ATF and Brake Fluid Disposal Question

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There are no local places around here to recycle used ATF and Brake Fluid, unless I setup an appointment with some sort of county/city recycling center. Is it illegal to just throw this stuff away? I'm assuming it is, but I just wanted to check before I went through the hassle of scheduling an appointment.
 
At least in some areas, brake fluid can be disposed of with used motor oil according to the consultant that handled environmental concerns at the last dealership I worked in. All of the used brake fluid from that dealership was mixed with the used oil with no problem from the recycling company.

Used ATF was also mixed with used motor oil. I have never had any problem dropping off used ATF where I drop off used motor oil.
 
I don't distinguish fluids/oils, all gets into one jug, and I do my part to take it personally and dispose it at one of the county's recommended shops.
 
I took my used oil to AutoZone last time but they said they didn't take oil filters. I'm not sure if they'd take ATF or Brake Fluid. I think i'll have to actually go to one of the city's recycling centers and setup an appointment if the local wal-mart doesn't take them. I know they take oil & filters, but i'm not sure about the rest. I'll check next time I change my oil
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If you use liquid Tide (or another detergent) the empty bottles with the spout on the top work great for draining smaller filters. I drain mine and throw them away as there are currently no other means of disposal in my area.

Likewise, brake fluid and ATF get mixed with oil for disposal at the local auto part store.
 
ATF and motor oil are very similar stuff and it makes sense to recycle them together. However, my understanding is that brake fluid is more like anti-freeze than it is like motor oil.
 
Brake fluid can be allowed to evaporate. Just be careful as it can attract animals similar to antifreeze. I use an old open paint can with some absorbant in it and let it sit outside. I am a little obsessive and even painted the can flat black to help the process along.

It probably should not be mixed with used oil.
 
In California places that sell you motor oil have to take back the used stuff. I assume they're also obligated to take ATF as well. But here in Los Angeles we have regional household hazardous waste centers where you can drop off anything, oil, ATF, paint, pesticides, etc. It's great -- you just put it in the trunk and don't even get out of the car. A guy wheels a cart around back of your car and takes it away, no questions asked. I just dropped off a few gallons of used ATF I had laying around.
 
I tried to take the used brake fluid from my recent flush to AA, the guy said to dump it in he trash a their store
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and I did
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