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(NAPSI)-Many drivers know that changing a car’s motor oil can keep it running well.
But did you know that what’s done with the oil afterwards can be just as important?
Almost half of the oil changes done in the United States are performed by car owners who do it themselves.
While the majority of those people follow proper procedures, if the oil from just one oil change is improperly disposed of and not recycled, it can contaminate 1 million gallons of fresh water-or a year’s supply for 50 people.
The Drive To Recycle
Fortunately, properly disposing of oil can be easy. For instance, you can find area oil recycling centers and easy-to-follow tips at www.castrol.com/recycling.
According to Castrol, the company behind the Web site, a common misconception is that oil recycling centers are difficult to find.
However, there are more than 30,000 convenient recycling centers nationwide, and a majority of automotive shops and quick- lube retailers will take used motor oil if it is in a proper container, such as a sealable, approved oil drip pan or a motor oil bottle.
Castrol offers these tips to help people implement recycling into their car care routine:
1) CLICK: Click on www.castrol.com/recycling to find a convenient recycling center in the area. Or, for information in Spanish and English, call (800) CleanUp (1-800-253-2687).
2) CHECK: Check the mileage on your car. For the best engine performance and protection, change your oil every 3,000 miles. You can also check your vehicle owner’s manual for oil change information.
3) CONTAIN: Use the funnel to prevent spills. Transfer the used oil to a proper recycling container that is leakproof with a screw-top lid, such as a motor oil bottle, or a sealable, approved drip pan. DO NOT use a container that previously held household chemicals such as cleaners, solvents, fuels (gasoline), paint or bleach.
4) CLEAN: Some oil drip pans double as recycling containers if they can be sealed for transport. Be sure to let excess motor oil drain into the recycling container. DO NOT rinse the residual oil down the drain. The drip pan should be stored in a plastic bag for reuse during the next oil change.
5) CARRY: Carry the sealed recycling container to a recycling center in your area.
Steer Clear Of Pollution-Recycling motor oil can help protect drinking water.