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Dec
18

Antifreeze

Automotive antifreeze is usually made from an ethylene glycol formulation. Such antifreeze can be re-refined to produce pure ethylene glycol, which can then be used to manufacture new antifreeze.

While antifreeze has been recycled in many ways, the fractional distillation process allows for the most pure ethylene glycol and can enable the product to be recycled an infinite number of times. Extended life properties of the product will reduce the number of antifreeze changes, lowering purchasing amounts and mitigating costs. It is important to properly recycle antifreeze and to avoid spills. If spilled, it should be cleaned up quickly as ethylene glycol is toxic to plants, animals and people.

Antifreeze should never be poured down the drain, sewer, or storm pipe

Quick Tips

Choose

  • Recycled-content, which used the fractional distillation process in re-refinement
  • Extended life formulas   

Avoid

  • Spilling product
  • Phosphate-based or metal salts supplemental cooling additives (SCA)
  • On-site recycling process which affects quality of product   

End of Life

  • Recycle with vendor
  • Train employees how to properly recycle the spent product
  • Never pour down any drain
  • Do not mix with other waste
  • Do not mix different colors of antifreeze   

An EPA checkmark indicates a certification or standard is recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).



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