Responsible Recycling of Motor Vehicle Fluids

1. Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling Motor Vehicle Fluid

The popular slogan "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" can also apply to certain vehicle components. Several foreign auto manufacturers are building plants where cars will be taken apart and reusable materials will be salvaged. In the  U.S. the responsibility to recycle usually rests with the consumer.   

1. Motor Oil and Transmission Fluid

According to EPA, "the oil from just one oil change is enough to contaminate a million gallons of fresh water." Motor oil and transmission fluids are toxic substances. Toxic substances may cause injury or death when ingested, inhaled, or touched, depending on dose and length of exposure.
Oil can and should be recycled and reused as fuel. Two gallons of used oil can provide a utility boiler with enough fuel to run the average household's electricity for about 24 hours. By recycling, you can prevent soil and water contamination, as well as damage to septic systems and wastewater treatment facilities. To recycle used motor oil and transmission fluid, take them to a service station, drop-off location, or household hazardous waste collection site. Keep all automotive fluids separate from each other.

2. Gasoline, Power Steering Fluid, and Windshield Wiper Fluid

Gasoline, power steering fluid, and wiper fluid should be completely used up. Gasoline, wiper fluids and Power steering fluids are toxic. If it is not completely used, be sure to store it safely and take it to a household hazardous waste collection location. Keep all automotive fluids separate from each other. Recycling gasoline, power steering fluid, and wiper fluid prevents soil and water contamination and reduces the risk of exposure to benzene and fire. 3. Antifreeze and Brake Fluid

Always take antifreeze and brake fluid to a service station, or household hazardous waste location for recycling. Never pour them down the sink, into septic tanks or storm drain, or on the ground. Keep all automotive fluids separate from each other. Recycling antifreeze and brake fluid prevents children and animals from being poisoned (they are attracted to the sweet taste) and prevents soil and water contamination. Antifreeze is toxic but can still be regenerated and reused. Brake fluid is toxic and corrosive and can sometimes be regenerated. The American Petroleum Institute estimates that more than 640 million gallons of motor oil are sold each year, about half of which is used by do-it-yourself oil changers. While gas stations, quick oil change shops and car dealerships generally follow good practices and return the used oil for recycling, only about a third of the do-it-yourselfers are returning used oil for recycling. The rest of it - as much as 200 million gallons - is apparently dumped on the ground, poured down storm sewers or sent to landfills. That's the equivalent of 20 supertanker accidents every year.

 

 

Other Recyclable Vehicle Components   1. What You Can Recycle
 
A: Auto Batteries

Although auto batteries are toxic and corrosive, they contain recyclable metals. Unused auto batteries should be taken to a service station, drop-off location, or household hazardous waste collection site for recycling. Properly disposing of batteries prevents lead and sulfuric acid contamination of soil and water. Lead can cause mild to severe brain damage, especially to children, and sulfuric acid can burn skin and eyes.

 

B. Oil Filters

To properly dispose of oil filters, drain and collect used oil from the filter (allow to drain for 24 hours).  After the oil has been drained, take the filter and oil to a service station, drop-off location, or household hazardous waste collection site. Proper disposal prevents soil and water contamination, as well as damage to septic systems and wastewater treatment facilities. The used oil can be refined and reused. The filters contain recyclable metal.

 

C. Tires

Nearly 200 million worn tires are generated each year. Some are recycled into products such as rubber mats or footwear; others are burned as fuel or retreaded and sold again. Recycling keeps millions of scrap tires out of landfills each year.

Properly maintaining tires makes them last longer. Keep tires properly inflated, repair punctures, and maintain alignment. Rotate tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, and check tread wear indicators periodically. When the tire tread is worn to same height as the tread wear indicator, replace the tire.

 

2. Vehicle Maintenance Tips

  1. Before you begin your vehicle maintenance program, call your local recycling center, service station, sanitation department, and local health department to learn about specific recycling opportunities in your community.
  2. Make safety a priority. Use protective equipment when necessary (e.g., goggles, gloves, mask). Work outdoors or in well-ventilated areas and beware of combustible materials.
  3. Monitor and fix automotive fluid leaks.
  4. Read labels on automotive fluid containers before using them.
  5. Use a funnel when adding automotive fluids to avoid spills.
  6. Fully use products so that little, if any, fluid remains in container.
  7. Catch and contain drained fluid. Clean up spills using absorbent materials like kitty litter, sawdust, or rags.
  8. Put used automotive fluids in well-sealed and labeled plastic jugs.
  9. Do not mix automotive fluids.
  10. Store automotive fluids according to directions.
  11. Never discard used or leftover automotive products in sinks, storm drains, the trash, or on the ground. Remember, these materials can get into our drinking water supply. Use them up or store them safely until they can be taken to a household hazardous waste collection location.
  12. Maintain your tires.


 Source:  Environmental Health Center           
A Division of the National Safety Council

Wayne's Garage is an Ecobiz certified business.

Your Vehicle's Pollutants

If Americans reduced waste generation to 1990 levels and increased recycling from the current 27 percent to 35 percent, greenhouse gases would be reduced as much as if nearly 7 million cars were taken off the road for one year. EPA, Climate Change & Waste Website

Automotive Repair Specialists since 1973 in Eugene & Springfield Oregon.