Another is to dilute it more and put it into my backpack sprayer when I spray weed killer on fence rows on my farm. I would appreciate your views.”
Halderman: Thanks for writing as this is a good question. I have heard and read several different options regarding this issue, which included the following:
1. It is acceptable to flush a small quality of antifreeze down the toilet where it will enter the sanitary sewer system.
2. It is NOT acceptable to spread on open ground where it could get into the drinking water wells.
3. The environmental protection agency (EPA) states that all used antifreeze needs to be tested to determine if it is hazardous, but then states that all used coolant (antifreeze and water combination) should be considered to be hazardous unless otherwise tested to be not hazardous.
I do know that by talking to automotive instructors who teach automotive courses in California, that if even a drop of antifreeze is spilled on the floor of the shop that it has to be considered hazardous waste and a specialized company has to be called to dispose of it in an environmentally correct manner. What would I do? I would not dispose of used coolant on open ground from a sprayer or any other method. I would call your local sanitation department and ask them about disposing of antifreeze coolant into the sanitary sewer system. If this is not possible in your area, I would continue to call around to shops and parts stores to determine who will accept used antifreeze. Also call your local government (city or county) because they often have locations where hazardous waste materials such as old paint cans, chemicals and batteries can be taken so that they can be disposed of correctly.
Note to readers: It is now officially fall and time to have the oil and oil filter changed. Also have the windshield wipers and tires inspected and replaced as needed to prepare for wet fall driving conditions
James D. Halderman is an ASE-certified master technician, a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and the author of 12 textbooks. Submit your questions to Halderman via e-mail at jim@jameshalderman.com or follow him on Twitter @jameshalderman, or write him in care of: Wheels, Marketing Publications Department, Dayton Daily News, 1611 S. Main St., Dayton OH 45409.
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