Tips for Your Agency > Garage & Repair Shop

Antifreeze

Most commercially available antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a potentially toxic chemical that helps to control the temperature of the water in the radiator. Learn about the chemical constituents and potential health effects of antifreeze, and vendors for alternative products.

Here are some waste reduction tips:

• Reduce the amount of antifreeze you use by routinely checking the radiator, reservoir, and hoses for leaks and repairing them immediately.

• Avoid overfilling the radiator or reservoir.

• Extend preventive maintenance (PM) cycle. As long as a chemical analysis or an antifreeze tester reveals that your antifreeze is doing its job, don’t drain and replace it.

• Purchase recycled antifreeze.

• Do not drain antifreeze into the street, into storm drains, or onto the ground.

• Use dedicated equipment and containers to collect and store used antifreeze to avoid contamination.

• Recycle used antifreeze by sending it off-site for recycling, or contracting with an on-site recycling service. Specify a totally enclosed system.

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