Do’s And Don’ts On Rv Antifreeze Disposal You Need To Know

Proper RV antifreeze disposal is a crucial subject.

After all, the question on where you should dump your RV antifreeze after winterizing your camper is very important.

And unfortunately, not many people have a definitive answer to this. You may also be one of those left in the dark and unsure how to deal with this substance.

So, should you simply dump it on the ground? The sewer system? A specialized RV dump station?

With so many confusing insights, it helps to know the right way to go about it. This is why we are here to shed some light on the do’s and don’ts when it comes to RV antifreeze disposal. Find out what it is that needs to be done to avoid any problems along the way.

RV Antifreeze Disposal Methods You Should Avoid

First, let’s get it straight – RV antifreeze is labelled as “non-toxic” by some companies.

This is what leads others to assume it should be okay to be dumped on the ground.

However, we do not advise this method. While the substance may be non-toxic or even biodegradable, the fact remains that it is a chemical material. Thus, there are dangers that can arise when you dump it on the ground.

In addition, there are also flammable materials in an RV antifreeze. This is why there are potential dangers not only to the environment but also to your own safety if you don’t implement the right way of disposing this product.

There are safer varieties of RV antifreeze such as the pink RV antifreeze or propylene glycol. This product is ethanol-based, which also has a higher toxicity level than propylene-based. With this in mind, you should steer clear of dumping it on the ground.

What Happens When You Dispose Of RV Antifreeze Incorrectly?

The chemical can destroy beneficial bacteria required for treating sewage. It can also pollute surface waters and the ground.

Now, some RV antifreeze products are water-soluble. So, if you simply toss it on the ground, this can contaminate the land surface and groundwater. The lives of marine animals, fish, and humans are on the line because of the harmful chemicals.

Moreover, RV antifreeze can cause permafrost to melt. When this happens, building foundations will become weak and prone to damages.

And most importantly, propylene glycol has a very high solubility rate in the water. This helps microbes and organisms to metabolize this substance quickly. But at the same time, this decreases at such a rapid rate the dissolved oxygen. Hence, it can harm marine life over time.

Lastly, if you have pets in the house, the propylene glycol in the RV antifreeze can lead to hemolysis in your four-legged friends. Even humans are at risk of medical issues such as metabolic acidosis or lactic acidosis after ingesting the chemical in large quantities.

These conditions can lead to seizures, coma, and lethargy, as the chemical enters the central nervous system.

It is also worth noting that companies use different colors to differentiate toxic from non-toxic RV antifreeze. For instance, pink ones are non-toxic while green ones are toxic. But at the same time, this is not always the case with all RV antifreeze products. It can be tough to determine which one is toxic or not by simply looking at the color.

Hence, it is only important to handle with sound judgment and discretion the proper disposal of this chemical material.

Read More: Where Is The Power Converter In My RV? And The Next Steps To Take

Proper Way To Dispose Of RV Antifreeze

When it comes to the best RV antifreeze disposal method, we should consider the following:

1. Reuse

If you ended up buying too much RV antifreeze, then we recommend that you reuse the excess instead of dumping it. Some vehicles you have may be compatible with the RV antifreeze, so you can go ahead and use it.

However, if you are in doubt, you can always consult the manufacturer first. Inquire about compatibility issues between the chemical and your vehicle.

In case you cannot use it on your vehicle, then you can always put the remaining RV antifreeze in your plumbing system. This also helps in wintering the plumbing to protect it from damage during the frigid months.

2. Recycle The Chemical

Another option to consider when it comes to proper RV antifreeze disposal is by having it recycled.

For this method, you would have to inquire from a facility and ask if they accept spare RV antifreeze for recycling purposes. You should be able to gather information about these companies by reaching out to your waste management facilities in the state. They can direct you to RV antifreeze recyclers if ever there’s any near you.

Now, if there is absolutely no RV antifreeze recycler in your area, you can always contact your manufacturer to handle the disposal for you.

For instance, there are automotive parts stores or service stations that will gladly dispose of your RV antifreeze. Alternatively, some facilities offer to hand the product to recyclers on your behalf. Do take note of some fees involved.

Bottom Line

RV antifreeze is a must-have when protecting your camper from damage during winter. It is a necessity that every camper owner needs to know, so they can properly winterize their vehicle.

But at the same time, you need to exercise caution when it comes to disposing of this chemical material.

Even if there is low toxin level in some RV antifreeze, you still should avoid dumping it on the ground. Not only will it damage plant and marine life, but it can also wreak havoc to your own health.

So, after learning more about the best methods on RV antifreeze disposal, you are now armed with knowledge and professional advice on what you should do. We hope this has been helpful in ensuring your safety, as well as the environment’s welfare when the time comes to dispose of your RV antifreeze.