Is RV Antifreeze Biodegradable, or environmentally friendly? It depends on which type of RV antifreeze you are referring to when asking. Here are the two:
There is general RV antifreeze which gets pumped through your water lines and your holding tanks. Then, there’s automotive antifreeze which is meant for the engines of any motor vehicle.
We focus on the antifreeze used for preparing for winter, protecting your pipes, and holding tanks.
Related: How Do I Keep My RV Dry in the Winter?
Is RV Antifreeze Biodegradable and Environmentally Friendly?
Yes, most RV antifreeze is biodegradable. The Propylene glycol that is in RV antifreeze is biodegradable.
It doesn’t hurt to double-check the label of the RV antifreeze you choose to purchase. Make sure you check for any disposal instructions before you dump anything.
If you are traveling or parked for long periods of time during the winter season, RV antifreeze is an absolute must-do. It’s best to do your research on which brands are both non-toxic and biodegradable.
Related: Is Pink Antifreeze Safe For Pets?
Is RV Antifreeze Harmful to the Environment?
No, RV antifreeze will not harm the environment if it’s labeled non-toxic and biodegradable. Those are also generally regarded as safe by the FDA.
Is RV Antifreeze Safe for Grass?
Yes, RV antifreeze is safe grass as long as it’s made from propylene glycol, which is nontoxic and will be heavily diluted in an RV water system when it comes to emptying.
Still, although propylene glycol RV antifreeze is less toxic for the environment than automotive antifreeze, it still contains dangerous heavy metals that can be harmful to plants, animals, and humans if absorbed in large amounts.
To Be Safe: Where To Dump RV Antifreeze
How Do You Dispose of RV Antifreeze?
The best way to drain RV antifreeze from your RV plumbing is to drain it out down an RV dump station, or into a bucket, then appropriately disposed of it.
Fill the fresh tank with water, run the faucets and shower to flush the lines out, and dump the gray tank.
Can You Put RV Antifreeze Down The Drain?
RV Antifreeze is non-toxic and protects the water system which can be fine to pour down the drain. on the other hand, automotive antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) should not be poured down the drain.
It is best disposed of in a sewer or septic drain as opposed to on the drain or ground.
Related: Will RV Holding Tank Freeze?
Should I Put RV Antifreeze in Freshwater Tank? It's perfectly fine to put RV Antifreeze in freshwater tanks.
Does RV Antifreeze Evaporate?
Another frequently asked question related to “Is RV Antifreeze Biodegradable” is based on a bit of confusion. No, RV Antifreeze does not evaborate. In fact, RV antifreeze is designed to avoid evaporation and freezing. Unless the RV antifreeze is mixed with water, then it will evaporate over time.
Does RV Antifreeze Melt Ice?
No, RV Antifreeze doesn’t melt ice. Its main function is to prevent ice from forming. RV antifreeze is used to prepare the RV plumbing for winter, including flushing out any remaining water from the pipes, faucets, and other places.
Related: Prepping to Live Full-Time in an RV over the Winter
Is Antifreeze Good For Frozen Pipes? Nope. The antifreeze of the RV can thaw frozen pipes because it is designed to prevent freezing of the pipe and not thawing frozen pipes.
Is RV Antifreeze Flammable?
RV Antifreeze is made from propylene glycol which is flammable if it reaches high enough temperatures. The “boiling point” is 210 degrees Fahrenheit and when burning, the gasses emitted can be poisonous.
Propylene glycol is a viscous, colorless liquid. But unlike automotive antifreeze, it is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
Related: What’s The Best RV Dehumidifier?
Protect Yourself and Your Rig 🙂
So, Is RV Antifreeze Biodegradable? great question. To be an RVer, to be a Boondocker, to be a camper is to share space with nature and your fellow travelers. That includes part-time, full-time, and renters, especially those renting an RV for 2 weeks or more.
We answer a few other frequently asked questions in regards to the RV antifreeze we use to protect the plumbing systems of our Rigs.
It’s important to make sure we leave National Parks and greenspaces in good shape. As well as protect your RV plumbing systems from a lot of exposure to, and potential impact from, ambient temperatures.
Be Safe!
