EXPERTEC TSB (40-12)

EXPERTEC TSB

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

OIL DUMPING - - INFORMATION CENTERS

Bulletin No.: Oldsmobile 40-12

Date: 08/29/1990

SERVICE INFORMATION

This article provides information on improperly dumping used oil and its effects on the environment. An estimated 350 million gallons of used motor oil is generated annually in the United States by individuals who change their own oil. About 60 percent of the do-it-yourselfers pour the used oil on the ground, bury it in back yards, dump it down storm drains or put it in the trash wherc it ends up in landfill sites.

Approximately 240 million gallons of used oil are dumped into the environment each year. This equals the equivalent in volume of five oil tankers spilling their entire load into the environment each year. According to the American Petroleum Institute (API), used motor oil is considerably more toxic than unused oil. Used motor oil contains harmful contaminants that have caused skin cancer in laboratory animals. Prolonged skin contact should be avoided and oily hands should bre washed using soap and water - not mineral oil, fuels or solvents. Failure to properly dispose of used motor oil contaminates ground and/or surface water, and can be harmful to both human health and the environment.

Many states use oil collection centers in conjunction with recycling programs in an attempt to reduce the amount of oil dumped onto the environment. To locate the closest collection center in your area, ask your oil stipplier, call your local waste management office, or contact your nearest EPA office. For information on recycling oil and establishing a used oil recycling program in your community, contact the American Petroleum Institute at 1220 "L" Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005.