What to Actually Do with Used Car Fluids
Hazardous Fluids
Antifreeze, gasoline, and motor oil are all important to help your car function. However, these car accessories can be difficult to dispose of.
Antifreeze is a hazardous material because it contains heavy metals that are toxic to humans and animals. It can also contaminate soil and water quality. Never dump antifreeze on land or into a ditch, septic system, storm drain, sanitary sewer or dry well, because it can cause serious environmental consequences. It’s also not accepted at the curb.
Animals are very attracted to antifreeze because it contains ethylene glycol, which gives off a sweet scent. Make sure to keep animals and children away from spills because it is lethal in small doses.
Next up is gasoline, a hazardous and flammable liquid that must be stored and disposed of properly. Gasoline should not be placed at the curb for pickup and should never be dumped into the environment. Improper disposal of gasoline can lead to water contamination, air pollution, and even fire hazard risks.
Similarly, motor oil is a hazardous material and should not be placed in the garbage. It’s been banned from Illinois landfills because it can be harmful to the environment. Just one gallon of used oil has the ability to make a million gallons of fresh water undrinkable (Earth 911).
When used oil is poured down the drain and enters a sewage treatment plant, it contaminates the water treatment process. A film of oil forms on the water’s surface, preventing oxygen from entering the water and blocking sunlight. This makes it difficult for plants to grow, reducing the animal and plant life in a body of water (Illinois EPA).
Used Car Fluid Disposal
So if you can’t throw them away, what are you supposed to do with these car fluids?
Antifreeze, gasoline, and motor oil all need to be taken to a special collection center. The Illinois EPA hosts 2 collections per year and many local villages do as well. All of these items need to be disposed of properly to keep the environment safe.
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