GOT USED OIL?

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Got Used Oil?
by JANE BOGNER
SUNDAY, May 15, 2005

The City of Vallejo and VALCORE Recycling kicked off their "Got Used Oil" campaign on June 7 at Auto Zone in Vallejo.

Volunteers from VALCORE's member group, MIT Color Guard, took surveys and handed out information. The first 20 people surveyed received a free Oil Recycling Kit to make changing oil easier. Included in the kit were curbside used oil jugs, an oil filter bag, rubber gloves, shop towel, bag of absorbent, funnel, oil spout and recycling information.

So what's the big deal? Doesn't everyone know about recycling used motor oil? Apparently not. Over 33 million gallons of oil are sold to 'Do it yourself'' oil changers in California each year and a measly 8 million gallons are recycled. Experts say that approximately 11 million gallons are lost during driving (leaks and burned). That leaves14 million gallons unaccounted for.

Oil never wears out, it just gets dirty and can be cleaned and used again. Recycling used motor oil conserves natural resources and is good for the environment too! Motor oil poured onto the ground, into storm drains, or tossed into trash cans (even in a sealed container) can contaminate and pollute the soil, groundwater, streams, and rivers. One quart of oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water.

The "Got Used Oil" campaign helps you reduce the risks of oil spills when you change your oil thus reducing fire and health hazards for you and your neighbors.

There are 3 ways to recycle your Used Oil and filters in Vallejo:

Curbside

Vallejo Garbage Service started curbside motor oil recycling in 1994 adding oil filters in 2002. It's easy to get started, just call 467-8248 to order a free oil jug and filter bag. These containers will be placed by your garbage can on your next garbage collection day.

Fill the jug with used motor oil and wipe off any excess. Do not add any other liquid to this jug.

Drain the filter completely. To release excess oil, place it in a secure pan and punch a hole in the top of the filter. Place the empty filter in the curbside bag and hang it on the oil jug.

Place the jug and filter next to your garbage can on your next collection day. The driver will pick it up and leave you new containers.

Drop Off

Vallejo has 9 State Certified Used Oil Collection Centers. All centers will accept and pay you 16¢ for each gallon of used motor oil. Follow the same routine as above except you need to provide your own container. Use only screw top containers. Do not use antifreeze, gas, or glass containers. Bring in your oil/filter during regular business hours. They can only accept 5 gallons of oil at a time.

If you put any other fluid in with your used oil, it becomes hazardous waste and must be taken to our Household Hazardous Waste Facility next to the transfer station which is north of American Canyon.

Full Service Used Oil Collection Center

The easiest way to change your oil is to take it to your favorite mechanic or a full service Used Oil Collection Center. They will change and recycle your oil and filter and properly dispose of any other materials needed to handle the service.

Vallejo's State Certified Used Oil Collection Centers

AutoZone, 730 Admiral Callaghan Lane, (707) 557-4453, Oil only
Jiffy Lube, 4300 Sonoma Blvd, (707) 644-2710, Oil, Filters, Service
Kragen Auto Parts, 3580 Sonoma Blvd, (707) 644-0489, Oil only
Kragen Auto Parts, 1844 Springs Rd, (707) 643-1096, Oil only
Oil Changers, 794 Admiral Callaghan Lane, (707) 645-9688, Oil, Filters, Service
Pep Boys, 128 Plaza Dr. (707) 648-1032, Oil, Filters, Service
Quality Tune-up, 3291 Sonoma Blvd, (707) 644-6103, Oil, Filters, Service
SpeeDee, 1675 Tuolumne, (707) 642-9242, Oil, Filters, Service
Vallejo Garbage Service, 2021 Broadway, (707) 552-3110, Curbside, Drop off, Oil, Filters

"Got Used Oil" events will be held between 10 am and 2 pm at the following locations: May 14 at Kragen (Sonoma Blvd), May 21 at Kragen (Spring Road), May 28 at Pep Boys, and June 4 at Vallejo Garbage.

Recycling used oil is the"right thing to do!" and reinforces your commitment about maintaining a clean environment for future generations.

Our thanks to Gene Hubert from Positive Deliberations (707-246-0121, (genehubert@positivedeliberations.com). Gene provides business consulting services specializing in improving profitability and affordable marketing for small businesses. He worked with VALCORE and designed this comprehensive "Got Used Oil" campaign which is funded by a grant from the California Integrated Waste Management Board.

For more recycling information go to our website or www.recycle-guide.com.

VALCORE Recycling Vice President Jane Bogner's "A Sorted Affair" is published every other week in the Times-Herald, Community Outlook Section. For recycling information call Genie Kaggerud, VALCORE Recycling manager at 645-8258 or visit www.VALCORErecycling.org.