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REUSE OF ENGINE COOLANT FLUID
Summary:
During vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair activities, considerable amounts of used engine coolant are generated. The University of Michigan (U-M) has a program for reusing as much of the engine coolant as possible. This saves on the costs of replacing the reused coolant and reduces the total amount of waste generated. There is also a substantial savings on labor, compliance, and paperwork costs associated with typical waste disposal procedures.

 

Applicable Regulations
State of Michigan Act 451 Part 83.

 

Overview of Procedure
Engine coolant often must be drained from the engine when certain repairs are made, and at manufacturer prescribed intervals. Engine coolant typically consists of a mixture of "antifreeze", which is a glycol based chemical and water. This mixture helps keep the engine running cool in the summer, and resists freezing in the winter. Due to the chemicals present, coolant is considered a liquid industrial waste in the state of Michigan (assuming it has no Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulated contaminants in concentrations that would cause it to become characteristic), and disposal is costly. Engine coolant is captured and reused whenever possible to keep or maintain this waste stream at a minimum.

 

Waste Minimization Procedure
Used engine coolant is drained and captured at the time maintenance is performed. The coolant is then stored and reused in the same engine when the maintenance work is finished.

 

Known Limitations
Dirty or contaminated engine coolant cannot be reused and must be disposed of as liquid industrial waste. Soiled rags and other miscellaneous materials must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

 

Safety & Health Precautions/Personal Protective Equipment
Follow all applicable safety and health protocols and regulations as established by your institution.

 

Benefits
Engine coolant reuse reduces the amount of new engine coolant that has to be purchased. Generation of waste engine coolant is minimized. Reuse reduces waste disposal costs, and the paperwork associated with it.

 

Disadvantages
None known.

 

Project Related Costs
Cost to reuse coolant: $0

Estimated cost if the same amount of coolant was disposed of instead of reused:

Annual cost to dispose of used coolant as waste: $2,000.

Annual cost to purchase new coolant to replace coolant disposed of as waste: $300.

 

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