Disposing Of Used Oils And Other Fluids

[l_uk3y]

Hey guys.

Just a quick question regarding the disposal of the various fluids that are removed from our vehicles.

i.e engine oil? Where abouts can you take it? Dont really want to be dodgy here.

Coolant Fluid? Sure its mostly water, im thinking of just tipping down drain. But want to clarrify before i do it.

Power steering?

Brake Fluid? (guessing both these would go with the engine oil?)

Cheers. Luke

[J'z-R33]

Hey Luke,

Good to see others being environmentally aware

I take my oil to WSN Environmental Solutions at Seven Hills (Sydney NSW) they don't charge you if its less then 20 litres.

www.wsn.com.au or Phone 1300 651 116.

Cheers

Johno

[Wacky Dee]

they shouldn't charge you even if it's 200l because afaik all the oils can be recycled ie. they get paid for it.

[mad082]

often the council dump will have a tank you can put the oil in (i know the one here does).

another option for oil i have done in the past is tip it on timber fence posts in the yard. stops them rotting.

[shyr33]

I have been meaning to ask that same question and I have about 4 or 5 bottles of used oil just sitting in the shed. That WSN place looks good does anyone know of something like that in Melbourne?

[910trx]

your local Council should have an oil and vehicle waste scheme available

i put all oil and coolant back in to containers (2L coke bottles are gun) and take them to the council tip on selected days - along with batteries and tyres.

[gfunkk]

not gonna like this answer but its better than "down the drain"

i just put all my used fluids in 5L oil/coolant bottles then leave it at the door of local mechanic overnight

[l_uk3y]

not gonna like this answer but its better than "down the drain"

i just put all my used fluids in 5L oil/coolant bottles then leave it at the door of local mechanic overnight

Its not perfect. But yes. Certainly better then tipping it down the storm water.

Thanks for the comments guys. What about coolant?? Am i right to tip the water/coolant mix down the drain? or is that a nono?

[blind_elk]

NO NO. The active ingredient is ethylene glycol, plus various anti-corrosion chemicals - not really designed to be sent through the stormwater or sewage systems.

Take them all to your local council's recycling station - I know the Monash one on FTG Rd near Blackburn Rd will accept them. They might charge a few $$, but what price saving the environment?

[PM-R33]

Another way, not the best, but better than pouring it down the drain. Use an old oil container, fill it up, put the lid in, take it to the dump or put it in the bin.

[TALBO]

^ too easy lol!

[Duncan]

every race track I've been to has oil/coolant recycling, and so does my local tip. no charge.

that or just pour it into a car you car about less. for me that is the navara

[ARTZ]

If its just oil form your oil change, i just pour the stuff on weeds around my garden, kills em good, also i pour it on outdoor wood, like garden edging and stuff, stops it from drying out, and around fence bases stops grass growing there and keeps dogs away...may sound crazy but it works...

and technically its recycling

Edited December 17, 2009 by doozooby

[Hibino]

That's kinda the opposite of what you should be doing

[shyr33]

Ye if you guys are in melbourne there is a couple I just found. There is a transfer station in wantirna charges 50 cents per litre which isnt to bad.

LOL at leaving it at your local mechanic, I was actually thinking of doing that one time. Glad I'm not alone haha. But I think I will just go to this transfer station.

[tridentt150v]

Just keep in mind that yopu cannot mix your old oil with petrol/degreaser/brake fluid/coolant.

Each one has to be kept seperate, they are poured into different recycle bins. I think brake fluid stuffs old oil actually.

[iamhe77]

I have been meaning to ask that same question and I have about 4 or 5 bottles of used oil just sitting in the shed. That WSN place looks good does anyone know of something like that in Melbourne?

Frankston "Waste & Recycling Centre" aka the Tip will accept engine oil for no charge.

Dunno about coolant.

[mad082]

That's kinda the opposite of what you should be doing

putting it on fenceposts etc isn't bad. it prolongs the life of the timber, meaning less is needed to be cut down, and less bought timber treating products are required, so less refining, etc. and it isnlt like it is washing into waterways, etc. it is probably less harmfull using it to kill weeds and to put around the base of fence posts than half of the herbicides that are on the market.