Oil recycling is an easy and conscientious way to get rid of your used motor oil and simultaneously help the environment. Two gallons of oil can pollute 2,000,000 gallons of water. The same two gallons of oil, when recycled, can create almost enough electricity to provide 24 hours of power for an average American household. Specific benefits include: 1. Used oil is often processed through the extraction of contaminants like lead and the boiling off of any water. The oil is then fit for running industrial machinery. 2. It is employed as a fuel for power and heating in various capacities. 3. By recycling, you cut down on the amount going into the ground, which makes your water and soil safer for the future.
Do-it-yourselfers only have to dispose of their own used oil properly; owners of small car-service stations have a lot more oil to dispose of. Either way, it's easy to make use of oil recycling technology and help keep the environment healthy. Three simple steps to help yourself and the planet:
1. Put waste oil in a container instead of dumping it in the ground.
2. Find an oil recycling company.
3. Transport the oil to a business with the proper oil recycling equipment.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Save the used oil in a safe waste-oil recycling container
Standard oil recycling equipment includes a funnel and a sealable plastic container with no leaks. Business owners who service many cars obviously have a lot more used oil to take care of. The important thing to remember is that your container or containers must be strong enough to hold the amount of oil you plan to store and recycle as well as safely transport when you're ready to dispose of it. Consider a screw-top container; once you've filled it, seal it firmly and store it in a safe area if you can't recycle it right away.
I recommend: There are many types of containers acceptable for storing oil. Whether you're a
business owner or simply someone who changes the oil
in your own vehicle, choose the option that best fits your needs.
Locate a local oil recycling business
It's easy to find a business that accepts used motor oil. Most car service centers are certified oil recycling businesses, because many of them specialize in oil changing services. They are equipped with the correct oil recycling technology to handle the waste oil and dispose of it in a proper fashion. These include companies such as service stations like Jiffy Lube and automobile parts stores like AutoZone. If you're a business owner with larger amounts of oil, however, you'll need another option. Depending on your area, there are usually larger processing plants available to you.
I recommend: Find the nearest oil recycling companies by using a recycling locator. The
Earth911 site and
Jiffy Lube's site let you search by zip code.
Transport and drop off your used oil and contribute to a cleaner environment
It's a good idea to deliver your oil to a recycling center sooner rather than later. Make sure that the openings in your container are securely sealed, then take your oil to the nearest center and let professionals with the appropriate oil recycling equipment dispose of it properly. However, if you can't recycle oil right away, simply store it safely until you can get to a recycling center.
I recommend: Storage recommendations include labeling your containers and keeping them away from heat. Business owners must be especially aware of the
rules and regulations concerning used oil storage.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- An important part of the oil recycling process is the disposal of the used oil filter. Take the filter to the recycling center along with your discarded oil. That way, all of your used equipment is recycled properly.
- Limit the amount of oil you take to your local company; many oil recycling companies have limits on the volume of oil allowed per person. Call before you transport your oil.
The official source of Oil Recycling is the Oil Recycling page at Business.com
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