Automotive Chemical Disposal and Recycling

Centers that recycle antifreeze are becoming more popular, but still not available everywhere. Check your local laws concerning recycling antifreeze to see if it is legal to dispose in the sewer system. Most municipal sewage treatment plants can usually safely break down the chemicals in antifreeze. Never pour antifreeze onto the ground, into a septic sewer system, or open sewer drain. The sewer pipe must go to a sewage treatment plant.

Across the Shelf
Along with oil and coolant, every fluid used by the modern automobile requires either recycling or special disposal. Disposal regulations vary by area, and these requirements vary according to the type of fluid. For this reason it is very important never to mix automotive fluids together prior to disposal. Brake fluid, for example, is flammable and poisonous. Putting any used brake fluid in a sealed and dedicated container until it can be properly disposed of is good practice.


The example of brake fluid is the same with the disposal of all automotive fluids. Keep each fluid separate and in a dedicated sealed container until it can be either recycled or disposed of. Consult local, state, and federal regulations regarding disposal of fluid. Contact your local waste management company for drop-off and recycling locations. Never dispose of any automotive fluids by dumping them on the ground, into a storm drain, or into a septic system. Responsible disposal and recycling of engine oil, coolant or other automotive fluids is just as important as regular automotive maintenance.