ECAR Fact Sheet for Kansas
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

Antifreeze can pollute groundwater, surface water and drinking water supplies if dumped, spilled or leaked, and is a serious health hazard to humans or animals if ingested. While in an engine, antifreeze can become contaminated with lead or fuel to the point where it must be managed as a hazardous waste. There are two types of antifreeze: Antifreeze with ethylene glycol, a greenish-yellow, odorless, sweet-tasting chemical which poses a serious health hazard to humans and animals if ingested, and antifreeze with propylene glycol which is less toxic.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has prepared a guidance document to help auto recyclers manage used antifreeze. Much of that information is included in the fact sheet below. You can access the link to KDHE's Used Antifreeze Guidance Document under Other Relevant Resources.

Regulations

Waste Classification. Because antifreeze can become contaminated either through use or during storage, it may be considered a hazardous waste.  Each facility is responsible for making a hazardous waste determination on its used antifreeze. This determination is based on analytical test results of the used antifreeze (i.e. test the residue or filter cartridge).

Management of antifreeze not being recycled. If your used antifreeze is determined to be a hazardous waste, you must manage it according to the hazardous waste rules. See the ECAR Hazardous Waste Fact Sheet for more detailed information.

Testing is required for antifreeze that is not being recycled and all applicable requirements for management of hazardous wastes apply. In addition, it should be noted that users of onsite antifreeze distillation or recycling systems must characterize any residues including still bottoms and/or filters to determine if they are hazardous waste. If such residues are hazardous, they must be managed in accordance with all applicable hazardous waste regulations.

Recycling Antifreeze.  Generators of used antifreeze who intend to recycle it either on-site or through a legitimate commercial recycling service are not required to conduct TCLP analyses. Antifreeze destined for recycling will not be considered a potential hazardous waste. The used antifreeze can be transported under a bill of lading or contractual arrangement rather than under a hazardous waste manifest. However, should a third party offering antifreeze-recycling services wish to mix used antifreeze on collection trucks prior to transport, such a practice is acceptable.

Disposal Options.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) recommends recycling antifreeze, if at all possible. Directing antifreeze to the municipal sanitary sewer should be a last resort.

If a batch of non-recycled antifreeze has been tested and determined to be nonhazardous, it may be solidified to the point that no free liquids remain, and the waste may then be disposed of at a permitted sanitary landfill.

Waste antifreeze may never be discharged to storm sewers, septic systems, waterways, or be discharged on the ground.

Remember, the filters and sludge that are generated during the recycling process may be hazardous wastes.

Spills. You must report all spills that impact the soils or waters of the state to KDHE.

The party causing the spill or pollution and the property owner are responsible for reporting the spill to the KDHE's 24-hour spill hotline at 785-296-1679, and all appropriate state agencies, depending on the material and volume spilled.

If the release is not contained or threatens the health or safety of the local population the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) within the county of the release must be notified first by dialing 911.

Hazardous materials spills and air releases that meet federal reportable quantities must also be reported to Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM), which receives reports for the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC).

Refer to the Kansas Spill Notification website for detailed reporting instructions and contact numbers.

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

Kansas's Hazardous Waste Management Requirements

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 "Used Antifreeze"
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 KDHE.
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.
• Keep antifreeze storage containers closed at all times.
• 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.
• Wear eye protection, clothing that covers exposed skin and rubber gloves when transferring antifreeze. Pour slowly and carefully to avoid splashing.
• Consider keeping antifreeze in two separate, closed containers: one for antifreeze that cannot be reused marked "Waste Antifreeze," and one marked "Used Antifreeze."
• Never discharge waste antifreeze to storm sewers, septic systems, waterways, or be discharged on the ground.
• Keep any records relating to used antifreeze for at least 3 years. This includes receipts for used antifreeze shipments and any laboratory results.

1. For more information, contact the KDHE Bureau of Waste Management at 785-296-1600.
2. To report a spill or leak, contact the KDHE 24-hour hotline at 785-296-1679.
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest regional office.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Hazardous Wastes

Other Related Resources

1. Kansas - Used Antifreeze Guidance Document
2. Environmental help available to Kansas salvage Yards
3. Frequently asked questions from salvage Yards operators
4. Pollution Prevention for Auto Salvage Yards
5. More frequently asked questions from salvage Yards
6. Change Your Approach to Waste and Improve Your Profits

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