Used antifreeze collection and recycling
UES collects spent antifreeze and coolant from shops, dealerships, fleets and industrial facilities. We keep it separate from used oil and other waste streams so it can be processed for reuse.
Need containers, a pickup or recurring service? We reply the same business day. No account required to ask.
Why used antifreeze needs proper handling
Used antifreeze contains glycol and can pick up metals, oils and other contaminants while circulating through an engine or cooling system.
That makes proper storage important. Spent coolant should be kept in a dedicated container, protected from spills and kept separate from used oil, solvents and other waste streams.
Keeping it separate also preserves its value for recycling. When the stream is suitable, the glycol and other usable components can be recovered and processed into recycled antifreeze.
What happens to your used antifreeze
UES collects spent antifreeze as its own waste stream and transports it for processing.
At the recycling facility, contaminants are removed and usable components of the coolant can be recovered. The material can then be processed into recycled antifreeze and returned to use.
Keeping antifreeze separate from used oil, oily wastewater and other materials makes that recycling process possible and helps avoid contamination.
Antifreeze stays separate from your other waste streams. UES can provide totes or drums so used coolant has its own dedicated container.
Ask about containersHow spent antifreeze collection works
Tell us roughly how much coolant you generate and how you store it now. We'll help set up the container and collection schedule that fit your site.
Tell us about your antifreeze
Send us your location, roughly how much spent coolant you generate and how it is currently stored.
We set up your service
We'll determine the right container and pickup schedule for your volume. Totes and drums are available when needed.
A UES driver collects it
The spent antifreeze is picked up as a separate stream and transported for appropriate processing and recycling.
Your service is recorded
Each pickup is documented and added to your service history in the Customer Portal.
Where we offer used antifreeze collection and recycling
UES offers used antifreeze collection and recycling to businesses in 28 states. Select your state to see local coverage and the facilities that serve your area.
City pages: Baltimore Washington, DC Wilmington Philadelphia Trenton Newark and Old Bridge Casa Grande Phoenix Atlanta and Peachtree City Ocala Greensboro Cincinnati and Florence Birmingham and Trussville Jacksonville.
Common questions
Is used antifreeze hazardous waste?
Not necessarily. How spent antifreeze is classified depends on the product, what it has been contaminated with and applicable regulations. Used coolant can contain glycol, metals and other contaminants, so it should be stored and handled carefully.
What happens to used antifreeze after collection?
It is kept separate and sent for processing, where contaminants can be removed and usable components recovered for recycled antifreeze.
Do you provide containers?
Yes. UES can provide totes or drums dedicated to spent antifreeze so it stays separate from used oil, oily wastewater and other materials.
Can antifreeze collection be added to my used oil service?
Often, yes. If UES already collects used oil from your location, spent antifreeze collection may be added to the same service visit while the materials remain completely separate.
What should I keep out of the antifreeze container?
Keep used oil, solvents, cleaners and other waste streams out of your spent antifreeze. If something else has already been mixed into it, tell us so we can determine the appropriate handling method.
More on used oil
Used oil rules for businesses, explained
The federal and state rules for storing, labeling and handing off used oil, plus what to look for in a collector.
Read the guides
Where to dispose of used motor oil when you run a shop, fleet or dealership
How to store used oil, who can transport it and what happens during a UES pickup.
Read the guide
How the EPA classifies used oil, and when hazardous waste rules apply
When used oil stays under the Part 279 rules and when hazardous waste requirements can apply.
Read the guide
Universal waste explained: batteries, lamps, aerosol cans and the rules for businesses
The five federal types, the 5,000 kg line, labels, the one-year limit and where universal waste can go.
Read the guideTell us about your spent antifreeze
Tell us roughly how much coolant you generate, how it is stored and where your business is located. We'll recommend the collection setup and tell you what happens next.
- No account or contract required to ask
- A person replies the same business day
- Already a customer? Use the Customer Portal instead
Protected by Cloudflare Turnstile. We use your details to answer your request. We don't sell them.