Is it time to change the oil in the car?
“The great thing about oil is that used, dirty oil can be recycled, cleaned, and used repeatedly. This helps conserve our natural resources,” Brad Torres, Nevada County Solid Waste Manager said.
To encourage oil filter recycling, Nevada County is hosting a motor oil filter exchange event May 17 at O’Reilly Auto Parts (the one by JCPenny’s). Residents can bring in a used oil filter and get a $15 voucher toward a new filter. The program is funded by CalRecycle.
“We’re excited about this event. It helps remind folks to recycle those oil filters and that residents can save money,” Julie Miller of Nevada County Solid Waste said. “It’s a win-win.”
A limited supply of oil change kits will also be given away to Nevada County residents. The kits include a funnel, oil pan and jug. The kits are limited to one per household, but customers can bring in up to two used filters.
Commercial customers will not be able to take part in the event.
“The vouchers are for residents of Nevada County, so businesses such as auto repair shops cannot participate,” Miller added.
Why is recycling oil and oil filters so important?
Used oil can contain such contaminants as lead, magnesium, copper, zinc, chromium, arsenic, chlorides, cadmium, and chlorinated compounds, CalRecycle’s website states. Oil poured down drains or into the ground can work its way into ground and surface waters and cause serious pollution. One gallon of used oil can contaminate a million gallons of drinking water.
“Used oil and oil filter recycling is essential for protecting our recreational areas and keeping harmful pollutants out of our local waterways,” Torres said.
According to Nevada County Solid Waste staff, there are a few ways to recycle used oil and oil filters.
Non-contaminated used oil and oil filters can be taken to a CalRecycle Used Oil Certified Collection Center, such as O’Reilly. CalRecycle reports 20 locations in Nevada County that accept used oil, and six that accept oil filters. (For a list of locations that will take used oil and/or oil filters, visit: https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/UsedOil/CertifiedCenters/.)
Additionally, non-contaminated used oil and oil filters can be recycled right at your driveway. Residents who have curbside service with WM (formerly Waste Management), can recycle these items on the same day as their recycling pickup. To do so, call the WM customer service line to request a free container. WM will deliver the container on your regular recycling pickup day. Fill the container with the used oil and place it on top of the recycle cart on recycle pickup day. To recycle used oil filters, place these in a clear plastic Ziploc-type bag, and put on the top of the recycle cart on recycle service day. No pre-scheduling is required for either one.
However, If the oil is suspected to be contaminated with water or other chemicals, some locations may not accept it, but the McCourtney Road Transfer Station Household Hazardous Waste Facility can. The Transfer Station also accepts non-contaminated used oil and oil filters.
“It’s nice to have so many recycling options for all the do-it-yourselfers in Nevada County,” Miller said.
Calendar details for this event.
