Collection, Disposal, and Clean-up — Essential Car Fluids & What to Do With Them

So you’ve finished your repair, and now your car is running better than ever — but you still have fluid that isn’t drain-safe. What next? Motive Power Bleeders and Extractors are fantastic for oil and fluid removal, but if you never empty your tank, it removes the purpose of a reusable bleeder and can negatively affect the tank components. Car fluids, however, can’t be dumped just anywhere without poisoning the environment around them. Not to fear though, we have some helpful tips on where to dispose of your remaining liquids, how to properly collect them, and how to clean up an accidental spill.

Motor Oil

   Motor oil is considered hazardous waste due to the oil encountering dirt, lead, arsenic, and other chemicals while running through your engine. One gallon of contaminated oil can make a million gallons of water undrinkable.

Due to this, oil should never be poured or placed:

·      In drains

·      On or in the ground

·      In trash bins (due to risk of fire)

Acceptable places of disposal are:

·      Automotive service centers (such as AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, O’Reilly, and Advance Auto Parts) accept used oil and often recycle it to make it usable once more

·      Local hazardous waste sites — simply search “your city hazardous waste sites”

Antifreeze, Coolant, Transmission Fluid, Power Steering Fluid, and Brake Fluid

   Most fluids that support your engine’s functions do irreparable harm to the environment and are highly toxic if consumed. Thus, the same places where oil should not be disposed of also apply to all other fluids. Never pour or place auto fluids in drains, on or in the ground, or in the trash. These chemicals can harm and cause death to children, pets, plants, and aquatic life.

Acceptable places of disposal are:

·      Local hazardous waste sites — simply search “your city hazardous waste sites”

·      Some automotive service centers — call ahead to verify they accept your specific  fluids

Fluid Collection 
When collecting chemicals and auto fluids, always wear gloves and eye protection. For your oil and other fillers to be accepted by donation sites, they must be collected and sealed in a clean container. Be sure before using your Motive Power Bleeder or Extractor to thoroughly clean the inside to remove potential contaminants.

How to Clean a Spill

  If a spill occurs, don’t panic. First, remove any children or pets that might try to drink or touch the spill from the area. Next, find a hydrophilic object like a mop, paper towels, newspapers, kitty litter, or wood shavings that will sop up the spill and place it on the fluid. Press down on the liquid (making sure not to get it on your skin) until it has been fully absorbed. Once the spill is cleaned, place the soiled objects into a sealable container for disposal and wash your hands.

The hardest part of DIY repairs is finding the right info to get the job. For more informational guides or to shop Motive Bleeders and Extractors

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