| Antifreeze & Coolants | |||||||||||||||
| Antifreeze, which is usually comprised of ethylene glycol, water, and corrosion inhibitors, is toxic to humans and animals. Used antifreeze may contain metals that can contaminate soil and groundwater. Recycling used antifreeze is the preferred method for handling this waste stream.
When good antifreeze must be removed for repairs only, save it and return it to the system after the repairs have been completed. Separate spent antifreeze from other wastes. Consider keeping antifreeze in two separate, closed containers: one marked waste antifreeze only for antifreeze that cannot be reused, and one marked usable antifreeze only for antifreeze that can be reused. If on-site recycling is not feasible, recycle your antifreeze through a recycling service. If you recycle antifreeze on the premises, filters and other recycling by-products may be hazardous. You will need to make a waste determination. Consider purchasing equipment to recycle antifreeze on-site. Check manufacturers’ warranties prior to putting recycled antifreeze into any vehicle. P2 Opportunities:
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| Lubricating Oils | |||||||||||||||
| Used oil is the result of normal use in motor vehicles and motorized equipment. After use, used motor oil may contain a number of contaminants, including metals and organic chemicals. Proper management of used oil is important to help prevent contamination of surface water and groundwater. The preferred method for managing this waste stream is recycling.Hazardous waste regulations exempt used oil if 1) it has not been mixed or contaminated with hazardous wastes, and 2) it is sent for recycling or burned for energy recovery. Catch oil dripping from parts, transfer funnels, leaking vehicles, etc. in drip pan. Keep used oil in a separate container, clearly marked “Used Oil Only.” Place the container in a secure area. Train technicians to keep it secure. Keep records of used oil testing and shipment. Use only a transporter that has an EPA Identification number. Know where your oil goes when it leaves your facility – you are still responsible for it.
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| Brake Fluid | |||||||||||||||
| Automotive repair shops occasionally deal with small amounts of brake fluid. Depending on the additives used, brake fluid may or may not be hazardous. However, it can become hazardous when it is contaminated with brake cleaner from a spray can, which contains chlorinated solvents. Because brake fluid is not crude oil based, it should not be added to used oil. Collect brake fluid in a separate, marked, closed container and identify a waste hauler that will recycle it. Determine through testing if your brake fluid is hazardous, and manage it accordingly.P2 Opportunities:
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| Oil Filters | ||||||||||||||||||
| Used oil filters are exempt from state and federal hazardous waste requirements, including testing, if they are properly drained and recycled as scrap metal. Properly drained lightweight used oil filters may only be disposed of at a landfill if recycling as scrap metal is not possible. Remove oil by puncturing filter and anti-drain back valve and hot draining for a minimum of 24 hours. Keep processed filters in a separate container that is clearly marked “Used Oil Filters Only.” Locate a scrap metal recycler who can recycle your filters, if possible. Check with the landfill that accepts your solid waste to determine whether processed oil filters are accepted.P2 Opportunities:
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| Transmission Filters | |||||||||
| Remove oil by draining for 24 hours. Keep used transmission filters in a container marked “Used Transmission Filters Only.” These may be managed with used oil filters. Locate a scrap metal recycler who will take the transmission filters. Make a hazardous waste determination on processed filters if they are to be disposed of at a landfill. Put transmission fluid drained from filters in your “Used Oil Only” container.P2 Opportunities:
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| Fuel Filters | ||||||||||||||||||
| Used Fuel filters are commonly discarded as solid waste. You are still allowed to dispose of used fuel filters at your local solid waste facility. A used fuel filter commonly contains about a shot glass of absorbed contaminants. Drain the filters, use leak-proof containers to transport the filters to the facility, and use collection containers sized such that one person can dump the containers into the designated receptacle. P2 Opportunities:
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