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Subject:Re: coolant disposal
From:David Brodbeck
Date:Mon, 1 Dec 2003 09:31:12 -0500

On Mon, 1 Dec 2003, Scott Walker wrote:

> A bit ago William (developtrust) was asking about r&r of a hose on his
> waterboxer.  Many responded with what I am sure was helpful info, but I
> do believe that one of his questions was left unanswered.  That being:
> What do you do with your old coolant?

This seems to be a controversial topic here.  Nearly everything I've seen
elsewhere on the topic has said that for fairly small quantities (like the
contents of a Vanagon cooling system) it's okay to pour it into the
sanitary sewer and flush it with fresh water. (i.e., down your toilet or
sink, but *not* into a storm drain, please!)  Apparently the sewage
treatment plant can deal with it in small quantities.  This is probably
not a good idea if you have a septic tank.

You can check with your local recycle center or hazardous waste drop
first, though, some of them may take it.  Last time I did a coolant change
I wasn't in an area that had one.

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Volkswagen Diesel Westfalia
'94 Honda Civic Si -- For Sale
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon