Cars produce a lot of hazardous waste - it’s that simple. But getting rid of it isn’t as simple as putting it down the drain. Pouring toxins down the drain can corrode your pipes and harm the water supply downstream, effecting people and animals alike. Besides, it is illegal.
Recycling as much of the waste as possible is the best answer, since someone else will get use out of the product and it will not go into a landfill. Keeping these toxins hanging around your house or garage is not a good idea either, since they are usually highly flammable, and that is just tempting fate. Anyway, they have to go sometime, right?
Some of the products that should be treated as hazardous waste are:
- Motor oil
- Transmission fluid
- Excessive amounts of washer fluid
- Antifreeze
- Rags with excessive
- Car batteries
- Brake fluid
- Gasoline
- Carburetor cleaner
- Degreasers
- Tires
Luckily most communities now have systems in place hazardous waste disposal. There are often drop-off spots, or days when the local trash collectors will organize a hazardous waste pickup day. Place a call to your local city government to find out where you can take your hazardous waste. If your city government doesn’t have a system, try to start one yourself. Be responsible to both your family and your community - dispose of hazardous waste properly.
Tires, batteries, motor oil and antifreeze can all be recycled, so many times your local mechanic or service station will take those items.
Brake fluid, antifreeze, carburetor cleaner, degreasers, contaminated rags, gasoline or other fuels, and transmission fluid should all be stored safely until HW pickup day in your neighborhood. If you want to get the substances out of your house right away, check with local authorities to see if they have a local recycling area.
Antifreeze can be deadly to pets. That happened to my brother; a new litter of puppies got into a pool of antifreeze and only one survived. Be very careful when performing do-it-yourself automotive projects. Keep children and animals away from toxic substances.
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