reusable items at household hazardous waste facility

Recycling Antifreeze

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Day 353 – Antifreeze lowers the freezing point of the water in your engine and prevents boiling in high temperatures. So, it is necessary for your car to use antifreeze throughout the year. There are two types of antifreeze, toxic and non-toxic. Antifreeze made from ethylene glycol is toxic. Antifreeze made from propylene glycol is non-toxic and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for safe human consumption in low doses.

Tips on Recycling Antifreeze:

  1. If unopened, it will last indefinitely.
  2. Once opened it should last up to eight years.
  3. Some auto stores will accept antifreeze to have recycled. Check the Earth911 database for local recycling options. 
  4. Take it to your local household hazardous waste (HHW) program.
  5. Many HHW locations operate swap shops where you can pick-up free products. This is a great way to get more antifreeze.

“Most used antifreeze is recycled into new coolant by filtering out any metals or oil and adding new chemicals. So, you may be buying recycled antifreeze without even knowing it.” – Earth911

Tomorrow, to boycott or not to boycott palm oil.

Free Stuff at Your Local Household Hazardous Waste Facility

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Day 253 – Most of us are familiar with what items our local household hazardous waste facility will accept. Everything from household chemicals, such as bleach, harsh cleaning materials and drain cleaners to motor oil, gasoline and auto fluids. Most facilities will also accept electronics like computers, televisions and printers.

For a complete list of acceptable items at Chicago’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility click HERE.

Chicago’s HHW facility is located at 1150 N. North Branch Street.

During business hours, an attendant is outside, ready to help unload your vehicle and accept your materials.  Materials should not be left outside the facility unattended.  Therefore, please do not drop off any items outside of scheduled business hours:

Tuesdays 7 am – 12 pm

Thursdays 2 pm – 7 pm

The first Saturday of every month 8 am – 3 pm

Something you might not know is that there are free items at your local HHW facility. At Chicago’s HHW there are useable paints, stains and other cleaners available for free at the facility’s material exchange room. Please ask a staff person to enter the exchange room, which is open during regular hours of operation. Chicagoans are welcome to take materials without dropping off any of their own.  

So, the next time your in need of these items consider dropping by your local HHW and check out what they may have to offer for free.

Tomorrow, recycling car seats.