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Used Antifreeze
Antifreeze
Antifreeze is usually sold as a concentrated ethylene glycol product that is mixed with water. Because ethylene glycol lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point of water, it prevents both freezing on cold days and over-heating on hot days. Antifreeze is most often used as a coolant in vehicle radiators, and in hot-water heating systems.
The Dangers
The sweet taste of antifreeze can attract children and animals. However, ethylene glycol is very toxic and if ingested, can affect the central nervous system. If taken in large enough doses, it may even cause death.
Some types of antifreeze use propylene glycol, which is less toxic than ethylene glycol, but which still may cause harm if swallowed. To protect yourself and others, always keep antifreeze securely stored.
Contaminants in Antifreeze
When pure ethylene glycol is flushed into a sewage system, it can degrade biologically and ultimately convert to water and carbon dioxide. However, antifreeze is not a pure substance.
Antifreeze manufacturers include additives in their products to inhibit rust and corrosion, to neutralize acid, and to prevent clogging and foaming. These additives can include chromates, silicones, nitrites, phosphates, silicates, borates, MBT (mercaptobenzothiazole), surfactants, and sequesterants.
In addition, during use, engine components may wear and contaminate antifreeze with benzene, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, boron, zinc, nitrates, nitrites, and selenium.
Many of these contaminants will not degrade, and consequently become constant environmental concerns. Some, such as the heavy metals lead, cadmium, and chromium, can build up in the body and cause health problems.
Regulations
Used antifreeze is considered a special waste under the Yukon Special Waste Regulations. It must be handled carefully to ensure it does not enter the environment where it might contaminate the soil and/or water.
You will require a permit under the Special Waste Regulations if you do any of the following:
- generate 5 litres of special wastes (including waste antifreeze) within a 30 day period;
- store special wastes;
- mix, dilute, or otherwise treat special wastes; or
- accept special wastes from others.
Recycling/Disposal
You can dispose of or recycle used antifreeze at permitted facilities in the Yukon. A list of such facilities can be obtained from the Environmental Programs Branch.
Every year the Department of Environment collects and treats commercial special wastes in the territory. The department pays for transporting the waste and administering the collection program. Waste generators pay only the disposal costs. For more information, please contact the Environmental Programs Branch.
Householders may take their waste antifreeze to household hazardous waste (HHW) collections where available. Contact the Environmental Programs Branch for details on the next collection.
What You Can Do
- Store used antifreeze in good quality containers that are leak-free and have tight closures to prevent spills.
- Do not mix wastes as mixed products often cannot be recycled. Treating mixed wastes can cost much more than treating individual wastes.
- Seal containers and protect them from the elements to prevent corrosion. If water seeps into a container, mixing with its contents, a larger volume of waste will need treating. The resulting waste might also be unsuitable for recycling.
Spills
If you are in control of a special waste at the time of a spill (or release), or if you cause a spill, you must report the incident as soon as possible to the Yukon Spills Report Centre or an Environmental Protection Officer. Containment and clean up should begin as soon as possible to protect human health and the natural environment.
Spills must be reported immediately to the |