Old batteries. These contain lead and toxic chemicals.
Old tires and catalytic converters.
Antifreeze.
Refrigerant.
Recycling Motor Oil
Used motor oil should be recycled. One gallon of
used motor oil can be recycled into two and one-half
quarts of high-quality motor oil. Recycling old oil not only
saves our environment from pollution, it helps conserve
natural resources.
Always send used oil to a recycling center. The old oil
should be stored in an approved container and kept
separate from other fluids. Some recycling companies
provide a pickup service, while others require you to take
the old oil to their facility.
Note: As a facility that works with motor oil,
you are required to accept used oil from the
public, even if they are not a customer.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze is classified as a hazardous waste due in
part to the heavy metal and chlorinated solvents that it
picks up when circulating through an engine’s cooling
system. In addition, antifreeze presents several health
hazards. See Figure 5-18. Used antifreeze should never be
mixed with used oil. In addition, it must be collected and
disposed of by a registered hazardous waste recycling/
disposal company.
Refrigerant
The refrigerant in the air conditioning systems must
not be vented to the atmosphere. Regulations require that
they be recovered and recycled. Several types of refrigerant-
recovery systems are available.
Disposal
One of the best ways to deal with hazardous wastes is to
minimize the quantity produced. This can be accomplished by
practicing good housekeeping, improving inventory control,
and following proper spill-containment techniques.
When hazardous wastes are produced, they must be
disposed of properly. Regulations require that these wastes
be collected by a registered hazardous waste hauler.
Several major companies offer pick up and recycling
services. Repair or maintenance facilities that generate
220 lb (100 kg) of hazardous waste monthly must fill out a
Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest before shipping the
wastes to a disposal or recycling site. The manifest is
simply a tracking document that must accompany
hazardous wastes when they are shipped from the work
facility. It contains detailed information about the origin,
character, and destination of the wastes. When shipping
certain wastes, the proper Department of Transportation
(DOT) shipping descriptions must be listed on the
manifest. Tables listing these descriptions are available
from each state’s hazardous waste management agency or
from a regional EPA office.
EPA regulations state that no manifest is needed for
used oil or lead-acid batteries sent off for recycling. In such
cases, the material is not regarded as hazardous. Your state
might have its own requirements. Check with your state
hazardous waste management agency.
Used oil filters are considered hazardous waste unless
they are to be recycled for scrap metal. If not recycled,
they must be listed on the manifest as hazardous. Before
disposal, oil filters should be gravity drained so that they
do not contain free-flowing oil. Then, store them in a
closed, labeled container for pickup by a recycler.
Material Safety Data Sheets
Always read label directions when using chemicals.
Rust penetrant, lubricants, part cleaners, and other
substances can be dangerous if not used properly. The
product label will give general precautions for using the
product, Figure 5-19. Further information can be obtained
from the product’s material data safety sheet.
Chemical manufacturers are required to provide a
material safety data sheet (MSDS) for each chemical that
they produce. This sheet is important because it lists all of
the known dangers and treatment procedures for a specific
chemical. Employers are required to have an MSDS for
each chemical or substance used in their facility. Be sure
to read the MSDS for any chemical or substance that you
are not familiar with.
Hybrid Service Safety
A hybrid vehicle uses a gasoline engine, a powerful
motor-generator, and a battery pack to propel the vehicle.
Hybrid vehicles have specific safety recommendations that
Chapter 5 Shop Safety 119
Figure 5-18. Antifreeze and other shop substances are
poisonous. These substances should be stored in a location
where children and animals cannot get to them. The warning
label will provide treatment recommendations.