USED OIL HANDLING 101
by Valerie Miller, Jebro's Asphalt Supply Manager
Used Oil is exactly that; oil that has been used in one capacity or another in cars, trucks, bikes and even lawnmowers. As we all know, proper maintenance is required to keep these vehicles running smoothly, with changing the oil at the top of the list. Whether you are a “Do-it Yourselfer” or one of the guys at the local car repair shop, proper handling and storage techniques should be remembered when it comes to used oil.
First things first; used oil should never be disposed of by dumping down the drain or on the ground. I don’t want my drinking water contaminated, neither should you. Even in small amounts, used oil can pollute millions upon millions of gallons of drinking water and reek havoc on the environment for years to come.
Next, never mix used oil with other chemicals or fluids. Many used oil vendors will not pick up used oil if it has been mixed with other liquids. Diesel fuel or any gear oils are fine, however gasoline or antifreeze should never be mixed with used oil. The best practice to use is to keep all your automotive fluids/oils in separate well-labeled containers.
Lastly, to ensure proper compliance with State and Federal regulations and to guarantee your used oil will be disposed of properly, drop it off at any local used oil collection site or contact Jebro.
In conclusion, once the car has been parked for the evening or the lawn mower has been put away for the winter, it is still our responsibility to guarantee that we use proper storage and disposal techniques to ensure the environment stays clean for years to come. |