Proper oil disposal promoted
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Updated: July 07, 2009 12:52 PM
Make every drop count – that's the message that was brought to the Peninsula Tuesday by two oil- recycling ambassadors as they made their local stop on a province-wide tour.
The ambassador program, created by the B.C. Used Oil Management Association (BCUOMA), is in its fourth year of raising awareness about the importance of properly disposing oil and oil-related products.
According to ambassador Laura-Leigh McKenzie, the BCUOMA has seen a steady increase in the amount of oil products that are being recycled each year. This includes engine oil, hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid, used oil filters and empty oil containers.
"We definitely get the feeling that people are being more conscious of the environment and want to do more to protect it," McKenzie said. "But there's always room for improvement."
Last year in B.C., the BCUOMA reported recovery rates of 73 per cent for used oil, 98 per cent for oil filters and 73 per cent for oil containers. McKenzie said that the goal for filters and containers is 100 per cent recovery, because not only do the items end up in landfills, there is often a substantial amount of oil left in them when they're thrown away.
"That's a lot of oil ending up in the landfills that could potentially be recycled," she said.
When oil is recycled properly, it is either re-refined into new lubricating oil or turned into fuel for pulp mills and asphalt plants. Used oil filters are crushed and manufactured into reinforcing steel and empty plastic containers are recycled into new containers, drainage tiles and parking curbs.
According to McKenzie, oil and related products that aren't disposed of properly can damage the environment, so the ambassadors are touring the province spreading the message that one drop of oil can pollute one million drops of clean water.
They also want to emphasize the importance of returning oil and oil products when the recycling facilities are open to reduce the chance of accidental oil spills.
"Collection facilities are very willing to take back oil, oil filters and oil containers during regular business hours," McKenzie said, adding that there is no cost for returning these items.
To find an oil collection facility near you, visit www.usedoilrecycling.com or call 604-RECYCLE.
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