safely disposing of fluids and filters
 

I'm fairly new to DIY work on cars and since owning my 300D have accumulated a few containers of used oil and coolant, along with several old fuel and oil filters. What is the best means of getting rid of this stuff? Sorry if this is basic knowledge to some, I tried a few searches and didn't find much.

Many of the chain auto parts stores will take the oil off your hands. The coolant might be more of a challenge.

http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/hazardous/antifree.htm

Most quick oil change places will take old oil, check with Jiffy Lub or any others in your area. Coolants and tranny fluid is a little harder but I found that the local dump has a hazardous wast dump site where you can drop it off.

Kragans (checker, schuks sp) takes used oil and maybe coolant. our county dump has a waste recycling program for everything. oil, coolant, used filters, batteries etc...

I think the trash people Waste Management picks up used oil at the curb. I have seen 2 1/2 gal bottles sitting along with the garbage. check with your garbage co.

Charlie ☺

Most local auto parts stores, lube facilities have a tank for recycled oil and tranny fluid. They also have a small dumpster strictly for the used filters.

For coolant, ask the lube facilities, as depending on their setup, they may be able to take it. However, many places have only the recylcle machines that require connection to the car. These use a filter to remove only the oil and contaminants.

The next best is to contact your city/regional waste disposal services. The problem is not the coolant itself but the possible lead and oil contaminants that may be in auto coolant.

The coolant is also poison to kids and animals that are attracted to its sweet taste. IIRC ingested coolant cannot be made non poisonous.

Thanks all for the info, I will check with my local waste managment center and the local auto parts store.

Used Oil filters, when hot drained, are not hazardous. Can be Municipal landfilled as all Landfills of this type now a days in the USA are lined landfills. The Old "Tern Plated" filters were but those haven't been made in over 30 years.

Used transmission fluid, Brake fluid and Synthetic Oils are all "Used Oil" by definition and can all go in the same Used Oil recycling container.

Antifreeze is a difficult one. It must be recycled and should not be mixed with Used oil as it will then make the Used Oil "Off Spec" so it should be kept separately but you have to hunt a place to recycle it. Most County or City recycling centers have a place for it hopefully. At least for use by private individuals. Regulated Businesses must recycle it and may have to do so by contract to a Recycling company or Hazardous Waste Disposal Contractor.