One gallon of oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of drinking water. Environmental scientists 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 own 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:
If you change out your old 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 or oil or water. Please take to the Home Chemical Collection Center at 11234 Plano Road, Dallas, 75243. For more information or hours of operation call (214) 553-1765. Mesquite residents must show proof of residency with driver's licence or utility bill.
Keep your vehicle well maintained, immediately repairing oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid and brake fluid leaks.
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.