What is Antifreeze? Antifreeze, made up of mainly water and ethylene glycol, is added to radiator water in motor vehicles. Ethylene glycol lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point of radiator fluid. In other words, it keeps the water from freezing on very cold days and boiling over on hot days. Auto maintenance experts recommend that radiators should be flushed every 1-2 years. This presents a question of what to do with the radiator fluid. Care must be taken to store new antifreeze safely and also to dispose of used antifreeze properly. What are the Hazards? Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a hazardous chemical. Because ethylene glycol is a clear, colorless, and sweet-tasting liquid, it is very attractive to pets and small children. If swallowed, ethylene glycol will cause depression, followed by respiratory and cardiac failure, renal and brain damage. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, between 1986 and 1988 more than 3,000 injuries related to antifreeze occurred. Other hazardous chemicals found in used antifreeze could include a variety of elements such as gasoline, copper, zinc, and lead. These materials become trapped in and contaminate antifreeze over time in an operating vehicle. Antifreeze, carelessly disposed of, such as poured into a storm drain or ditch, into a river or stream, onto the ground, or into the regular trash, presents a health threat to humans, animals and the environment. The hazardous chemicals may seep into the ground and contaminate the groundwater.

In addition, antifreeze should be stored properly to avoid accidents to children and pets attracted by its sweet smell and taste. Can Antifreeze Be Recycled? Used antifreeze can be recycled for use by the mining industry, which sprays it on coal to keep it from sticking together and the glycol industry, which uses it as an airplane de-icing solution. It is also used in cement grinding and brake fluid. Call nearby radiator shops to find out if they collect used antifreeze for recycling or accept it for proper disposal. Antifreeze should be stored properly to reduce accidents to children and pets How do I Dispose of Antifreeze? Follow these proper disposal and storage methods: Store antifreeze in its original container away from children and pets. Children may mistake the antifreeze for beverages. If the antifreeze is new, give it away to a friend or neighbor who could use it. Take your used antifreeze to a household hazardous waste collection facility or save it for a collection event. For More Information Call your local Public Works Department at 1-800-449-4840 or the California Integrated Waste Management Board's Recycling Hotline at 1-800-553-2962 to find the location of a household hazardous waste collection program in your area.