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Recycle Oil and Other Automotive Wastes Example of toxicant in antifreeze: ethylene glycol.Antifreeze is highly toxic. Pets and animals that drink from contaminated streams, or sweet tasting puddles in gutters or on sidewalks may die. Several minimally toxic and non-toxic brands of anti-freeze have been developed. We highly recommend these products. Examples of toxicants in waste oil and gasoline: petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals like lead and zinc. One quart of oil dispersed in water can pollute a million gallons of water. One cup of oil can kill a thousand baby quahogs. Disposal of Automotive Wastes:
It is estimated that close to 50% of all car owners change their own oil. Unfortunately, a substantial amount of this oil is discarded in landfills, dumped into sewers, or otherwise disposed of improperly. Such disposal not only wastes a dwindling energy resource, but it pollutes the environment, including Buzzards Bay. Why recycle oil? Recycling used oil conserves future oil supplies and reduces our dependence on imported oil. Approximately 42 gallons of crude oil are needed to refine 2 quarts of lubricating oil. Yet it takes only one gallon of recycled oil-and about half as much energy-to produce the same 2 quarts. Furthermore, improperly disposed used oil is a hazardous waste. Oil poured into the ground or into a storm drain will eventually find its way to the nearest stream or river, ultimately contaminating groundwater and Buzzards Bay. It does not take a large quantity of oil to cause serious damage. One quart of oil can contaminate up to two million gallons of drinking water. And the four quarts of oil it takes to fill your car's engine can form an oil slick nearly eight acres in size. Fish can be smothered by oil coating their gills or can be killed indirectly by reduced resistance to infection. Bottom-dwelling organisms such as oysters and clams can be smothered directly by settling of oil suspensions or indirectly by the reduced oxygen levels caused by coating of the water surface. Oil can stunt or kill marsh vegetation or submerged grasses. In addition to initial effects, once the oil begins to dissolve, toxics can be released, exposing marine organisms to potentially carcinogenic matter. By law all sites (service stations, department stores, convenience stores) that sell motor oil must accept used motor oil. Bring back oil in a sealed container, be sure it is not mixed with any other liquid and bring your receipt. Most Buzzards Bay watershed towns hold hazardous waste drop off days. Oil can be brought to these as well. This page was adapted from text written by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. |
