange)
OAT coolants (Organic Acid Technology)
HOAT coolants (Hybrid OAT)
Extended-life formulations
Note: Can often be mixed with traditional antifreeze for disposal
Industrial Coolants
Non-automotive cooling applications.
What we handle:
Industrial chiller coolants
HVAC system coolants
Process cooling fluids
Heat transfer fluids
May contain: Different additives requiring special handling
Contaminated Antifreeze
Antifreeze mixed with other materials.
What we handle:
Antifreeze mixed with oil
Antifreeze with heavy metal contamination
Diluted antifreeze solutions
Antifreeze with debris
Note: Contamination affects recyclability and increases disposal costs
Why Antifreeze Requires Special Disposal
Toxicity to Humans and Animals
Ethylene glycol is extremely toxic:
Sweet taste: Attracts children and animals
Lethal dose: As little as 2 oz can kill a small child
Kidney failure: Causes irreversible kidney damage
Widespread poisoning: Thousands of pet poisonings annually
Health impact: Antifreeze must never be disposed where it can be accessed.
Environmental Contamination
Improper disposal harms ecosystems:
Groundwater pollution: Contaminates drinking water sources
Surface water toxicity: Harms aquatic life
Soil contamination: Persists in environment
Bioaccumulation: Enters food chain
Impact: One gallon of antifreeze can contaminate thousands of gallons of water.
Legal Requirements
EPA and state regulations mandate proper handling:
Cannot be dumped: On ground, in drains, or in waterways
Storage requirements: Must be in proper containers
Disposal regulations: Must use approved facilities
Penalties: Violations result in significant fines
Recycling Benefits
Used antifreeze is often recyclable:
Resource conservation: Reduces need for virgin ethylene glycol
Cost savings: Recycling cheaper than disposal
Environmental protection: Prevents contamination
Economic value: Recovered antifreeze has market value
Antifreeze Regulations
Federal Regulations
EPA Position:
Used antifreeze is not automatically hazardous waste
Becomes hazardous if contaminated with other hazardous materials
Must be managed to prevent environmental releases
Key consideration: Don't mix antifreeze with used oil, solvents, or other hazardous waste
State-Specific Requirements
States vary in antifreeze regulation:
California: Strict regulations, must be recycled when possible
Massachusetts: Considered hazardous waste in some cases
New York: Special management requirements
Most states: Require proper management even if not hazardous
Check local rules: Your state may have additional requirements
Mixing Prohibition
Never mix antifreeze with:
Used motor oil (makes both harder to recycle)
Solvents or cleaners
Brake fluid
Any hazardous waste
Why: Mixing contaminates both materials and increases disposal costs dramatically
Our Antifreeze Disposal Services
Regular Scheduled Pickup
For businesses generating antifreeze consistently:
Weekly, monthly, or quarterly service
Proper collection tanks or drums provided
Recycling when possible
All documentation handled
Perfect for:
Auto repair shops
Fleet maintenance facilities
Car dealerships
Equipment rental companies
Cost: Often includes recycling to reduce disposal costs
One-Time Collection
For occasional needs:
Shop cleanouts
Tank replacements
Facility closures
System flushes
Antifreeze Recycling
For clean, uncontaminated antifreeze:
On-site or off-site recycling
Filtering and reprocessing
Significantly reduced costs
Environmental benefits
Recycling requirements:
No oil contamination
No heavy metal contamination
Minimal debris
Single type preferred (but mixing ok for some processes)
Container Supply
We provide proper storage:
55-gallon drums
Collection tanks (various sizes)
Pumps and transfer equipment
Spill containment
Antifreeze Storage Requirements
Proper Containers
Use containers that are:
Compatible with ethylene glycol
In good condition
Properly sealed
Clearly labeled
Common options:
55-gallon plastic or steel drums
Above-ground storage tanks
Bulk collection tanks (300-1,000 gallon)
Avoid:
Mixing antifreeze with other fluids
Using previously contaminated containers
Damaged or leaking containers
Labeling Requirements
All antifreeze containers must be labeled:
"Used Antifreeze" or "Waste Antifreeze"
"Ethylene Glycol" (if applicable)
Warning about toxicity
Not typically required:
"Hazardous Waste" label (unless contaminated)
EPA waste codes
Accumulation dates
Storage Location
Store antifreeze:
In secure area away from children/animals
With secondary containment
Away from drains and waterways
Protected from weather
In well-ventilated area
Preventing Contamination
Keep antifreeze recyclable:
Don't mix with oil
Keep separate from solvents
Prevent dirt and debris
Use dedicated containers only
Filter when transferring if possible
Antifreeze Recycling Process
Collection
From your facility:
Antifreeze collected in proper containers
Sampled for contamination
Transported to recycling or disposal facility
Testing
At processing facility:
Test for heavy metals
Check for oil contamination
Measure ethylene glycol concentration
Determine if recyclable
Recycling Process (for clean antifreeze)
Method 1: Filtration and Chemical Treatment
Remove particulates through filtration
Adjust chemical balance
Add fresh additives
Test for quality standards
Package as recycled antifreeze
Method 2: Distillation
Heat antifreeze to separate components
Collect purified ethylene glycol
Remove contaminants
Reblend with additives
Produce virgin-quality antifreeze
Recovery rate: 70-90% of ethylene glycol can be recovered
Disposal (for contaminated antifreeze)
If too contaminated to recycle:
Incineration for energy recovery
Treatment to neutralize toxicity
Proper disposal at permitted facility
Industries That Generate Antifreeze Waste
Auto Repair Shops
Antifreeze generated:
Coolant system flushes
Radiator repairs
Engine work
Regular maintenance
Volume: 50-200 gallons per month
Fleet Maintenance
Antifreeze generated:
Heavy-duty vehicle maintenance
Truck and bus flushes
Equipment cooling systems
Volume: 100-1,000+ gallons per month
Car Dealerships
Antifreeze generated:
Service department operations
Pre-delivery inspections
Warranty work
Volume: 50-300 gallons per month
Equipment Rental Companies
Antifreeze generated:
Equipment maintenance
Seasonal winterization
Return equipment servicing
Volume: 20-200 gallons seasonally
Construction Companies
Antifreeze generated:
Heavy equipment maintenance
Generator servicing
Vehicle fleet maintenance
Volume: 20-150 gallons per month
Manufacturing Facilities
Antifreeze generated:
Industrial cooling systems
HVAC maintenance
Process cooling equipment
Volume: 50-500 gallons per year
Antifreeze Disposal Costs
Clean, Recyclable Antifreeze
Cost: $2-$4 per gallon
Lower end for large quantities
Clean, uncontaminated material
Recycling value offsets cost
Some programs: May be free for very clean antifreeze in large quantities
Contaminated Antifreeze
Cost: $4-$7 per gallon
Higher for oil-contaminated antifreeze
Heavy metal contamination increases cost
Cannot be recycled, must be disposed
Mixed Antifreeze Types
Cost: $3-$5 per gallon
Different colors/types can usually be mixed
Slightly affects recyclability
Still acceptable for most programs
Service Costs
Additional potential costs:
Drum rental: $30-$75 per month
Tank rental: $100-$300 per month
Minimum pickup charge: $150-$300
Emergency service: Premium rates
Volume discounts available
Call (800) 582-4833 for accurate pricing
How to Reduce Antifreeze Disposal Costs
1. Keep Antifreeze Clean
Prevent contamination:
Use dedicated containers
Don't mix with oil
Prevent debris entry
Store properly
Savings: 30-50% by enabling recycling
2. Use Recycled Antifreeze
Purchase recycled product:
Meets same standards as new
Lower cost than virgin antifreeze
Closes recycling loop
Supports sustainability
Savings: 20-40% on antifreeze purchases
3. Extend Service Intervals
Use extended-life coolants:
Lasts 150,000-300,000 miles vs. 30,000
Reduces waste generation
Lower total cost of ownership
Savings: 60-80% reduction in waste volume
4. Install On-Site Recycling
For high-volume generators:
On-site filtering and treatment
Reuse antifreeze multiple times
Dramatically reduces disposal
ROI: Often pays back in 1-2 years for large shops
5. Schedule Regular Pickups
Avoid one-time charges:
Quarterly or annual service
Better per-gallon rates
Included equipment
Savings: 20-30% vs. emergency pickup
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can antifreeze be mixed with used oil? A: No. This contaminates both materials, making recycling impossible and dramatically increasing disposal costs.
Q: Is antifreeze hazardous waste? A: Not automatically. It becomes hazardous if contaminated with other hazardous materials or exhibits hazardous characteristics.
Q: Can different colors of antifreeze be mixed? A: Yes, for disposal/recycling purposes. Different types (green, orange, pink) can be combined.
Q: Can antifreeze be poured down the drain? A: Absolutely not. This is illegal and extremely harmful to water treatment systems and the environment.
Q: How should antifreeze be stored? A: In closed, labeled containers with secondary containment, away from children and animals, in a secure area.
Q: Can antifreeze be recycled? A: Yes, if not contaminated with oil or other materials. Recycled antifreeze meets the same standards as new antifreeze.
Q: What if antifreeze is mixed with water? A: This is fine. Diluted antifreeze can still be recycled or disposed of properly.
Q: How long can antifreeze be stored? A: No specific time limit for non-hazardous antifreeze, but schedule pickup regularly to prevent accumulation and potential contamination.
Get Started with Antifreeze Disposal Service
Call (800) 582-4833 or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
What to have ready:
Type of antifreeze (ethylene or propylene glycol)
Approximate monthly quantity generated
Whether clean or contaminated
Current storage method
Desired pickup frequency
We'll provide:
Free quote (often includes recycling!)
Proper collection containers
Pickup scheduling
Recycling certificates
All documentation
Compliance guidance
Ask about recycling programs to reduce your antifreeze disposal costs by 30-50%!
Serving businesses nationwide since 1992
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