For the do-it-yourselfers of the automotive world, you can save a lot of money (and sometimes time) by replacing or topping off your automotive fluids yourself. This can be everything from the easy topping off of antifreeze to swapping out your transmission fluid. The information below will primarily focus on antifreeze and coolant but will include information for other automotive fluids, such as windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Information on motor oil, oil filters, and automotive batteries can be found via the links below:
Hazards
General
- Spent automotive fluids may contain metals from the engine and other components of the car, including lead, zinc, copper, and steel, as well as oil and benzene.
- Spent automotive fluids should be placed into a proper container; the original container is best. Do not store in beverage containers or similar products.
- Clean up spills with absorbent (kitty litter, shredded newspaper, vermiculite, rags, etc.); bag waste materials and discard them in the trash. Flush the soiled area with water.
Antifreeze and coolants
- Antifreeze and coolants pose unique risks to children and pets. Many have an ethylene glycol or propylene glycol base, which smells and tastes sweet but is also toxic. Learn more about child and pet safety with hazardous products.
- These products can disturb the biological action of sewage treatment and septic systems. Make sure to read the labels of coolant and antifreeze for more information on safe disposal.
Other automotive fluids
- Windshield wiper fluids typically contain cleaning products such as solvents.
- Most modern brake fluids are glycol-ether-based but can also be mineral oil or silicon-based. Check the labels before use and disposal.
- Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) contains multiple liquids, including petroleum derivatives for lubrication, and may also be used as a vehicle’s hydraulic fluid. It should be treated similarly to motor oil for disposal.
Handling
- Collect and store spent automotive in sealed and labeled plastic or metal containers, away from heat sources, children, and pets.
- If possible, store in the original container. Do not store in beverage or other food containers, especially for glycol-based products like antifreeze or wiper fluid.
- Do not mix with oil or other petroleum-based products. Doing so will complicate disposal.
- Do not dispose of it in the trash: liquid waste can leak in a trash truck.
Management Options
Unused automotive fluids:
- These unused products generally do not go bad; check containers for expiration dates. Store it for later use, donate it to a friend or neighbor who could use it, or check with your local mechanic or auto shop (including schools) to see if they accept it.
Spent automotive fluids:
- Take to a community recycling center, if available.
- Take to a service station or repair garage that accepts spent automotive products.
- Check with your local wastewater treatment facility to see if you can dispose of automotive fluids down the drain—they may accept small amounts.
- If recycling options are not available, take to the next household hazardous waste collection day or an NEDT Collection Center.
- Note: More environmentally friendly propylene glycol and other similar products may contain the same pollutants after use and should be disposed of as suggested above.
Empty containers:
- Empty containers may be disposed of in the trash. Transmission fluids that contain petroleum products should be treated similarly to motor oil for disposal.
This information was brought to you by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and NEDT. For more information, including links to their guides, visit our Fact Sheets & Links page, and make sure to check out our NEDT Blog and Household Hazardous Products Resources for more in-depth information.
