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Glycol disposal: safe, responsible and legally correct
Disposing of glycol safely and correctly prevents environmental pollution and fines. Glycol, often used in coolants and antifreeze, is toxic and harmful and therefore considered chemical waste. Therefore, it is important to dispose of glycol correctly. Coolant disposal It's important to dispose of it through certified collectors. This article explains exactly what this liquid is, the regulations, how to dispose of it safely, and the costs involved.
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 deteriorates, it can contain harmful substances such as heavy metals, additives, or oil residues (read more about oil in coolant) contain. Therefore, old and used glycol-containing fluids fall under the category of hazardous and chemical waste.
Glycol disposal costs
The rates for disposing of glycol depend on:
The amount
The quality / degree of contamination
The type of packaging (barrels, jerrycans, IBCs)
The distance to processing locations
Frequency of collection
Would you like a personalized quote? Feel free to request a free, no-obligation quote from Chemisch Afval Nederland.
Legal frameworks for glycol disposal
Because glycol is considered a hazardous substance, strict regulations apply for storage, transport, and processing. According to the Activities Decree and the Environmental Management Act, it may not be discharged via sewers, drains, or residual waste. This is because glycol/antifreeze is harmful if ingested, comes into contact with skin, or is inhaled. coolant dangerous and toxic. Collection must therefore always take place in accordance with the ADR guidelines for the transport and handling of hazardous substances.
Chemical Waste Netherlands operates in full compliance with these legal regulations. We ensure safe storage, proper transport, and certified processing of glycol and other chemical liquids. This ensures environmentally responsible disposal and ensures your company complies with all legal obligations.
In the acceptance guidelines of accredited processors, glycol is often listed as “Coolant / Glycol Mixtures” under the hazardous/chemical waste category.
How to safely dispose of glycol for companies?
- Storage & labeling
Store glycol in tightly sealed, UN-approved drums or jerrycans. Ensure the containers are leak-proof and that the labels correctly indicate whether they are 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 any contamination, immediately consider the mixture as chemical waste. - Choose a certified collector
Have glycol collected by a certified collector such as Chemisch Afval Nederland (Chemical Waste Netherlands). They will handle transport, processing, and proper documentation. - Transport & administration
Follow the ADR regulations for the transport of hazardous materials. Keep accompanying documents (such as accompanying forms) so you can demonstrate that the disposal was carried out correctly.
What happens to glycol after collection?
At specialized processing facilities, glycol is separated, purified, and, if possible, reused. The processing takes place in several steps:
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 residual materials: materials that cannot be reused are safely destroyed or processed in accordance with environmental standards.
This processing minimizes the environmental impact and ensures that residual materials do not end up in the environment incorrectly.
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 in the sewer or in residual waste?
No, glycol should never be discharged into the sewer or into residual waste. It is considered chemical waste and must be disposed of properly.
Is glycol disposal mandatory for companies?
Yes, companies that use or dispose of glycol are subject to a legal duty of care. They must ensure proper storage, transport, and processing through certified collectors.
What if I'm low on glycol?
Even small quantities of glycol must be disposed of properly. We collect large and small quantities from businesses throughout the Netherlands. Individuals can drop off small quantities at their local recycling center or chemical recycling center.
