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How to dispose of brake fluid: Maintaining your car’s brake system is very important to vehicle safety. Brake fluid helps transfer pressure from the driver’s foot to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. Your levels should remain full and in good standing. Low fluid levels or bad fluid will not allow the brakes to help you stop the car. Brakes are usually serviced by a mechanic, but sometimes it is necessary to bleed the brakes to remove trapped air and remove old or contaminated fluid. This means you’ll also need to return the brake fluid reservoir to acceptable levels; most designs include a “minimum” and “maximum” line for reference.
You will need to be very careful when handling new or old brake fluid. It is alcohol based and highly flammable. It is not toxic by itself, but it is quickly toxic when contaminated. While sitting in a car, it absorbs heavy metals that make it poisonous when ingested by humans or animals. Even fresh, uncontaminated brake fluid left in an open bottle tends to absorb enough water to dangerously lower its boiling point, further increasing its flammability. It should never be poured down the sink, storm drain, septic tank, or on the ground.
Unused brake fluid can be left in an open container to top up fluid levels. Old brake fluid removed from an automobile counts as hazardous waste and must be taken to a treatment facility. Small spills and amounts left in new bottles can be fixed at home. Whether it’s new or contaminated brake fluid, know how to properly dispose of it after use.
Disposal of brake fluid at home
Smaller amounts of brake fluid do not always guarantee a trip to an auto shop or waste treatment center. If you have kitty litter, a bucket or tray of some sort, and a sealable trash bag, the brake fluid can be absorbed, evaporated, and disposed of in 3 easy steps:
- Pour brake fluid into a clean cat litter pan. Fill a large flat-bottomed bowl or tray, or a metal pan you’d use to catch car fluids, with about a half-inch of kitty litter. Then pour the brake fluid over the kitty litter, or when you drain the old fluid from the car, set up the container to catch it.
- Leave the pan uncovered and let it rest for 3-4 days. Be sure to store the pan away from pets or children due to toxicity and away from sources of heat or flames due to flammability. It will be absorbed by the kitty litter, and since it is alcohol based, it will evaporate over the course of a few days.
- Throw away the sand once all the liquid has evaporated. After a few days, shake the tray to check for any remaining liquid, and let it sit longer if any remains. Once it’s completely dry, pour the sand into a plastic trash bag, seal the top, and throw it away with the rest of your trash.
brake fluid recycling
Like many automotive fluids, brake fluid can be recycled. It must be taken to a recycling center, where it is typically mixed with suitable liquids to create alternative fuels for other purposes. Follow these 5 steps for the correct storage and recycling-transport of brake fluid:
- Seal the brake fluid in a jar. Prepare it for transport to a recycling center by placing it in a container with a secure lid.
- Find a waste recycling center near you. Use online or other resources to find recycling centers that accept brake fluid.Tierra911, for example, allows you to enter your zip code to see the places closest to your location.
- Ask about free collection events. While they will accept your brake fluid at regular hours for a fee, some recycling centers offer free collection days. Such information is usually listed on a company’s website or can be found via phone call.
- Check with nearby auto parts stores if there are no recycling centers nearby. Many auto shops will recycle brake fluid that has not been mixed with other automotive fluids.
- Transport the brake fluid. Take the fluid to the recycling center or body shop. Please note that some locations require a special container. If so, you’ll want to pick up the container before attempting to dump the liquid.
Disposal of brake fluid at a waste management facility
Similar to finding a recycling facility, a waste treatment facility will safely treat and dispose of your contaminated brake fluid. However, in this method, you will want to make sure that the waste center accepts hazardous waste. Find and deliver brake fluid to the right facility in 3 steps:
- Investigate nearby local waste facilities. Use other online resources to find a waste disposal site. Many localities offer public programs run by the local government.
- Make sure the facility accepts hazardous waste. Garaunte your local disposal site will accept old brake fluid. Some locations may not be equipped to receive something that is considered dangerous.
- Transport the brake fluid. Seal old brake fluid in a secure bottle or plastic container to prevent spillage and take it to your chosen waste disposal location. Very few places will offer to pick up hazardous waste, so be prepared to deliver it yourself and pay a small fee. Some facilities may offer free delivery and ask for a donation, financial or otherwise, instead.
There are quite a few intricacies surrounding brake fluid and its disposal. Of course, you want to avoid excessive fines, penalties, and any kind of trouble with local, state, or federal authorities.
So let’s clear up some of those complex issues now.
First, can I minimize my risk of brake fluid buildup?
Absolutely. When shopping, buy brake fluid in 8-ounce bottles instead of quarts. Right away, you’ve already reduced the chances of excess product going bad.
Is brake fluid toxic?
It is toxic when ingested. So please keep this product away from pets and children. It is alcohol based.
Can I pour old brake fluid down the drain?
Not absolutely not. Brake fluid should never be poured down a sink, storm drain, septic tank, or on the ground. Used brake fluid removed from automobiles is considered hazardous waste and must be taken to a treatment facility for proper and legal disposal.
Since accidents happen, what should I do if brake fluid is spilled?
Assuming a small amount has been spilled, a good solution to this problem is to clean it all up with kitty litter. Then place the dirty kitty litter in a saucepan and let it sit for a few days, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Then, assuming the kitty litter is completely dry, the kitty litter can be taken to a household hazardous waste center or you can simply throw it away.
To save money and the possibility of having to dispose of excess brake fluid, can I mix old brake fluid with new brake fluid?
No. The main problem with doing this would be that the brake fluid, which never comes back and stays in the lines, will absorb water over a period of time. So the water will cause corrosion on the steel brake lines. Stay away from the mix. It’s always good to save money when you can on cars, but this is one area where it’s best to worry about safety before saving a few bucks.
The less I change your brake fluid, the less likely you are to have flushing issues. So how often should I change my brake fluid?
There is no set timetable for this. How often to change your brake fluid varies entirely depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, among other factors. A good rule of thumb is to always check your brake fluid during every oil change. Note that it is reasonable to expect a brake fluid change to be necessary after four years. Many people choose to change their brake fluid every couple of years, and that’s not a bad idea either.
Will I receive money when I take my brake fluid to the recycling centers?
Sometimes yes sometimes no. Of course you want a nice stack of greenbacks in return for your efforts. But sometimes, the main problem is just wiping your hands off the product itself and be done with things, and if that means you’re going cashless, maybe you’re okay with that. Look around. Like we said, sometimes you’ll find a center that pays and many won’t. Take note of this, whether you get paid or not: By recycling your brake fluid, you’re helping the environment.
Can I flush brake fluid down a toilet?
No no no. Remember that brake fluid is flammable and should never be poured down the toilet. If the brake fluid is not used and has expired, it can be disposed of by letting it evaporate in a tray with kitty litter.
Will auto supply stores accept waste brake fluid?
Some of them will. Auto supply stores are in business to make a profit, and the more people who visit them, whatever the reason for visiting, the more likely they are to make a profit. Call around. You’ve got nothing to lose.
Why is there so much conflicting information on how to dispose of brake fluid? Can’t this be done quite easily?
Why so much information out there? In today’s complex world, with everyone and their uncle giving advice on waste disposal, brake fluid and everything in between, there’s bound to be some misinformation out there. But, yes, all this can be handled relatively simply and within three to four days. Number 1, fill a large tray or metal pan with about a half inch of kitty litter. Number 2, pour that brake fluid all over the kitty litter. Number 3, leave all this uncovered for three or four days. Number 4, you should be free to handle disposal in your regular trash.
Frequently asked questions
Is brake fluid toxic?
It is toxic when ingested. Therefore, keep this product out of the reach of pets and children. It is alcohol based.
Can I pour old brake fluid down the drain?
Not absolutely not. Brake fluid should never be poured down a sink, storm drain, septic tank, or on the ground. Used brake fluid removed from cars or trucks is considered hazardous waste and must be taken to a treatment facility for proper and legal disposal. If you have any trouble finding a local treatment center after doing a Google search, please contact a local tire dealership. Tire company outlets are almost always aware of these things, and it is in their best interest to help potential consumers in the area.
What should I do if brake fluid is spilled?
Assuming a small amount has been spilled, the most common solution to this problem is to clean it all up with kitty litter. Then place the dirty kitty litter in a saucepan and let it sit for a few days, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Then, assuming the kitty litter is completely dry, the kitty litter can be taken to a household hazardous waste facility or you can simply throw it away.
What about using other absorbents or spill pads?
Sure, spill pads will work. Paper towels, washcloths, blue shop towels also work. Another absorbent that works is dirt. Obviously, you want to get the dirt out of the ground first, and then pour that dirt over the brake fluid; You do NOT want to pour brake fluid all over the dirt on your floor. Cat litter is still your best option. However, you have these other options.
To save money and potentially dispose of excess brake fluid, can I remix the old brake fluid with new brake fluid?
No. The main problem with doing this would be that the brake fluid, which never comes back and stays in the lines, will absorb water over a period of time. So the water will cause corrosion on the steel brake lines. Stay away from the mix. It’s always good to save money when you can on vehicles, but this is one area where it’s best to worry about safety before saving a few bucks.
How often should I change my brake fluid?
There is no set timetable for this. How often to change your brake fluid varies entirely depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, among other factors. A good rule of thumb is to always check your brake fluid during every oil change. Note that it is reasonable to expect a brake fluid change to be necessary after four years. Many people choose to change their brake fluid every couple of years, and that’s not a bad idea either. In the scrap industry, with vehicles that do a lot of stop-starts, brake fluid won’t last as long as, say, a non-industry vehicle that’s on the roads most of the time.
Will I receive money when I take my brake fluid to the recycling centers?
Sometimes yes sometimes no. Of course, you want a nice stack of greenbacks in return for your efforts. However, sometimes the main issue is just wiping your hands off the product itself and being done with things, and if that means you’re going cashless, maybe you’re okay with that. Look around. Sometimes you will find a center that pays, and many will not pay. Please take note of this, whether you get paid or not: by recycling your brake fluid, you are helping the environment.
Can I flush brake fluid down a toilet?
No no no. Remember, brake fluid is flammable and should never be poured down the toilet. If the brake fluid is not used and has expired, it can be disposed of by letting it evaporate in a tray with kitty litter.
Will auto supply stores take waste brake fluid?
Some of them will. Auto supply stores are in business to make a profit, and the more people who visit them, whatever the reason for visiting, the more likely they are to make a profit. Call around. You’ve got nothing to lose. (For large companies in the waste disposal business, auto supply stores are not an option for brake fluid disposal.)
Why is there so much conflicting information about disposing of brake fluid?
In today’s complex world, with everyone and their uncle giving advice on waste disposal, brake fluid and everything in between, there’s bound to be some misinformation out there. However, the removal procedure can be carried out relatively easily and within three to four days. Number 1 – Fill a large tray or metal pan with about a half inch of kitty litter. Number 2 – pour that brake fluid over the kitty litter. Number 3: leave all this uncovered for three or four days. Number 4: You should have the freedom to handle the waste in your regular garbage.
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