Why pay someone to do something for us that we could easily do ourselves? Changing the oil in our cars is just one way for people to roll up their sleeves and rely on themselves to complete a job. However, you must dispose of the oil properly when you’re finished changing it.
The Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendment of 1984 made it necessary for individuals to find new ways to dispose of their automobile oil It’s not safe to simply put the oil in the garbage or pour it into the garden. Oil contains heavy metals and toxins, as well as the contaminants that can be picked up while running through the car’s system. Should this oil leak into the earth or find its way to a water source, people and animals alike, can be affected.
After you have removed the oil from your car, take great care not to spill any on the ground. It’s a good idea to use a drop cloth or unfolded newspapers under your oil collection pan. Now that the dirty oil is removed from your car, you can prepare to discard it. Modern conventional wisdom suggests that you take it to a service station to be recycled. This is kindest to Mother Nature-motor oil can be used over and over again, when recycled properly.
First, pour the oil into a clean plastic container with a lid which screws on securely, taking measures against accidental spillage. The container you choose needs to be new. Don’t reuse old food containers or any other packaging that might contain residue from that container’s previous use-this makes it harder for the oil to be recycled into a useable substance.
If you aren’t able to go to the service station right away, be sure to label the container clearly, with large lettering. Place the container in an out-of-the-way spot, such as high on a shelf in your garage, to keep curious fingers, and possibly paws, out of it. Then transport the oil to the station as soon as your schedule allows.
Taking proper care of your motor oil isn’t just a good idea-it’s the law, and it helps protect our environment as well. It only takes a few extra minutes of your time, and you can’t buy the kind of peace of mind that comes from doing the right thing.
