Antifreeze, a chemical necessary for vehicles, is very dangerous. Consult your local and state laws to find out how to dispose of it properly. Take the used liquid to the recycling centers that accept it; that contaminated with oil or petrol must instead be sent together with all the necessary documentation to a hazardous waste management center. Immediately clean up any splashes by covering it with absorbent material, such as cat litter.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Dispose of the waste antifreeze
Step 1. Contact the recycling centers that handle this substance
Consult the local laws, contact the environmental protection office of your municipality or directly to the ecological platform. In some cases, operators can pick up the fluid or tell you where to go. Machine shops and service stations that do oil changes are other good sources of information; many of them may even accept your hazardous waste for recycling. Wastewater treatment plants sometimes withdraw small quantities.
- Find facilities by consulting your city's website, searching online for mechanics in your area, or calling waste companies directly.
- You may have to pay a small fee to dispose of the antifreeze; this fee could be higher in hazardous waste recovery plants.
Step 2. Recognize the fluid that is dirty or smells like gasoline
A drop of oil or fuel is enough to color this substance; in this case, the antifreeze is considered a hazardous waste and must be sent to a different plant than the one that takes care of the normal liquid used. Check if it's muddy, regular antifreeze is bright in color and smells sweet.
Damage to the vehicle can cause the various fluids in the engine compartment to mix; if in doubt, consider the antifreeze as contaminated
Step 3. Place the pure and contaminated substances in separate containers
The liquid should be poured into suitable containers, for example old empty bottles of the antifreeze itself. Also check that they are well sealed, and since the two types of antifreeze must be sent to different facilities, remember to label them correctly.
When you drain the liquid from the vehicle, use a different funnel and bucket than the one you use to drain the oil and other fluids
Step 4. Find hazardous waste recovery centers to send the contaminated liquid to
Antifreeze cannot be recycled and, as it is considered a toxic and dangerous substance, it must only be handled by authorized facilities. Ask for information from the Municipality for the addresses of these centers; even mechanics and workshops should be able to tell you where they dispose of their antifreeze.
Step 5. Bring the liquid to the recovery center
You cannot send the bottle by post, so you have to pick it up and bring it personally to the facility that manages it; Alternatively, you can ask a professional truck driver or used oil company to arrange transportation. Once you have left the container at the disposal center, remember to ask for a receipt certifying its delivery.
- Relying on a professional hauler simplifies things, but it is only necessary when you have to send large quantities of antifreeze; if you drive the van yourself, you must have all the documentation in order.
- Always inquire about local and state laws to know how to properly dispose of this type of waste.
Method 2 of 2: Get rid of antifreeze splashes
Step 1. Put on protective gloves and a mask
When you see splashes of antifreeze, try to ventilate the area as much as possible. Wear a mask to avoid breathing in the sweet smell, use long clothes and gloves to prevent direct contact with the skin.
Step 2. Pour absorbent material over the liquid
You can use cat litter, sand, or baking soda to collect the antifreeze. It is important to intervene promptly by placing several layers of absorbent material over the splashes.
Step 3. Cover everything with kitchen paper
In this way, you absorb the liquid even better and prevent the powdery substance from spreading; you can add more layers to make sure you don't miss a single drop of antifreeze.
Step 4. Wait a few hours
Let the various absorbent layers work for at least an hour (at least), but don't wait too long; take care of the splashes within three hours to prevent the antifreeze having time to leave a stain.
Step 5. Scrub the surface and scoop up the material with kitchen paper
Use dry sheets to eliminate dust and traces of fluid; when finished, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid accidentally ingesting the toxic substance.
Step 6. Throw the material you used in the trash
Antifreeze-soaked litter and paper can be handled like normal waste, but take care to seal the bag and store it out of the reach of pets and children; antifreeze is toxic if swallowed and anyone who touches it should wash their hands immediately.
Step 7. Cover the area with soap
You can use regular laundry detergent or dish soap to clean the floor; to treat stains that have already set, try a powder detergent; pour the soap over the stain and let it sit for about a minute.
Step 8. Scrub the area and rinse it with clean water
Sprinkle water on the surface to moisten it and scrub the soapy part with a nylon brush; when finished, get rid of the foam and traces of chemical by rinsing with water.
Step 9. Leave to dry in the open air
Expose the treated area to the air, so that all the moisture evaporates; open any doors or windows that are nearby. It may take a few hours, but this also eliminates any trace of odor. When you can't air dry the surface, cover it with newspaper and wait at least an hour; alternatively, absorb the moisture with kitchen paper.
Advice
- Consult your country's laws regarding antifreeze disposal and ecological platforms.
- Clean up splashes of this substance as soon as you notice them.
- Give away the leftover fresh antifreeze; it is a product that does not waste away and a friend, a company or a school will know how to make good use of it.
Warnings
- This fluid is highly toxic, children and animals may be tempted to drink it; for these reasons, always dispose of it safely and legally.
- Never throw it down the drain, septic tank or onto the ground.
