Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Environmental Quality
June 1993
A fact sheet on antifreeze recycling, from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Environmental Quality.
Each year Alaskans generate thousands of gallons of used antifreeze. The most common type, made from ethylene glycol, is used as 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 your local ADEC office if you have any questions about the proper handling of used antifreeze.
Alaska Recyclers
ECCO, Inc.
Eagle River, AK
562-6688
Deionization system--will accept 55 gallon minimum at $7.50/gal.
Municipality of Anchorage Hazardous Waste Transfer Station
54th and Juneau
Anchorage, AK
428-1742.
Will accept up to five gallons for $5 gate fee, quantities over 5 gallons are $.70/gallon.
This facility is for Anchorage residents only.
Recycling helps keep antifreeze from being improperly dumped into waterways or on land. Antifreeze, made of ethylene glycol, water, and PR corrosion inhibitors, is toxic to humans and animals. Used antifreeze may contain metals which can contaminate soil and groundwater.
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:
Propylene glycol--many businesses are using propylene glycol as an alternative to ethylene glycol. Although propylene glycol costs more, it is less toxic to humans and animals. Propylene glycol appears to perform similarly to ethylene glycol for freeze protection and may even offer better corrosion @bition for heavy equipment.
Hot water--hot water can be used as antifreeze for buildings and is especially attractive in areas where there is a large source of waste heat available.
Insuulation--Insulation of pipes cut eliminate the need for antifreeze. Burying pipes below the frost line can protect them so that they are not exposed to freezing temperatures.
Businesses with vehicle fleets to maintain may consider purchasing antifreeze recycling equipment that can be used on-site. Individuals wishing to recycle used antifreeze should contact their local ADEC office to find out whether this service is available in their community.
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 a recycling service is not available, your local ADEC office can assist you in determining proper disposal methods.
Several types of antifreeze recycling equipment are available. Listed below are some of the common types:
Vacuum distillation: Used coolant is heated to boil off pure ethylene glycol and water. Vapors are cooled and condensed into liquid. Corrosion inhibitor package is added.
Ion Exchange: Used coolant is filtered several times to remove suspended solids, and then passes through ion exchange beds that produce de-ionized water and ethylene glycol. Corrosion inhibitor package is then added.
Filtration/Centrifugation: Solubles are filtered from used coolant, then coolant is heated and centrifuged to remove additional impurities. Corrosion inhibitor package is added.
Ultra Filtration: Used coolant is passed through a 5 micron pre-filter and then through an ultra filtration filter which removes impurities as small as one half of one micron. Corrosion inhibitor is added to restore balance.
Chemical Filtration (Flocculation, Coagulation): Process includes filtering and adding chemicals to precipitate out certain dissolved solids. One system includes oxidation to aid in removing dissolved metal oxides and salts. One system also includes ion-exchange resin beds.
The attached matrix is provided for your information and is not an endorsement by ADEC 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.
The ADEC Pollution Prevention Office is @ non-regulatory program that provides technical assistance on waste reduction and recycling to communities and businesses throughout Alaska.
Pollution Prevention Office
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
3601 C St., Suite 1334
Anchorage, AK 99503
907-563-6529
Southcentral Region
3601 C Street, Suite 1334
Anchrorage, AK 99503
(907) 563-6529
(907) 562-4026 fax
Southeast Region
410 Willoughby Ave., Suite 105
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 465-5350
(907) 465-5352 fax
Northern Region
1001 Noble Street, Suite 350
Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 451-2360
(907) 451-2187 fax
The Northern Regional Office of ADEC has prepared a report on antifreeze recycling. For a copy, contact, ADEC Northern Regional Office, 1001 Noble St., Suite 350, Fairbanks. AK 99701, or call 907-451-2360.
TABLE: Antifreeze Recycling Equipment: Specifications and Vendors [refer to source document]
Last Updated: October 16, 1995