Delaware Pollution Prevention Program
(302) 739-3822
Last Updated: 2/15/96 by EPA with minor edits for Internet version by Ronald Lee Still on 11/13/96.
Each year Delawareans generate thousands of gallons of used antifreeze. The most common type, made from ethylene glycol, is used as a freeze protection and as a heat transfer medium for motor vehicles, heavy equipment, and buildings. Although most used antifreeze is disposed of, it can be recycled. Recycling is preferred because it cuts waste.
This fact sheet provides information on proper recycling of used antifreeze and is intended as guidance only. Always consult with Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control's (DNREC) Hazardous Waste Program if you have any questions about the proper handling of used antifreeze.
Recycling helps keep antifreeze from being improperly dumped into waterways or on land. Antifreeze, made of ethylene glycol, water, and corrosion inhibitors, is toxic to humans and animals. Used antifreeze may contain metals which can contaminate soil and groundwater. Recycling antifreeze saves money because:
Determine when antifreeze needs to be changed out by testing whether characteristics such as freeze protection and corrosion inhibition are adequate. Don't change out antifreeze unless necessary, to avoid creating a waste production.
Determine when antifreeze needs to be changed out by testing whether characteristics such as freeze protection and corrosion inhibition are adequate. Don't change out antifreeze unless necessary, to avoid creating a waste product.
Consider alternatives to ethylene glycol based antifreeze for various freeze protection uses;
Antifreeze Recycling Equipment: Specifications and Vendors
| Process Type | Manufacturer/Model | Process Rate | Hazardous Waste | Cost/Cal Materials* |
Equipment Cost | Total Operation Cost/Gal** | Local or Outside Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filtration/Centrifugation | Prestone/American Fluid Technology-mobile service | 300 gal/hr | $2.50 | NA - must purchase franchise | $2.50 | American Fluid Technology 1-800-334-4238 | |
| Ultra Filtration | KLEER-FLO AF 250 | 5-7 gal/hr | spend filters 1-2% coolant concentrate | $1.33 | $ 5695 | $2.01 | Kleer-FLO Co. 1-800-328-7942 |
| Chemical Pre-treatment/Filtration | KLEER-FLO AF 100 | 30 gal/hr | $2.40 | $ 3900 | $2.79 | Kleer-FLO Co. 1-800-328-7942 | |
| Chemical Filtration | WYNN's Du-All | 45 gal/hr | spent filters | $2.38 | $ 2495 | $2.63 | Wynn Oil Co. 1-818-334-0231 |
| WYNN's Mark X | 1 vehicle/ 90 min. |
spent filters | $5.18 | $ 1995 | $5.38 | Wynn Oil Co. 1-818-334-0231 | |
| Chemical Pre-treatment | SPX-Prestone Proclean | 45 gal/hr | $2.12 | $ 3380 | $2.46 | Prestone Products Corp. 203-731-2524 | |
| Vacuum distillation | ACTIV CR2001 | 2 gal/hr | Liquid-still bottom -3% by volume | $1.05 | $ 7855 | $2.01 | |
| ACTIV CR5001 | 5 gal/hr | Liquid-still bottom -3% by volume | $1.08 | $19457 | $3.15 | ||
| Finish Thompson BE-15 | 1 gal/hr | Liquid-still bottom -3% by volume | $ .99 | $ 5058 | $1.67 | ||
| Finish Thompson BE-55 | 4 gal/hr | Liquid-still bottom -3% by volume | $ .99 | $13501 | $2.52 | ||
| Ion Exchange | BG Cool'r Clean'r | 120 gal/ hr/1 vehicle/ 30 mins. |
spent filters | $3.19 | $8750 | $4.06 | |
|
* Material costs include costs of filters, chemical additives, inhibitor
package (assume 50/50 water/glycol ratio) | |||||||
| DAVCO Manufacturing P.O. Box 487 Saline, MT 48176 313-429-5665 |
Kleer-Flo 15151 Technology Dr. Eden Prairie, MN 55344 612-934-2555 |
| Wynn Oil Co. X-Tend Division 1050 W. 5th st. Azusa, CA 91702 800-989-8363 |
BG Products Inc. P.O. Box 1282 Wichita, KA 67201 (316) 265-2686 |
| PYROIL * P.O. Box 391 Hernando, MS 38632 601-429-4471 |
Robinair * Robinair Way Montpelier, OH 43543 419-495-5561 |
| White Industries * 9210 Caslegate Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46256 317-849-6830 |
|
| * CFC-12 Recycling Equipment Suppliers | |
A publication of the DNREC pursuant to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Award #NA37070511. For more information on the Delaware Pollution Prevention Program call (302) 739-3822.
We would like to acknowledge the Alaska Department of Environmental conservation for their antifreeze recycling publications, which were a source of this fact sheet.
Business with vehicles fleets may consider purchasing antifreeze recycling equipment that can be used on-site.
Used antifreeze should never be mixed with solvents, oils, or other wastes, as this mixture cannot be recycled and may need to be disposed of as hazardous waste. Some antifreeze recycling systems generate a sludge which may need to be managed as a hazardous waste.
If you choose not to recycle your antifreeze, you may be subject to additional regulations. For more information, please contact the Hazardous Waste Management Branch at (302) 739-3689.
Several types of antifreeze recycling equipment are available. Listed below are some of the common types:
The matrix provided is for your information and is not an endorsement by DNREC of any of the listed equipment.
The matrix is not intended as a complete list of manufacturers of antifreeze recycling equipment. The information was compiled by General Motors using data from respective equipment manufacturers.
All systems listed were approved by General Motors for use in their automobiles without voiding the manufacturer's warranty.
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