Recycle your used oil containers and products

First published on December 5, 2008

Thanks to Chris for the tip

When I first moved into my new place, I noticed that the previous owner had left some empty motor oil bottles in the parking spot. Not knowing any better, I threw them out. Not so good!

Recycling used oil, oil filters, and oil containers is important. As soon as any oil gets into the environment, it can contaminate any water that’s nearby, as well as the soil. It can harm the ecosystem and the animals that live in the vicinity. One drop of used motor oil can contaminate one million drops of clean water!

A collection and recycling program exists in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec for used oil, filters, and containers. It is funded by an environmental handling charge that customers pay on the oil, filters, and containers when they purchase them. You’re paying for this program, so you might as well take advantage of it.

To dispose of used oil in an environmentally responsible manner, simply take it to your local participating collection facility. To find the collection facility closest to your home, visit usedoilrecycling.com. With over 520 participating locations in BC, there is probably an auto shop that collects discarded oil products closer than you think!

Ontario has the Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste (MHSW) program. Visit the MHSW page for more information.

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This entry is filed under Environment, Vancouver / BC / Canada and written by Peter Keung. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.