Used Antifreeze Management
Wastewater Coordinator (permission to discharge to sanitary sewer system)
Neile Reider: 651-366-3567
This guidance document is prepared by MnDOT personnel and is intended only for use on MnDOT projects, including partnership projects, and MnDOT Maintenance Operations.
MNDOT has prepared this guidance document to provide its internal procedures and requirements for work performed on MnDOT rights of way, including MnDOT-owned facilities. This document should not be construed as a full description of all regulations pertaining to the subject matter. Contact the Regulated Materials Unit in the MnDOT Office of Environmental Stewardship for additional information or legal requirements.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regulates used antifreeze. MnDOT facilities that generate used antifreeze are responsible for its proper management.
General Requirements
- Do not mix antifreeze with used oil.
- Do not mix other wastes with used antifreeze.
- All MnDOT facilities will collect used antifreeze generated during MnDOT vehicle maintenance activities. Used antifreeze from home, public, or other businesses will not be accepted.
- Antifreeze must not be disposed of in septic system (drain field), storm sewer, surface water, or on the ground.
- Antifreeze managed under this program, outside the metropolitan counties, does not need to be reported on the annual generators license renewal form. Antifreeze managed within the seven county metropolitan area must be reported on the annual generators license renewal form.
There are two options, recycle at a MnDOT approved recycling service or discharge to a sanitary sewer system.
Recycle at a MnDOT Approved Recycling Service
MnDOT approved used antifreeze recycling services can be found at: MnDOT approved list of waste contractors (Word).
Storage
- Use a new, open head, metal or poly drum dedicated for storing only used antifreeze.
- Secure all bungs and lids when not in use.
- Segregate from other wastes to prevent accidental mixing.
- Store indoors away from outside elements.
- Label container “Antifreeze for Recycling”.
- Antifreeze must be recycled within 180 days after the date when two 55-gallon drums have been filled.
- Inspect drums regularly for possible leaks or spills. Documentation of inspections is not required.
Recordkeeping
MnDOT facilities that recycle used antifreeze through a MnDOT approved recycling service are required to maintain records showing the amount of used antifreeze generated and recycled.
Records shall be kept indicating the name and address of the recycler, date accepted by the recycler and amount of used antifreeze recycled. Receipts, shipping papers (see Attachment 2) or maintaining a logbook (see Attachment 1) are all acceptable means of recordkeeping.
When consolidating used antifreeze at one MnDOT facility, the MnDOT facility receiving the waste must record in an operating log the following information (see Attachment 1):
- Name and address of the facility shipped to (recycler)
- Name and address of the facility shipped from (generator)
- Quantity of used antifreeze shipped
- Dates of shipment and delivery.
A copy of the shipping paper on file can be used in place of an operation log.
When consolidating at a MnDOT facility, another option for Districts in the VSQG consolidation program is to use a copy of the VSQG shipping paper. Metro District can use the attached shipping paper (see Attachment 2). The Headquarters and Truck Station must both retain a copy of the shipping paper.
File all paperwork in eDOCS.
Transportation
MnDOT personnel can transport used antifreeze in MnDOT vehicles to another MnDOT facility or to a recycling service. All containers must be secured during transport.
Discharge to a Sanitary Sewer System
MnDOT facilities generating less than 600 hundred gallons per year of used antifreeze are eligible to discharge the waste to a sanitary sewer system after receiving written permission. Some wastewater treatment plants have banned sewering of used antifreeze for businesses. To sewer used antifreeze you must do the following:
- Work with MnDOT’s Wastewater Engineer, Neile Reider, to obtain written permission from local municipal sanitary sewer system prior to sewering used antifreeze.
- Comply with any discharge limitations set by the municipal sanitary sewer system.
- The facilities on the following list are allowed to discharge glycol antifreeze to the sanitary sewer in their facility: Permission to Sewer Glycol Antifreeze - MCES Special Discharge Approval No. 3689.
Recordkeeping
MnDOT facilities that discharge used antifreeze to the sanitary sewer system are required to permanently maintain the following records:
- Written permission from the local municipal sanitary sewer system to discharge used antifreeze.
- Records showing the amount of waste antifreeze generated. The following information must be included in the record: Person performing the discharge, Date of discharge, and Quantity discharged. Records must be filed in eDOCS.
Attachment 1: Used Antifreeze Consolidation Program Operating Log (PDF)
Attachment 2: Used Antifreeze Discharge to Wastewater Treatment Plant Operating Log (PDF)