Used radiator coolant is a hazardous waste and therefore should never be dumped into drains or onto the ground. Coolants can be recycled.
Coolants
material
Coolants
Find a recycler
Why Recycle?
The primary component of coolants (antifreeze) is usually ethylene glycol. Used coolant becomes a hazardous waste as it also contains heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium. The responsible disposal of radiator coolants has become an increasingly difficult and expensive issue for workshops and repair facilities.
Recycling radiator coolant:
- helps prevent the disposal of hazardous waste into the environment
- removes contaminants and dissolved metals through chemical precipitation and filtration process
- is cost-effective - it is less expensive than virgin coolant
- reduces the use of virgin resources
- saves on disposal costs for used coolant
Recycling Options
New technology has been adopted to create a variety of coolant recycling and recovery systems.
What Happens When It's Recycled?
There are a few ways in which recycling can happen.
- On-Site: A recycling unit is purchased by a workshop or repair facility and operated by employees.
- Mobile Recycling Service: A van or truck equipped with a recycling unit visits the workshop or repair facility and conducts the recycling.
- Off-Site: Waste coolant is transported to a specialized recycling company who can then re-supply the workshop or repair facility with recycled coolant.
