The content of your antifreeze, whether it is new or used or mixed with another fluid, is important. EPA, DNR, CDC etc. If you do choose to rinse a container, make sure that you dispose of the rinse water in the same way you would dispose of used antifreeze. Any antifreeze, whether ethylene or propylene glycol based, picks up heavy-metal contamination during use. St. Seal them in a non-flammable container filled with water until you can dispose of them. Lay them out in a well-ventilated location until dry. It's safer to have a repair facility flush your cooling system, since they are required by law to dispose of the material safely. Automotive shops can sometimes do the same with machines that will purify antifreeze for recycling. Contact local recycling centers or service stations for more information on local disposal. A Brief History Antifreeze is the common term for a chemical compound called ethylene glycol. Where I live, you can pour the used antifreeze down the drain. : The EPA does not consider used coolant to be a hazardous waste. In my county, there are several sites designated for collection of motor oil, antifreeze, paint, insecticide, and other hazardous liquid materials several times a year, and it is amazing to see the lineup of cars each time that these collections are performed. The best solution is to reuse it, if possible. However, if you have a septic system, DO NOT pour the used antifreeze down the drain. How to Dispose of Hazardous Waste Without Damaging the Environment Oil, antifreeze, and paint should always be properly recycled or removed. Automotive shops can sometimes do the same with machines that will purify antifreeze for recycling. This means they are very dangerous, and therefore, the increased need to take any used antifreeze fluid to a recycling centre that accepts it. Many recycling centers will accept pure antifreeze, as it can be recycled. There are places in Missouri that accept antifreeze for recycling, such as Springfield and Clay County collection centers, but you have to be a resident with proof and there are limits on the amounts. Used antifreeze is a hazardous waste material. Do not rinse antifreeze containers after use. Do NOT pour antifreeze outside. It is not harmless; it is just less toxic than ethylene glycol used in most antifreeze. Propylene glycol is used as a less environmentally-toxic antifreeze. Many landfills have a tank designated for used antifreeze disposal. Automotive shops can recycle it on site using specialized machinery. Check with you local municipality for regulations of disposal of used antifreeze. Ingesting a small amount is poisonous to humans and animals — pets are particularly attracted to its smell. Used antifreeze that is mixed with other fluids must be characterized to determine if it is hazardous waste, and disposed of accordingly. First used for automobiles in 1926, the substance quickly replaced its predecessor, water. Do NOT pour antifreeze down the drain. Common car fluids include engine oil, engine coolant/antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and various cleaning or waxing products. For this reason, special care must be taken to dispose of used antifreeze. By Mike Allen Answer: In regard to antifreeze disposal Walmart, there is always a need to dispose of old or used antifreeze safely. None of the major auto parts stores accept it for recycling. How to dispose of coolant. Handle soiled or oily rags right away, too. Many recycling centers will accept pure antifreeze, as it can be recycled. Finding a safe disposal method for propylene glycol can present a difficult task. An important thing to note is antifreeze fluids are usually very hazardous chemicals. If your motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, or antifreeze has been contaminated with any other fluids most locations will not accept it for recycling. Antifreeze should only be disposed of by taking it to an autoparts shop or to a facility that specializes in disposal of hazardous waste. Antifreeze mixes with water, but also contains chemicals like ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and methanol. The waste treatment plant takes care of it after that. Nonhazardous used antifreeze also may be disposed at a landfill that is authorized to accept used antifreeze. Make sure the antifreeze is in a safe, closable container to prevent spills. If none of these places accept used antifreeze, your local mechanic can usually point you in the right direction as to where and how to dispose of your old antifreeze.