| 1. |
Why should I recycle?
Recycling the motor oil from your car,
truck, motorcycle, boat, RV, or lawnmower
is one way that you can demonstrate your
commitment to protect the environment for
future generations while conserving energy
resources.
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| 2. |
What are the benefits
of recycling?
Recycling keeps used motor oil from rivers,
streams, or lakes. It also keeps oil out
of our ground water supplies which can affect
your drinking water. Recycling oil saves
energy and a valuable resource. Click here
for more information about the benefits
of recycling.
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| 3. |
Where do I drop off
my used motor oil?
Most service stations, repair facilities,
and quick lubes will accept used oil without
charge. Check with your local government
or recycling coordinator for procedures
and collection services in your area. A
good source for local collection center
information is Earth 911, which identifies
collection centers in your area by zip code.
To find out more about Earth 911,
click here.
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| 4. |
What is recycled motor
oil used for?
Used motor oil can be reprocessed into
fuel that can be used in furnaces for heat,
or in power plants to generate electricity
for homes, schools and businesses. It can
also be used in industrial and utility boilers,
blended for marine fuels, and other uses.
Used motor oil can also be re-refined into
lubricating oils that meet the same API
specifications as virgin motor oil.
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| 5. |
Is re-refined oil OK
to use in my car?
Yes. You can achieve the same level of
performance from a re-refined oil product
as you can from virgin oil. Before buying
a re-refined oil product, check to see that
it has the API
Service Symbol "donut" (which identifies
the performance level, viscosity, and energy-conserving
properties) and the API Certification Mark
"Starburst".
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| 6. |
Where can I buy re-refined
oil?
Contact your automotive suppliers or local
retailers and ask if they carry re-refined
oil. For more information, please click
here.
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| 7. |
Is used oil considered
a hazardous waste?
The federal government does not consider
used oil that is destined for recycling
a hazardous waste. There are three states,
however, that have classified used oil as
a hazardous waste (CA, MA, and RI). These
three states require special handling for
used oil. In all other states, used oil
is handled like a typical household hazardous
waste such as paint, stains, varnishes,
pesticides, and many cleaning products.
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| 8. |
What is the best way
to store used motor oil before recycling?
Be sure to store your used motor oil in
a container that will not leak - many people
use milk jugs with a secure cap. Do not
mix other substances like antifreeze or
transmission fluid with the used oil. Store
it away from children and sources of ignition.
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| 9. |
How should I handle
the filter and bottle?
The Filter Manufacturers Council has a
web site that allows you to search for your
state's regulations on the proper disposal
of oil filters and provides a list of filter
management companies that service your area.
Filter Manufacturers Council is located
on the web at http://www.filtercouncil.org/index.html
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| 10. |
What happens if I don't
recycle?
Improperly disposed used oil can end up
in landfills, sewers, back yards, or storm
drains. In all of these cases, soil, groundwater
and even drinking water may be contaminated.
Used oil poured down your sewer line can
damage your community's water treatment
system - contaminating your drinking water
and costing you money. In most areas improper
disposal of used oil is a crime. Click here
to learn about recycling used motor oil.
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| 11. |
How do I change the
oil?
Find
out more about properly changing your
used motor oil.
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| 12. |
Why is it important
to change my engine's oil?
Oil is an essential part of your engine's
life. It keeps your car running efficiently
though all types of weather extremes. But
oil does get dirty. When that happens, it
can clog engine parts. To help maintain
the life of your car, follow the recommendations
in your owners manual.
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