VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Trucks and Vans Antifreeze? What…s the decent way of disposal?

Well I still haven’t found a place to dump the last batch of antifreeze I drained out, now I have another four gallons to get rid of. I ask this question about every year or so and still haven’t found an answer I’m happy hearing, maybe this time????
So where do you all get rid of yours?
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Check with the people who sold you the new antifreeze. In some states they have to take it back for recycle or disposal. Or check with your local police or sheriff department or state EPA. In Texas it is the local Sheriff that is responsible for enforcement.

I'm surprised facilities are not commonplace.

We've had access to transfer / recycling stations up here that have taken used oil, antifreeze, paint, batteries, etc for free for nearly 30 years. Usually fairly close to everything. I have one 5min away, though I store in 5 gallon pails so I only go every couple years.

Prior to that I recall taking it to where I bought it if it was a servicing shop (ie Walmart with a service centre). Simply show them the receipt and they would allow you to dump it in their containers since they have to pay for removal.

Do some digging and post what you find in your area.

Here's a thought, contact your local Chevy dealer and tell them you are restoring an antique and need to dispose of the coolant. I bet if you drive over in your vehicle, it will be worth the show and they will oblige.

You may want to check with some of the repair shops near you to see if they recycle it, we did when I had my shop.

Well I’m hearing a lot about oil change shops and FLAPS taking used oil and antifreeze, I’ll have to start asking around.

Gotta remember Tim, this is the US of A, the land of careless consumption.

Shawn, speaking of the local Chevy Dealership, let me share something that happened last summer. I stopped by to check on a part and no surprise to me, they didn’t have it.
I had parked up against the building in the first space right next to the big door where the service desk is. When I came out from the parts room the service manager, his writer and a couple of mechanics were looking my ’50 over. Thought I’d make the mechanics jealous so I popped the hood to let them see what pleasure it was to service a Chevy back 60years ago.
When I first brought her home three years ago, my first priority was to put everything right so it was as reliable as my new truck. She always starts on the first turn and I’ve gotten into the habit of joking around when I get ready to leave, by saying “hope it starts”. Then I hit the starter and first click over she pops right off. Today, with the Chevy service guys and their mechanics standing buy, I hit the starter and nota, she cranked and cranked without one sign of it catching. Boy was I embarrassed, then I thought to look down and noticed that I had for gotten to turn on the key, DUH!!!! By now it was to late to change what was going through their minds so I just drove off with my tail between my legs. I’ll bet that image of that back yard mechanic with the hard starting truck was burned into their minds and is often the subject of a joke around the shop.

DG

I feel for you. I too have forgotten to turn on the car before starting and looked like fool too.