ECAR Fact Sheet for Illinois
Antifreeze

Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources

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The following fact sheet was prepared by the ECAR Center staff. Once prepared, each ECAR Center fact sheet undergoes a review process with the applicable state environmental agency(ies). You can check on the status of the review process here. Please read the disclaimer on the status page. While we have tried to present a summary of the essential information on this topic, you should be aware that other items, such as local regulations, may apply to you.

What You Need to Know

Used antifreeze, through contact with a car's cooling system, may contain traces of fuel, oil and metal particles (including lead), making it a possible hazardous waste. If not properly managed and stored, these pollutants can seep into soil and groundwater harming people and the environment.

But in order to encourage recycling, the State of Illinois will give you a break and exempt you from the burden of handling it according to the usual hazardous waste rules if you manage it properly. This fact sheet will tell you:

• How to handle antifreeze to qualify for the exemption.
• What you need to do if you do not qualify in order to manage antifreeze in compliance with hazardous waste rules.

Regulations

Waste Classification. Antifreeze is made up using some regulated chemicals including ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Antifreeze is considered hazardous waste if it contains elevated levels of solvents or certain metals, particularly lead; if the pH level is greater than 12.5; or if it is mixed with a hazardous material such as gasoline or solvents. Antifreeze is not considered hazardous waste if it is recycled in a closed loop system on-site.

Used antifreeze that is not recycled and therefore, disposed of, must be handled in one of two ways:

1. Have a sample of the used antifreeze analyzed by a laboratory to find out if it is hazardous. If it is non-hazardous, it can be shipped off-site for disposal by a licensed hauler. If it is hazardous, then special hazardous waste rules apply.
2. Assume that the antifreeze is hazardous and manage it as such. This approach avoids laboratory testing costs.

See the ECAR Hazardous Waste fact sheet for details about storing, handling, and shipping of hazardous wastes.

Storage and Labeling. Store antifreeze in closed containers on an impermeable concrete surface with spill controls. Consider keeping antifreeze in two separate, closed containers: one for antifreeze that cannot be reused marked "Waste Antifreeze Only," and one marked "Usable Antifreeze Only."

Spills. Clean up all spills right away. Keep spill control equipment in a central location, accessible to all employees. All chemical spills that occur within the State of Illinois must be reported to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-782-7860. This is a 24-hour hotline.

Filter Management. Waste antifreeze filters and particulate generated from recycling antifreeze also must be managed as hazardous waste or proven that they are non-hazardous through laboratory analysis. See the ECAR Hazardous Waste fact sheet for additional information.

Record Keeping. Keep all receipts of used antifreeze shipments and filter management. The written receipts or records must include:

• Name and address of the generator and the recycling facility for off-site shipments.
• The amount of used antifreeze shipped or recycled on-site.
• The amount of waste antifreeze filters shipped off-site.
• Date of shipment or recycling.

Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to used antifreeze management.

Illinois Hazardous Waste Management Requirements - Part 700-739 of Title 35 of the Illinois Administrative Code

Federal EPA Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste

Self-Audit Checklist

When an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things he or she checks to see if you are in compliance with environmental regulations. It makes good sense for you to perform a "self-audit" and catch and correct problems before they result in penalties. Also, there are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits (see Audit Policy Page).

Use the following list to audit your antifreeze storage areas and management procedures.

1. Is used antifreeze stored in drums, tanks or other containers that are in good condition? Open containers, and rusting or leaking containers cannot be used for antifreeze storage.
2. Are antifreeze storage containers and tanks properly labeled? All waste antifreeze should be labeled "Waste Antifreeze Only," and antifreeze that can be recycled or reused, should be marked "Usable Antifreeze Only."
3. Is the area around the used antifreeze storage containers free of releases? Releases must be stopped; the released material cleaned up and managed properly and reported to the Illinois EPA.
4. Is used antifreeze transported to a recovery facility by a certified transporter? Check your records and verify that all shipments of used antifreeze were removed from your property by a state certified transporter.
5. Is oil, solvent or other materials mixed with used antifreeze? Verify that there are separate, clearly labeled containers for each type of material, and that used antifreeze is not mixed with used oil, solvents and other materials.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Most regulations tell you what you have to do to be in compliance, but they don’t explain how to do it. That’s where "best management practices" come into play. BMPs are proven methods that help you to get into compliance and stay there. The following BMPs are recommended for used antifreeze storage areas and management procedures.

• Use separate equipment for the collection of used antifreeze (funnels, pads, storage containers).
• Drain antifreeze from radiators and heater cores as soon as possible.
• Keep waste antifreeze free from cross-contamination with other wastes, including used oil, fuels, degreasers or radiator flush chemicals.
• Determine if the antifreeze is waste fluid or reusable and can be recycled.
• Recycle by reuse, distillation, filtration or ion exchange. Recycling can be done on-site or off-site by an antifreeze recycling service.
• Consider keeping antifreeze in two separate, closed containers: one for antifreeze that cannot be reused marked "Waste Antifreeze," and one marked "Usable Antifreeze."
• Do not dispose of antifreeze down storm drains, in septic tanks, dry wells or on bare ground.
• Keep any records relating to used antifreeze for at least 3 years. This includes receipts for used antifreeze shipments and any laboratory results.

Contacts

1. For more information, contact the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency at 217-782-3397.
2. To report a spill or leak, call the Illinois Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-782-7860.
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest Illinois EPA Office.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Hazardous Wastes

Other Related Resources

1. Regulatory Compliance and Pollution Prevention Tips for Automotive Repair and Autobody Shops

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