Glycol drain
Safe, responsible and legally correct
Disposing of glycol in a safe and correct way prevents environmental pollution and fines. Glycol, often used in coolants and antifreeze, is toxic and harmful and thus falls under chemical waste. It is therefore important to dispose of glycol or coolant drain through authorised collectors important.
This article will tell you exactly what this liquid is, what rules apply, how to dispose of it safely and what the costs are.
What is glycol and what is it used for?
Glycol is an organic compound (such as ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) used in coolants and antifreeze to lower the freezing point and improve heat transfer. When glycol becomes contaminated or is no longer usable, it can contain harmful substances such as heavy metals, additives or oil residues (read more about coolant dangerous). Therefore, old and used glycol-containing liquids fall under the category of hazardous and chemical waste.
Glycol disposal costs
Glycol disposal rates depend on:
- The amount
- The quality / degree of contamination
- The type of packaging (drums, jerrycans, IBCs)
- Distance to processing sites
- Frequency of collection
Would you like a tailor-made price? Feel free to request a no-obligation quote from Chemical Waste Netherlands.
Legal frameworks for glycol disposal
As glycol is considered a hazardous substance, strict rules apply to storage, transport and processing. According to the Activities Decree and the Environmental Management Act, it may not be discharged through the sewer, drain or residual waste. In case of ingestion, skin contact or inhalation, glycol, antifreeze and coolant dangerous and toxic. Collection should therefore always take place according to ADR guidelines for the transport and handling of hazardous substances.
Chemical Waste Netherlands operates in full compliance with these legal requirements. We ensure safe storage, correct transport and certified processing of glycol and other chemical liquids. This ensures environmentally conscious disposal and that your company complies with all legal obligations.
In the acceptance guidelines of authorised processors, glycol is often listed as “Coolant/Glycol mixtures” under the hazardous/chemical waste category.
How to safely dispose of glycol for companies?
- Storage & labelling: Store glycol in well-sealed, UN-approved drums or jerry cans. Ensure the containers are leak-proof and labels correctly indicate glycol mixture, antifreeze or coolant.
- Separation of pollution: Do not mix other substances (such as oil, water or chemicals) with the glycol. If there is contamination, consider the mixture as chemical waste immediately.
- Choose an authorised collector: Have glycol collected by an authorised collector such as Chemisch Afval Nederland. They provide transport, processing and correct documentation.
- Transport & administration: Follow the ADR rules for transporting hazardous materials. Keep accompanying documents (such as accompanying forms) so you can prove that the disposal was carried out correctly.
What happens to glycol after collection?
At specialised processing plants, glycol is separated, purified and - if possible - reused. Processing is done in stages:
- Pretreatment: removal of solid particles, oil residues and contaminants.
- Separation: glycol is separated from water or other components.
- Purification: further cleaning to make the glycol suitable for reuse.
- Processing of residues: substances that cannot be reused are safely destroyed or processed according to environmental standards.
This processing minimises the environmental impact and ensures that residues do not incorrectly end up in the environment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix glycol with other substances for drainage?
No, mixing glycol with other substances such as oil or chemicals makes processing more complex and can lead to rejection by processors.
Can glycol go down the drain or residual waste?
No, glycol should never be discharged into the sewer or with residual waste. It falls under chemical waste and must be disposed of properly.
Is glycol draining mandatory for companies?
Yes, companies that use or dispose of glycol are subject to the legal duty of care. They must ensure proper storage, transport and disposal through authorised collectors.
What if I am low on glycol?
Even small quantities of glycol must be disposed of properly. We collect large and small quantities from companies throughout the Netherlands. Private individuals can hand in a small quantity at the local waste disposal site or the chemokar.
Curious about the price for glycol disposal?
Request a no-obligation quote for current prices for the disposal of glycol, coolant and antifreeze. Our specialists will be happy to make you a competitive and price offer.