Used Motor Oil Recycling

3rd Quarter Collection Report 2004 and Newsletter

Si lo tira, si lo toma. You dump it, you drink it.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has announced a used oil management outreach program with  materials designed for Hispanic owners and managers of automotive service and repair shops and their Hispanic employees, consumers, and do-it-yourselfers (DIY'ers). For more information click here.

Oil & Water Don't Mix
Dumping is Harmful!

Used motor oil dumped down sewers can seriously disrupt operations at wastewater treatment facilities. If it is dumped on the ground or buried in landfills, harmful material can percolate through soil, contaminating ground water resources. Oil slicks, created when used oil is dumped down storm drains or discharged from boats, reduces sunlight penetration, limits photosynthesis, and depletes dissolved oxygen supplies destroying aquatic resources. Not only is dumping harmful and potentially life-threatening to Maryland's wildlife and precious natural resources - it's illegal!

Recycling is Easy!

If you change your own motor oil, you can recycle it at more than 162 publicly operated collection tanks across the state at no cost to you.

• Place oil in a leak proof, reusable container with a tight -fitting cap.
• Additional oil can be recovered by draining used oil filters. (A thoroughly drained filter can be disposed of in the trash or recycled).
• Don't mix recovered product with water, gasoline, antifreeze, solvents or any other substance. REMEMBER - Used oil only!

Preserve Our Resources

Maryland Environmental Service administers the Maryland Used Oil Recycling Act on behalf of the Maryland Department of the Environment. MES is responsible for implementing a program to increase the number of used oil collection facilities, provide public education material and maintain an information center to encourage citizens to recycle used motor oil.

Since 1988, more than 7.3 million gallons of used motor oil have been collected for proper disposal.

Annual Report - click here to read the Maryland Used Motor Oil and Antifreeze Recycling Program 2003 Annual Report.

Antifreeze Recycling

Did you know…

• Used antifreeze is recyclable.
• Ethylene glycol, the active ingredient in antifreeze, is toxic to children and pets.
• Each year countless gallons of improperly discarded antifreeze ends up in our waterways.
• Many sanitary districts in the State of Maryland prohibit used antifreeze to be discharged into sewer systems.

Who should recycle used antifreeze?

Maryland citizens who change the antifreeze in their cars, boats, or trucks.

How should I recycle?

Capture all antifreeze drained from radiators and the engine block and store in a sturdy, leak proof container with a secure lid. NEVER mix antifreeze with any other automotive fluids destined for recycling.

What happens to my used antifreeze?

Antifreeze is picked up regularly from program-sponsored collection facilities by a qualified recycling company. A distillation, filtration process and corrosion inhibitor treatment transforms used antifreeze into a recycled product that meets or exceeds American Standard Testing Methods (ASTM) rating for ethylene glycol base engine coolant.