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Antifreeze is classified as a Washington State dangerous
waste if it contains more than 10% ethylene glycol due to
its toxicity. However, antifreeze is exempt from most
dangerous waste regulations if it is recycled. If your
business produces antifreeze as a waste stream, you have two
options: recycle it, or dispose of it as dangerous waste.
Recycling can be on-site for reuse or off-site by a vendor
(see below for local vendors). On-site recycling units may
produce a sludge that designates as dangerous waste.
Mixing Antifreeze with Other Liquids
Don’t mix antifreeze or used oil with other materials
such as water, brake fluid, solvents, or gas. Label waste
antifreeze containers and keep them closed (animals are
attracted to the sweet odor of antifreeze—and it’s very
toxic). Don’t accumulate large volumes since you will need
secondary containment for all of it. Recycle often. Maintain
your disposal and/or recycling paperwork for five years or
longer if possible.
Regulatory Requirements
If your business recycles its oil and antifreeze, volumes
of these materials do not count towards your generator
status and do not need to be reported to the Department of Ecology. If your
business generates 220 pounds or more of dangerous waste in
a month or accumulates greater than 2,200 pounds at any time,
your facility is not a small quantity generator — you are a
regulated generator. Regulated generators must comply with
the Washington State Dangerous Waste Regulations (WAC
173-303).
Thurston County encourages businesses to recycle
antifreeze as much as possible. Thurston County also
requires businesses to retain their receipts or manifests
documenting how much they recycled or disposed of, which
vendor was used, where it was recycled or disposed, and when
it was collected.
Antifreeze Management & Recycling
Vendors
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