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57 Ways To Protect Your Home Environment (and Yourself)
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24. Dispose Of Auto Products Safely

recycle used oil

The used oil from a single oil change can seriously contaminate a million gallons of fresh water—enough water to supply fifty people for one year.

Your best disposal option is to recycle used oil through local oil distributors, auto-repair stations, or commercial recycling services. When storing oil before recycling, make sure it is in a clean, sealed container, such as a steel drum or plastic jug. Mark the container clearly as used oil and store it away from children.

oil filter

Oil filters should be ‘hot-drained’ and then taken to a hazardous-waste collection site, local service station, “quick lube,” or auto parts retailer. To hot-drain a filter, puncture the dome end and drain it for 12 hours. The air temperature should be 60 degrees or higher. Then place it in a sealable bag, coffee can with lid, or other leakproof container.

Antifreeze has a sweet taste that can attract pets and small children. So do not pour antifreeze on the ground outdoors and do not put it in the garbage. Also, never dump antifreeze down a household drain or toilet if you have a septic system. If you’re connected to a municipal sewage plant, check before dumping antifreeze down a drain or toilet.
hazardous waste collection site

The best option is to transfer antifreeze to a sturdy container, clearly mark the contents, and take it to a household hazardous-waste collection program. You might also check with a local service station or an automotive or radiator repair shop.
car battery

Lead-acid batteries are those used in cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and other vehicles. Because of the amount of toxic metals and corrosive lead-contaminated acids in these batteries, many states have made it illegal to put them in the trash. Recycle your batteries! Most stores that sell lead-acid batteries will accept used batteries for recycling.

Tires take up a lot of space in landfills, attract mosquitoes, and can result in devastating fires. The most common way to get rid of old tires is to turn them into the retailer when purchasing new ones. If you have an old tire stashed in the back of the garage, contact your local or regional recycling coordinator to find out where to take it.

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