Motor Oil
Protecting Tulsa's Water
One gallon of oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of drinking
water. Experts estimate that up to 40 percent of non-point source
pollution in America's waterways is from used motor oil and
antifreeze. Most of that comes from people who maintain their
automobiles at home and dispose of the used materials by dumping
them down the drain or throwing them in the trash. Used motor oil
doesn't dissolve in water, and is very slow to degrade.
Ways you can help out:
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If you change your own oil and antifreeze, always dispose of
them properly. Store them separately in clean plastic containers
with very tight lids. Make sure they don't come into contact with
contaminants, such as window-washing fluids, gasoline, paint or
other types of oil or water. Take them to the nearest M.e.t.
recycling depot for proper disposal.
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Keep your vehicle well maintained, immediately repairing oil,
antifreeze, transmission fluid and brake fluid leaks.
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If a spill occurs, do not rinse the area with water. Instead use
kitty litter, sawdust or wood chips to soak up fluid and put it in
the trash.
