Recycling motor oil
ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN Petroleum Institute, more than 600 million
gallons of motor oil are purchased each year. More than half of this amount
(345 million gallons) is purchased by “do-it-yourselfers”—those who change
their car’s motor oil themselves. One step that should never be left out of the
process is the last one—recycling the used oil.
Used motor oil is a valuable energy resource. A large portion of recycled
motor oil is reprocessed into fuel that is burned in furnaces, turbines, power
plants and manufacturing facilities to provide heat and electricity. To put this into
perspective, two gallons of used motor oil can generate enough electricity to:
• Power the average home for one day
• Cook 48 meals in a microwave oven
• Blow-dry a person’s hair at least 216 times
• Vacuum a house for 15 months
• Watch television for 7. 5 days ( 180 hours) straight!
Used motor oil may contain potentially toxic substances, such as lead,
benzene, zinc and magnesium. Used motor oil can work its way to lakes,
streams and waterways, polluting local water bodies and drinking-water
supplies, as well as damaging aquatic environments and wildlife.
If you pour used motor oil on the ground or into a storm drain or throw it
in a trash can (even in a sealed container), that is improper disposal. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than 40 percent of
the nation’s oil pollution comes from the improper disposal of used motor oil
by do-it-yourselfers.
How to recycle used motor oil
1. Pour the drained oil into a leakproof
container with a secure screw-on top.
Use a clean container that has not
held any type of household chemical.
(Some auto supply stores sell dedicated containers for used oil.)
2. Label the container “used motor oil.”
3. Find a collection center. 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 ( www.earth911.org). Just enter
“motor oil” and your ZIP code under “Find a Recycling Center.”
To recycle the oil filter and the bottle the oil came in, check the Filter
Manufacturers Council’s Web site ( www.filtercouncil.org) to search for
your state’s regulations on the proper disposal of oil filters and a list of filter
management companies that service your area. A
TIPS&TRICKS
SPONSORED BY
THREE STEPS TO A
PERFECT WAX JOB
FOLLOW THESE EASY steps to give your
vehicle that perfect shine.
1. Clean the surface. A clean, smooth surface
makes waxing easier and also provides a
longer-lasting shine. Always wash exterior
surfaces with clean, cool water and wash
from the top down, rinsing frequently.
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2. Apply the wax or polish. When applying
wax or polish, it’s important to spread
only a thin, even coat, wait for the
product to bond (about three to five
minutes), then buff to a high-gloss shine.
For increased depth of gloss and shine,
additional layers can be applied following
the same process.
3. Maintain the shine. In between regular
wax applications, dust and other particles
can build up on your car’s surface. A spray
wax will remove light dust from the exterior surfaces and maintain your vehicle’s
mirror-like shine. A
