Benefits of Recycling Car Fluids

Many of us drop off our car for routine maintenance and feel good about the fact that this responsible habit improves our car’s efficiency. But what else is going on under the hood? Where do all of those “used” car fluids go?

It is just as important to know the answers to these questions as it is to recycle car fluids such as motor oil, transmission fluid and antifreeze. For those do-it-yourselfers eager to save a few bucks by doing their own routine maintenance, be sure to reuse or recycle all car fluids. Use Earth911’s recycling locator to find a business or household hazardous waste program or collection center that accepts car fluids for recycling or disposal.

Oil and Natural Gas Conservation

The main ingredient in antifreeze is ethylene glycol, which is derived from natural gas, which can be distilled and filtered to almost-new condition. Anti-rust, anti-leak and detergent additives can then be added to make “new” antifreeze again.

Motor oil is just that: oil. Used motor oil can be re-refined and, with proper quality controls, used again. Even more so, used motor oil can be reused, often with little or no treatment, as an energy source for heating and cooling. According to the American Petroleum Institute, “Two gallons of recycled oil can generate enough electricity to run the average household for almost 24 hours.”

Environmental and Health Protection

One gallon of motor oil has the potential to contaminate one million gallons of water, and it is a major cause of polluted waterways and drinking water. Motor oil is insoluble in water and can stick to everything from beach sand to bird feathers.

• As antifreeze biodegrades in water, it lowers the level of dissolved oxygen and kills aquatic life. It also tastes sweet (take our word for it), which makes it enticing and potentially deadly to animals and children.
• Used automotive fluid can contain hazardous levels of heavy metals including lead, which have the potential to cause nervous system damage to humans and animals alike.

Saves Money

Motor oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and gear oil can all be recycled, and depending on specifics, this process can cost significantly less than manufacturing new products. Many auto repair shops can recycle some fluids like antifreeze onsite, and these businesses can pass their savings along to the consumer.