Is brake fluid biodegradable? (3 types) 

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The article will discuss the biodegradability of brake fluid while also covering disposal options, eco-friendly status and major types of brake fluids. 

Is brake fluid biodegradable?

Most brake fluids are biodegradable but green preference must be ensured while buying brake fluids. Used brake fluids are considered hazardous and therefore must either be recycled or given to hazardous waste collection centres. 

The used brake fluids must never be thrown in the backyard or in water bodies as heavy metal contamination will harm both life and the environment. 

What constitutes brake fluid? (3 types) 

To develop a stance on the environmental parameters of brake fluid, it is essential to know the ingredients that are used to make brake fluid. As it turns out, the three most common materials that are employed in the making of brake fluid are

  • Silicone-based brake fluid 
  • Mineral oil-based brake fluid
  • Glycol-ether based brake fluid 

As per estimates, glycol-ether-based brake fluid is the most commonly used one which is followed by silicone-based. 

Now, to develop a stance on biodegradability, it is essential to know what biodegradability is in the first place. 

Biodegradability can be defined as the breakdown that is caused by the action of microbes such as bacteria or fungi. What happens is that these microbes ingest the organic matter of waste and as a result break down the waste into simpler materials and constituents. 

These materials can easily return back to nature and are assimilated in the natural cycles. Biodegradation is the natural mechanism to make sure that waste accumulation does not happen because if waste is accumulated, then the whole world will become a trash can. 

As it turns out, there are two major conditions necessary for something to be biodegradable. One is that it should be naturally sourced and the other is that it should be organic in nature. 

If we consider the case of the majority of brake fluids, they are made from biodegradable materials which means they can readily degrade. 

What are the disposal options for brake fluid?

The correct disposal of brake fluid is very important because when brake fluid has been used, it is regarded as hazardous waste. This is because the used brake fluid absorbs heavy metals such as Zinc and these metals can contaminate and cause pollution. 

Therefore, one needs to be extremely mindful when it comes to the disposal of used brake fluid because every running car will require brake fluid replacement. When it comes to that, there are certain green options that you can consider. 

Recycling centres

Recycling is one of the most advantageous things you can do with used brake fluid. However, you need to be careful to not recycle or reuse the brake fluid yourself. 

As it turns out, brake fluid is hygroscopic. This means that when exposed to the outside, it will absorb water and will lose its functionality. 

There are proper recycling centres that will accept used brake fluid. The recycling centres mix used brake fluid with other fluids to either create other automotive fluids or make fuel. 

However, the bottom line is to find those recycling centres. You may also deliver the used brake fluid to automotive centres because either they will recycle your used brake fluid or will transport it to other recycling centres. 

When it comes to that, there are various options such as AutoZone or ccc recycle. All you need to do is to have a good command of your search and explorative capacities. 

Waste collection centres

Waste collection centres is another option that you can consider when it comes to the disposal of used brake fluids. However, you need to be sure that you can not discard the brake fluid in any waste centre. 

Used brake fluids come under the category of hazardous waste and therefore, you can only resort to hazardous waste collection centres. You may also look for ABOP (brake fluid, Batteries, Oil, and Paint) waste collection in your area.

Other than that, there are various household hazardous waste programs that are run frequently in various areas. You can also consider that option if there is no ABOP waste collection in your locality. 

Using cat litter

Another domestic option that you can consider is to use cat litter to absorb the used brake fluid and then discard it. 

All you need to do is to take a container and pour a sufficient amount of cat litter into it. Then pour the used brake fluid. Let it be absorbed for 4-7 days. Once you are certain that the brake fluid is completely absorbed, you may pack it in a plastic bag (sealed) and throw it in regular waste. 

However, you need to be careful that used brake fluid is considered hazardous and may cause serious medical conditions if handled without care. It is extremely important to make sure that the cat litter is away from the access of children and pants. 

Although this option is domestic, it is not really recommended because of the fact that there is inapt utilisation of resources and also there is the use of plastic (as you will need plastic bags to cover the cat litter). 

This leads to strain on the resources and also the addition of plastic waste into the environment. Therefore, this method should only be pursued when there is no recycling centre or waste disposal facility near you or in case of extreme situations such as lockdowns et cetera. 

Can brake fluid be thrown in the backyard or water bodies?

It is a big NO when it comes to draining the brake fluid down the drain. The reason is simple: chemicals. The various chemicals present in the brake fluid can cause great harm not only to humans but also to animals, and aquatic and marine species. 

These materials are considered toxic to both human and animal life and therefore, their incorrect and exploitative disposal can put life (at large) at a huge risk of toxicity and this toxicity can also travel through different stages of food chains and food levels. 

As it is known, the waste from the drains eventually ends up in the water bodies. The compounds discussed above will alter the biology and chemistry of the water bodies and this may result in significant degradative changes to the local flora and fauna such as organ damage, affected reproduction and death.

Some, if not many, also make the mistake of disposing of their used or even tainted brake fluid in the backyard. While this option may appear convenient, it is the least preferred one in terms of sustainability and eco-friendliness. 

The brake fluid, owing to the toxic chemicals that are used to make it, can potentially destroy your crops, and plants, and also cause damage to the soil. The materials that makeup brake fluid are considered highly toxic and may stem changes such as death, wilting, changed pH of the soil, leaf discolouration, and reduced growth– to name a few. 

Is brake fluid eco-friendly?

Although the majority of brake fluid is made from biodegradable materials and also there is the imminence of green brake fluids, the used brake fluid is anything but eco-friendly. 

This is said because of the heavy metal contamination it has after its use and therefore, it is regarded in the category of hazardous waste. Therefore, this discrepancy should not be taken lightly and certain precautions are incumbent 

  • Only green and eco-friendly brake fluid must be bought 
  • The brake fluid must not be reused at home
  • The disposal of used brake fluid must be properly deliberated as detailed in the previous sections 

Conclusion 

It is concluded that most brake fluids are biodegradable but green preference must be ensured while buying brake fluids. 

Used brake fluids are considered hazardous and therefore must either be recycled or given to hazardous waste collection centres. 

The used brake fluids must never be thrown in the backyard or in water bodies as heavy metal contamination will harm both life and the environment. 

References

  • (October 2, 2017). Brake Fluid FAQs. Retrieved from: https://www.partinfo.co.uk/files/Service%20Information/APEC/Brake-Fluid-FAQs%20(1).pdf

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