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Fast Facts
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What's the harm in dumping used motor oil?
The EPA estimates that the used oil from a single oil change can disrupt operations at water treatment facilities and contaminate a million gallons of fresh water. That's enough water for 50 people for a year! Oil doesn't necessarily need to be poured into the water supply to cause harm. Oil dumped on the ground can permeate the soil and contaminate ground water resources.
Why recycle motor oil?
Recycled used motor oil can be re-processed into clean motor oil, fuel oils and lubricants. In fact, it takes 80% less energy to re-refine used motor oil than it does to process new oil from raw crude. If every do-it-yourself oil changer in the U.S. recycled their used motor oil, it would provide enough clean motor oil for 50 million cars! Recycling motor oil protects the environment, saves money and decreases our need to import oil from overseas.
How do I know if I'm improperly disposing my motor oil?
If you are pouring used motor oil down the drain, into the sewer, on the ground or placing in the trash in a sealed container, you are improperly disposing of your used motor oil.
Properly Disposing of Your Used Motor Oil
If you are one of the many do-it-yourself oil changers, below are some helpful suggestions for properly disposing of your used motor oil:
- Store your used motor oil in a clean plastic container with a lid. Many people use plastic milk jugs with a cap.
- Using a funnel, carefully pour the used motor oil from the drip pan into your storage containers, taking care not to burn yourself if the oil is still hot.
- Avoid containers that used to contain bleach, cleaners or other chemicals and never mix motor oil with any of these substances.
- Do not mix used motor oil with brake or transmission fluid. Recycling centers may not be able to take the used oil if is combined with other fluids.
- Be sure to properly dispose of your used oil filter. Visit www.filtercouncil.org for more info about oil filter disposal.
- Find an oil recycling center near you. Visit www.earth911.com for more info and center locations.
Organize an Oil Collection Event in Your Community
An oil collection is an effective way to gather used motor oil from do-it-yourselfers, especially in small or rural communities where there may not be collection facilities readily available. Here are some basic guidelines for planning your oil collection event:
- Most states have regulations regarding hazardous household material collection, which includes used motor oil. Consult your state regulations for guidelines and governing rules before you plan your event. Your state may track amounts and types of materials collected.
- Indentify and contact all potentially interested groups in your community to help determine the size and scope of your event, to source volunteers, to assist with publicity and public education and to determine regulations and training requirements.
- Consult with local leaders to help determining financing for your event and in the selection of a hazardous waste firm or oil recycler.
- Involve the local media to help publicize and encourage participation in your event.
Please note that this is not a comprehensive set of guidelines for your event, but a starting point for helping you get started. For a more detailed set of guidelines, visit the following:
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