Recycling Used Motor Oil Is Required By Law
The South Carolina Solid Waste Policy and Management Act of 1991 (Act) banned the disposal of motor oil in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills after May 27, 1992. The Act prohibits the disposal of oil into sewers, drainage systems, septic tanks, surface water or groundwater and on the ground.
If you have your oil changed for you (at a car dealership, garage or quick lube), your used motor oil is recycled by that business. If you change your own oil, you must recycle the used motor oil.
Fines for improper disposal of used oil can be upwards of $10,000 per day!
If you change the oil in your vehicle, you can safely dispose of your used motor oil, used oil filters and used oil bottles at any one of eleven Lexington County Collection and Recycling Centers.
Why Recycle Oil?
Recycling used motor oil protects human health and the environment.
Recycling used motor oil keeps it: from contaminating soil; out of rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater; and away from the beach, aquatic life and wildlife. For information about Lexington’s waterways, visit the Lexington Stormwater Consortium website
Facts
One gallon of used motor oil may contaminate 1 million gallons of fresh water – enough to supply 50 people with drinking water for one year.
Two gallons of used motor oil can generate 36-kilowatt hours of electricity. That’s enough energy to run an average household for a day, cook 36 meals in a microwave, blow dry your hair
216 times, vacuum your house for 15 months or run your TV for 180 hours.
Links
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control – Used Oil Recycling
Lexington County Stormwater Consortium
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