Disposing Fluids

Disposing Fluids
If I drain my radiator or change my oil, where do I bring the fluids too and does it cost money? Also, what should I catch the fluid in?

  devilzfan300

They sell oil pans (see picture at end of post) at walmart, autozone, advance auto parts, or any other place with auto stuff. I'd get one of those sealed oilpans that has a basin and then a plug in the center, so when it drips in to the pan it goes inside the container and is contained there for good until you dispose of it. As for draining the radiator, you might need a couple of those pans.

As for disposal; I don't know where to take it. We've got a couple of oil pans in the garage stacked up that we need to rid of some day. I think any place where you can dispose of your battery you can dispose of the oil/radiator fluid, I would make some calls first though.

You'll probably be charged a small fee, such as $15 US or something to collect the oil from you. I would also try to see if they are "certified" or approved in some way. You don't want to be paying some business to just go out back and dump the oil in the alley way behind their office. I've heard of scams like that, and it's sad.

If you *ever* suspect the company that is disposing your oil may be dumping it in the enviroment, contact the US EPA (Enviromental Protection Agency) and report they may be dumping oil. You can do it toll free toll free 1-800-424-8802. It's better to accidently falsely report someone of doing this act and the investigation to turn up nothing than to just let someone possibly get away with dumping toxic substances like this.

Oil changing container that has a "funnel" like basin to direct dripping oil to inside of container. These are the safest way to drain oil and store it until disposal. They may come in different sizes. I'd get the largest size I could if you don't know how many liters of oil your car has in it.
http://www.difflock.com/buyersguide/newproducts/oil-drain-pans/10ltre_recyc ling.jpg

  Jon_K

To give an answer to the question

Most service stations and manu auto parts stores will accept used oil for disposal from do it yourselfers (DIY). They limit how much you bring to what a typical DIY will use to prevent auto garages and others from avoiding paying the disposal fees. Do not mix the oil with solvents, gasoline, tranny fluid and any other substance - this could create a different classification of waste which is more difficult and expensive to handle.

Most places that sells batteries will accept them for recycling.

Many cities (at least we do in Chattanooga) have certain days one can bring hazardous waste such as chemicals, solvents, car batteries, used oil, anti-freeze, etc. to a specified location for disposal - your local public works or sanitation dept. may be able to offer guidance

Improper disposal of waste can get you fined or jailed.

As far as storing the stuff, I would recommend not keeping used oil, antifreeze, etc around any longer than necessary to get it disposed of.

  tbaxleyjr

OREILLY's. My bro used to work there, that's how I know. I just drive up there with my oil pan, and they point me back behind the counter and I dump it in a big drain dumpster looking thing that says hazardous waste or something. I'm not sure if they will take radiator fluid, but the oil is free.


I don't know where you live, so there might not be Oreilly's Auto Parts around you, so just any car parts store like them should do it free.

  Nickboxer7