Antifreeze

Antifreeze Recycling

Antifreeze is the engine coolant in most internal combustion engines that is used as freeze protection and as a heat transfer medium for motor vehicles. Maintenance guides suggest antifreeze be flushed every 1-2 years. The most common type is made of ethylene glycol, a material that is toxic to humans and animals in small doses. Used antifreeze is hazardous to the environment if it contains dissolved heavy metals such as lead, tin, copper, zinc, and iron. A less toxic antifreeze made of propylene glycol may still contain some contaminants such as gas or oil that make it potentially hazardous also.

Used antifreeze should never be dumped on land or discharged in the storm drain, ditch, or septic system. Some sanitary sewer systems are capable of handling small amounts of used antifreeze. To learn more contact your local sanitary sewer system. 

Antifreeze is accepted for recycling at many of the do-it-yourself used oil collection sites in Tennessee. Used antifreeze is also accepted by Tennessee's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program.