United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
x>EPA
Solid Waste and
Emergency Response
(OS-305 )
EPA530-SW-89-039A
May 1989
How To Setup
A Local Program
To Recycle Used Oil
Recyetedftocyclabl*
Printed with Soy/CanoU Ink on paparihat
contains at least 60% post-consumer recycled Btw
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How To Set Up
A Local Program
To Recycle
Used Oil
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Solid Waste and Emergency Response
401 M Street, SW (OS-305)
Washington, DC 20460
(202) 475-9327
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Recycling Recycled...
EPA's effort to address our country's waste problems has concentrated for many
years on improving how industrial wastes are treated, stored, and disposed of.
We have made great strides: industry is handling its wastes far more responsi-
bly, and land disposal is now being replaced by safer and more environmentally
protective practices such as incineration and sophisticated new chemical and
biological treatments.
But these advances are only half the answer. Looking toward the future, it is
clear that the more waste we generate, the more waste we have to manage.
That's why EPA is putting renewed emphasis on recycling and waste reduction
as the truly long-term solutions to hazardous and solid waste management.
Recycling itself, in effect, is being recycled — back to the top of the priority list.
As this manual shows, effective recycling demands grass-roots commitment and
cooperation. Environmental quality is everybody's business, and we hope that
readers and users of this used oil recycling manual will make it theirs, too. Be
a part of the solution, not a part of the problem!
Good luck in setting up your program — you are performing an important
national service.
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Contents
Local Action Is the Key 1
What Communities Can Do
History of the Used Oil Problem
The Situation Today
Basic Elements of a Recycling Program
Key Issues before You Commit to Action
Organization of the Effort: Cooperation Is the Key 7
Roles and Relationships of Participants
Government
Civic Groups
Local Industry or Business Groups
Finding a Sponsor
Broader Community Support
Designing and Implementing the Program 11
Background Research
Building a Network of Support and Information
Assembling the Facts
Setting Program Goals
Deciding on Collection Methods
Curbside Collection
Central Collection
Finding a Hauler/Recycler
Ideas for Promoting a Used Oil Program 19
Program Kickoff
Used Oil Recycling Hotline
Newspapers, Television, and Radio
Posters, Handouts, and Brochures
Mailings and Mailing Inserts
Schools
Incentive Programs
Administrative Issues 25
Maintaining Your Program
Tracking Program Accomplishments
Legal Requirements
References 27
Appendices 29
A : Used Oil Contacts/List of U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Regional Offices
B: Sample Brochures and Sample Collection Center Poster
C: Sample Letter to Prospective Collection Centers,
Sample Letter to Encourage Participation, and Sample
Press Release
D: Sample Oil Collection Tank Design
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Local Action Is the Key
Mismanagement of used motor oil is a serious, but little-recognized, environ-
mental problem. Every year, privately owned automobiles and light trucks
generate over 300 million gallons of used crankcase oils. The majority of this oil
about 200 million gallons per year — is generated by individual consumers
("do-it-yourselfers," or DIYs) who change their own oil.
All automotive oils can be recycled safely and productively, saving energy and
avoiding environmental pollution. Unfortunately, most DIY used oil is handled
improperly. Some is emptied into sewers, disrupting treatment plants or going
directly into waterways. Some is dumped directly onto the ground to kill
weeds or is used to suppress dust on dirt roads. Millions of gallons are thrown
into the trash, often ending up in landfills, from which the oil can contaminate
ground and surface water. Only 10 percent is properly collected and sent off for
recycling.
This mismanagement causes needless damage to streams, ground water, lakes,
and the oceans and wastes a valuable nonrenewable resource, causing us to be
more dependent on foreign imports of oil. For instance:
• The Coast Guard estimates that sewage treatment plants dis-
charge twice as much oil into coastal waters as do tanker acci-
dents — 15 million gallons per year versus 7.5 million gallons
from accidents. A major source of this pollution is dumping of
oil by do-it-yourselfers into storm drains and sewers.
• More than 40 percent of the water quality trouble calls received
in the Seattle area are related to used oil and other wastes
dumped down storm drains, usually by do-it-yourselfers, con-
taminating water bodies.
Environmental damage can be caused
by used oil mismanagement.
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To solve the used oil problem, we must stop careless, destructive practices and
make sure that oil is, in fact, recycled. Dealing with the millions of sources
involved demands a bottom-up, rather than a top-down, approach. Improving
used oil management is one area where local governments, often working with
private sponsors and civic organizations, are in an ideal position to help solve a
major environmental problem.
What This manual is written to help local officials or civic groups set up programs
CornrnunitJGS encouraging do-it-yourselfers to recycle their motor oil and to make sure that
Can Do each community's used oil is handled safely and responsibly, conserving a valu-
able resource and preventing environmental damage. Drawing on the experi-
ence of many states and municipalities across the country, it covers a variety of
issues: step-by-step design of an appropriate program, costs and logistics of im-
plementation, publicity, and the organization of public and private groups. It
also contains useful references and materials, including facts and figures on the
problem itself, lists of state programs that can provide support, and sample
publicity materials.
History Of Ul6 During the 1960s, automotive engine oil market distribution patterns changed
USGd Oil
radically. Service station sales gave way to sales in retail stores. Major oil com-
panies began selling large volumes of automotive oils through retail outlets
because sales volumes permitted widespread discounts. Many stores began
using oil as a "loss leader," losing money on the oil but making it up with sales
of other items to consumers who came to buy oil.
In 1961, service stations accounted for about 70 percent of all sales of lubricating
oil for passenger cars. Ten years later, at the onset of the energy crisis, this share
dropped to about 50 percent, while mass marketers such as convenience stores
and supermarkets expanded their sales share from 7 percent to 28 percent — a
fourfold increase. Today, mass marketers outsell service stations 8 to 1.
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
Service Stations ^- Retail Outlets
Between 1960 and 1980, retail stores
took over the automotive sales
market. They now outsell service
stations 8 to 1,
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Facts About Used Oil
The damage used oil causes
comes from mismanagement.
Re-refining used oil takes
only about one-third the
energy of refining crude oil to
lubricant quality.
If all used oil improperly dis-
posed of by do-it-yourselfers
were recycled, it could
produce enough energy to
power 360,000 homes each
year or could provide
96 million quarts of high-
quality motor oil.
One gallon of used oil used
as fuel contains about
140,000 Btu of energy.
A gallon of used oil from a
single oil change can ruin a
million gallons of fresh
water — a year's supply for
50 people.
Concentrations of 50 to 100
parts per million (ppm) of used
oil can foul sewage treatment
processes.
Films of oil on the surface of
water prevent the replenish-
ment of dissolved oxygen,
impair photosynthetic proc-
esses, and block sunlight.
Oil dumped onto land reduces
soil productivity.
Toxic effects of used oil on
freshwater and marine organ-
isms vary, but significant long-
term effects have been found at
concentrations of 310 ppm in
several freshwater fish species
and as low as 1 ppm in marine
life forms.
Publicity about used oil recy-
cling can triple do-it-
yourselfer participation!
High energy prices contributed to the shift
toward do-it-yourself oil changing and, for
a time, also encouraged a strong recycling
industry since used oil and crude prices
rise and fall in parallel. In 1983, for in-
stance, when crude oil cost about $29 per
barrel, service stations and other collectors
were paid up to .40 per gallon for used
automotive oil. Retail lubricating oil out-
lets, such as Sears, accepted used oil
throughout the country while the Muscular
Dystrophy Association set up well-publi-
cized community programs, using oil col-
lection proceeds to support their organiza-
tion.
Today, with crude oil prices less than half
the 1983 levels, used oil recycling has
changed. Most service stations have to pay
a small amount per gallon to have used oil
taken away and others that once accepted
used oil from do-it-yourselfers either no
longer do so or now charge a fee. Recy-
cling centers, established only as pickup
points for used oil collectors, also no longer
receive fees and often no longer cover all
their own costs. This fundamental change
in the economics of recycling has greatly
reduced voluntary efforts.
ThG Situation With the broad national decline in recycling programs of all kinds, undesirable
Today DIY practices are increasing. Even as early as 1981, studies estimated that at
least 60 percent of DIY oil was either dumped (emptied into sewers or spread
on roads, driveways, and yards) or simply thrown into the trash. Only
14 percent of used oil was taken to service stations or other collection points for
proper recycling. Today, although comparable figures are not available, indica-
tions are that recycling rates are even lower.
Fortunately, interest in the used oil issue is on the upswing. By 1988, over half
the states either had a used oil recycling program or were planning to start one.
Existing programs are successful. Michigan, which started its program as a pi-
lot in 1979, expanded it in 1982 to include the entire state using funding from
both state and private sources. With recycling centers in 62 of its 83 counties,
Michigan estimates that its program recycles an extra 1 million gallons of DIY
used oil per year. Since the State of Washington began a public education cam-
paign in 1987, DIY recycling increased 21 percent over 1986. Virginia has one of
the most active DIY used oil recycling programs on the East Coast, providing
527 collection centers, mostly at service stations. In 1987, it reported 327,000 gal-
lons of DIY oil collected — about 620 gallons per station.
Appendix A provides a list of contacts through which communities and local
sponsors can obtain information and assistance in setting up their own pro-
grams.
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Basic ElGIDGntS Of In many cases, local recycling programs are cooperative efforts between local
a RGCycling governments (towns, cities, and counties) and one or more private or semipri-
vate sponsors, such as environmental or civic groups, or service organizations.
Local governments often assist in collecting used oil through collection centers
or curbside pickup. Sponsors often help governments design and organize their
programs, run the publicity campaigns and outreach, and enlist the help of re-
sourceful and committed volunteers.
Other arrangements can be equally successful such as those run entirely by
local governments or by private sponsors. Private companies can also help —
used oil haulers and recyclers may act as business sponsors; car dealerships or
local oil retailers also reap benefits from the publicity and customer goodwill
these programs generate.
If you are thinking of setting up a program, consider the following basic point-
ers:
1. Learn the facts about used oil in your state: Call your state DIY used oil
recycling coordinator (see Appendix A) for information on the status of
DIY used oil recycling in your state.
2. Bring the most effective participants together: If your local government is
thinking of sponsoring a program, seek out community sponsorship. If
your community group is willing to sponsor a program, you may want
to identify the most appropriate local government agency with which
you can work and secure the maximum support from local business.
3. Design and implement the program as a group: Work together with the
other participants to decide how the program will run — the type of
pickup it will use, who will collect and recycle the used oil, how the
program may link with other local recycling efforts, how it will be pub-
licized, and so on. General issues may include enlisting additional vol-
unteers, soliciting funds, finding haulers and recyclers and assessing
their performance, running collection operations, and tracking progress
and accomplishments.
21% Miscellaneous (42 million gallons/year)
(used on machinery, stored, used as a
pesticide, used to treat wood, etc.)
4% Burned
(8 million gallons/
year)
14% Taken to service
stations or recycled
(28 million gallons/
year)
40% Disposal
(80 million gallons/year)
( (poured on roads, driveways,
yards, or into sewers)
Put in trash or garbage to
be collected
(42 million gallons/year)
(NOTE: Some miscellaneous
uses can also constitute
mismanagement.)
Estimate of disposition of DIY used
oil in 1981
[Source: Analysis of Potential Used Oil
Recovery from Individuals,
Market Facts Inc., March 1981]
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K0y Issues Recycling used oil can be a rewarding experience. It is an ideal way for
BGfOfG You interested groups to get constructively involved in environmental action because
Commit tO it deals with an important environmental problem that is best addressed at the
Action local level.
A successful program demands commitment, energy, and sustained involve-
ment. Before you begin, make sure that you are prepared to deal with the
following fundamental needs:
• Ensuring adequate resources: Used oil recycling programs are not expen-
sive to run and can rely heavily on volunteer labor and in-kind contri-
butions. They do need money, however, for purposes like equipping
pickup or collection operations and designing, printing, and mailing
publicity materials. States may offer financial assistance, but each local
program will probably have to raise money on its own as well.
• Properly managing used oil risks: Programs must prevent other materials
from being mixed with used oil. Mixing can be environmentally dam-
aging and also may prevent haulers or recyclers from accepting your
used oil.
The key point do-it-yourselfers must understand is never to mix used oil
with gasoline, solvents, pesticides, or other household chemicals before
recycling. Small businesses and consumers also must never use collec-
tion centers as dump sites for solvents or other hazardous materials.
• Paying.adequate attention to haulers' and recyclers' performance: The most
obvious and dramatic environmental damage caused by used oil in
recent years has been traced to unsafe hauling and recycling operations.
One of the most important contributions to environmental quality local
programs can make is to conduct a "safety assessment" of the perform-
ance of current and prospective haulers and recyclers in their areas.
This manual should help you address these issues effectively. Rely on it for
basic information and ideas, but be creative, too!
Public Perceptions of the Harmfulness
of Various Used Oil Practices
Use as fuel for oil furnace
Use as weed killer
Applying to roads
Burying in the ground
Placing in closed container
in the trash
Pouring down the sewer
Pouring on the ground
66%
75%
95%
89%
Most consumers recognize the dam-
age that can be done by used oil, yet
only 14 percent ofDIY used oil has
been recycled in recent years.
[Source: Analysis of Potential Used Oil
Recovery from Individuals, Market Facts Inc.,
March 1981 1
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Organization of the Effort:
Cooperation Is the Key
Local recycling programs can be operated by various groups working independ-
ently or together. Participants might include a local civic association, such as an
environmental group or a service organization, an agency of the local govern-
ment, such as the department of public works or the sanitation department, or
a local business or trade group. Support from other civic groups, business
people, and other local leaders is also helpful.
Whoever is involved, programs usually have a primary sponsor in either the
government or the private sector. The sponsor's activities can vary widely,
depending on available resources and expertise. Some civic group sponsors can
be directly involved in actually collecting oil, but collection may often be left to
a private business or to a local government department.
Key sponsor activities include:
• Research: The sponsor should research local DIY used oil recycling
problems, potential new collection sites, the state DIY recyling program
(if one exists), haulers and recyclers, and sources of financial and in-kind
support.
• Program Design: The sponsor should help design the program itself,
choosing likely central collection points, enlisting the cooperation of
service stations or retailers, working out the logistics of curbside collec-
tion, designing publicity, and coordinating the used oil program with
other local recycling efforts or household hazardous waste collection
programs.
• Publicity/Education: This is often the most essential activity of sponsors.
Sponsors should create news coverage in local media, line up speakers
and speaking engagements, design and distribute signs and bumper
stickers, and run a variety of media events or other promotional activi-
ties to publicize the program.
This chapter discusses the roles and relationships of potential participants.
Pointers on how to actually carry out the program are contained in the next
chapter.
Roles and Government
" Depending on the local government's available resources, it can take a major or
01 ramClpaniS a mjnor roje jn ^ pr0gram. Local governments can conduct used oil recycling
programs entirely on their own, but may find programs are more successful, and
more affordable, if local groups carry much of the responsibility, including
taking the lead as the primary sponsor. A common role of local government is
to coordinate collection, leaving civic groups, private business, or other partici-
pants to handle research, program setup, and promotion. Governments can also
play a leadership role by procuring products made with recycled used oil.
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Civic Groups
Civic groups can provide essential resources — people and time. They add
credibility to the local program by lending their names to publicity and helping
gain access to the local media and influential local leaders. They also can
provide essential resources to the program itself — volunteers, a central phone
for citizens to call for information about the program, and, perhaps, a central
office. They can also raise funds or solicit in-kind services for brochures, tele-
phones, printing, advertising, and office expenses.
Many effective local civic groups are linked to national organizations, especially
organizations that have already supported used oil programs at the local level
(such as the League of Women Voters). Some criteria for effectiveness include:
• Size: Larger organizations have more depth (more volunteers, more
funding) and, in most cases, more credibility with the community.
• Stability: The older the organization, the more likely that it will remain
available to continue the used oil program.
• Management ability: A used oil program needs good management. The
sponsor should have a track record of handling similar complex projects.
• Compatible aims: The sponsor's own goals should be reasonably compat-
ible with those of the recycling program. Environmental organizations
are likely candidates, but used oil can be a high-priority issue for other
groups, too. In agricultural areas, for instance, 4-H or the Future Farm-
ers of America may have an interest in
helping farmers to recycle oil and not to
misuse it as a pesticide on animals or for
dust suppression.
Potential Sponsoring Organizations
The following are examples of groups that could sponsor a used oil
recycling program
Civic Organizations
Educational Groups
Environmental Groups
Service Groups
Youth Groups
League of Women Voters, Jaycees,
Volunteer Fire departments, garden
clubs
Cooperative Extension Service, PTA
Audubon Society, Sierra Club, Izaak
Walton League
American Legion, Elks Club, Lions
Club, Loyal Order of the Moose, Kiwa-
nis Club, Rotary Club, Veterans of
Foreign Wars
4-H Club, Future Farmers of America,
Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls
Local Government Groups Environmental Protection Office,
Mayor's Office, Public works Depart-
ment, Sanitation Department, Water
and Sewer Department
Local Industry or Business Groups
Local businesses can provide and manage
DIY collection centers, contribute money
and resources to promote the program,
conduct their own promotions, provide
speakers for public and private meetings,
and help organize other groups.
In soliciting participation from businesses,
look first to those with a special interest in
oil sales or recycling — haulers, recyclers,
or sales centers (convenience stores, dis-
count centers, automotive parts outlets).
Local business associations, such as those
serving oil distributors or car dealerships,
can be invaluable in promoting the pro-
gram overall and in coordinating partici-
pation among their memberships.
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Sources of Outside Endorsement
Business leaders
Chairperson of local Chamber
of Commerce
City/county commissioner
City Council Director
civic group leaders
Director of state energy office
Director of state used oil
program
Environmental leaders
Fire Chief
Mayor
Finding a Every community will probably have many potential candidate organizations
Sponsor that can sponsor or participate in a used oil recycling program (see list on this
page). Whether you are an individual, belong to a service organization, or work
for a government agency, the first step to take before contacting other possible
participants is to gather basic information and sketch out the program's tentative
goals and objectives. You can then approach others with a reasonably specific
proposal.
Contact your state used oil recycling repre-
sentative for general information on what
is going on in your area (see Appendix A).
You can also draw on the materials in this
manual. Assemble any pertinent local facts
and figures, such as whether local service
stations currently accept used oil, whether
recycling programs existed in the past or
exist (for other materials) now, what types
of environmental problems are prominent,
and so forth. Discuss the issues with local
service stations, other possible collection
points, and used oil recyclers or haulers
listed in the Yellow Pages to get a feel for
how much DIY used oil recycling is al-
ready going on.
Governor
Director of state motor vehicle
administration
Newspaper editor
School board members
Legislators (state and federal)
American Petroleum Institute
local chapter president
Radio or TV personalities
Director of state natural re-
sources or environmental
protection department
With this information in hand, write or
phone leaders of the most promising groups
(civic groups, government agencies, or local
businesses) to discuss the need for a pro-
gram to collect DIY used oil, to present an
outline of options for implementing the
program, to discuss in general how the
program might be carried out, and to ex-
plore the roles of possible participants.
If more than one group is interested in
used oil recycling, the program might do
well as a joint venture. If program func-
tions are well coordinated, several organi-
zations will provide more skills to draw
upon, more volunteers to share the work-
load, and more influence to promote the
effort.
Broader Any program can be helped greatly if respected individuals or groups in the
Community community support the program on television, in radio spot announcements, or
Support as speakers at local clubs or educational institutions (see list of likely candidates
on this page). This will add credibility and gain attention for your program. A
program sponsor should develop a list of such supporters, personally contact
them, and make sure that their endorsements and contributions are properly ac-
knowledged. The good will developed and maintained by these community
leaders will greatly enhance your efforts.
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Designing and Implementing the
Program
The details of every program will be different, but a few common elements stand
out — researching local used oil practices, coordinating the efforts of all partici-
pants, identifying the program's service area, designing its logistics, publicizing
its existence, and generally educating the public about the need to recycle.
Background Before actually designing your program, and even before setting out its formal
Research goals and objectives, research all pertinent local facts about DIY used oil
recycling and all possible local and state sources of technical and financial
support.
Building a Network of Support and Information
The first step is to find out what DIY used oil recycling programs already exist
in your state or community. Your state's DIY used oil contact will be helpful.
The state may be a source of information, materials, and financial support. It
may also be able to provide in-kind services or put you in touch with successful
programs elsewhere in the country.
Check the appropriate Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (see Appendix A), as well as your state's environmental, natural re-
sources, and energy departments.
Local officials can work together with the
management of a service station to establish
a collection center.
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Assembling the Facts
The next step is to gather all pertinent factual information on the used oil
recycling situation in the area in which you plan to build a program. Your
program's civic or business sponsors are usually the appropriate groups to
conduct this research. Use your network of contacts at the state and local level,
as well as any other identified groups offering technical support.
Questions to research before designing a program include the following:
Have used oil recycling programs been attempted before? If so, what
was their experience?
Contact groups that might have prior experience in sponsoring used oil recy-
cling programs, including groups like the local chapter of the Izaak Walton
League.
Are there any particular local environmental problems needing special
attention in your area?
Examples might include dumping oil into sewers, which causes disruption of
treatment plants or pollutes waterways, or changing oil on public lands. Contact
the city government or environmental groups for this kind of information.
Where do do-it-yourselfers buy their oil, and about how much is sold?
Check convenience stores, auto discount stores, department stores, supermar-
kets, and other possible outlets; they will be among the best places to advertise
the program.
What used oil haulers and recyclers are currently active in the area, and
have they performed adequately?
Get names from service stations, the Yellow Pages, and state and local used oil
programs. Be in touch with your state environmental protection agency and
other used oil programs for information about the performance of these haulers
and recyclers.
Do any publicly accessible collection points now exist?
Check service stations, fire stations, landfills, car dealerships, taxi and rental car
fleet garages, auto discount stores, and local governments.
Where should convenient additional points for collecting used oil be
located?
Consider high-traffic areas in the city center or popular shopping areas.
12
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Does the community support any other recycling efforts with which a
used oil program could be linked?
Examples include drop-off stations, buy-back centers, and curbside collection of
newspaper, aluminum, plastics, and glass.
Does the community have a program to collect household hazardous
wastes (solvents, paints, pesticides, etc.)?
Check with the local public works or environmental department. It may be
possible to include DIY used oil recycling in their collection program.
What local, state, and federal standards will apply to the program?
These could include standards for health, zoning, spill control, and fire preven-
tion; containment specifications; and waste management requirements. Check
with your local government and with your state used oil coordinator.
What kind of interest might the local media generate?
Contact newspapers and radio and TV stations.
What kind of finding or technical support can you tap into?
Consult your state program or neighboring local programs first. Your own or-
ganization, local businesses, and local government are other good sources.
Setting To guide the actual design of the program, it is important to lay out its goals and
Program Goals objectives as clearly as possible.
If specific local environmental problems need attention, focus on solving them
first. Problems might include the dumping of oil into sewers, do-it-yourselfers
changing oil in parks or other public areas, poor performance of local used oil
haulers or recyclers, or lack of segregation of household hazardous wastes (such
as pesticides, antifreeze, paint thinners, household cleaners, and contaminated
rags) from used oil prior to recycling.
Likely Collection Station Locations
Auto supply stores
Automobile service stations
Convenience stores
Discount stores
Car dealerships
Retail outlets that provide
oil changing service
Recycling drop-off centers
Fire stations
State auto inspection stations
Municipal garages
Government and private garages
Landfills open to the public
(especially in rural areas)
Marinas
Other goals could include linking the used
oil program with other local recycling pro-
grams for paper, glass, or aluminum.
Where established household hazardous
waste programs exist, these too might well
be integrated with the used oil effort.
Plan now how you will evaluate program
progress. Not only will a formal tracking
system help in managing the program
and allocating dollars and volunteer ef-
forts where they are most needed, but any
facts you gather will be highly useful to
state and federal programs interested in
promoting used oil recycling.
13
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Deciding on The collection system is the cornerstone of the entire program. The more
Collection convenient and accessible the collection, the more used oil will be returned for
Methods recycling. Of the several methods available, choose the one best suited for your
local area and your available resources.
The two basic collection programs are (1) at curbside, either as a regular part of
trash and garbage collection, or as part of pickups for other recyclable materials
(such as glass, plastics, aluminum, and paper), and (2) at central collection
stations. Curbside collection is the more convenient, and therefore the more ef-
fective method.
Curbside Collection
Used oil can be collected at the curb with regular trash pickup or with other
recyclables. The used oil program must work with the collectors so that they can
integrate used oil into their operations. Trash collection trucks or trucks de-
signed for collection of recyclables can be retrofitted with a used oil collection
tank or a rack on which to store containers of used oil. The used oil will need
to be transferred from the truck to a holding tank until it is picked up by a
reputable hauler.
This approach is being successfully used in several areas of the country. Curbside
collection must be continually announced and promoted.
Willingness of Consumers to Recycle Used Oil Given
Various Incentives
If they had a special container to
hold oil
If a collection center existed
where oil was purchased
If oil were picked up at their
homes
If service stations nearby would
take used oil
If they could take it to where they
shop for pickup
If they could take it to a
convenient place
25%
•Mlways
50% 75% 100%
Sib m e t i m e s
A large majority of the public says it
would be willing to recycle oil properly
if it were convenient.
[Source: Analysis of Potential Used Oil
Recovery from individuals. Market Facts
Inc., March 1981 ]
14
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Periodic special curbside collections of used oil ("milk runs") are an economi-
cal alternative to routine curbside collection. In a 1981 Market Facts survey,
70 percent of all respondents said they would always save their used oil if it
were picked up at home (see chart on page 17).
Periodic collection requires lots of publicity and the same type of coordination
with sanitation departments or trash/recyclables collectors as routine collection,
unless the program can arrange alternative trucks and personnel to make the
pickups. Oil collected at the curb is generally transfered to a centrally located
tank until pickup.
The best time for special curbside collection of DIY used oil is during the peak
oil-changing season, late spring and early fall. A program combining special
collections during the oil-changing season with central collection points might
be as convenient for do-it-yourselfers as regular curbside collection. Your pro-
gram might start with an experimental curbside collection in one selected neigh-
borhood, perhaps involving a neighborhood volunteer group. The Boy Scouts,
for example, might run a one-time campaign as a special community project.
This type of initial trial could provide a measure of the potential volume of DIY-
generated used oil. At the same time, the program might conduct a minisurvey
to define homeowners' preferences for used oil collection.
Central Collection
A central collection station is a place where do-it-yourselfers can drop off used
oil in an appropriately designed drum or tank. The station should be well
marked to ensure that it is used for uncontaminated lubricating oil only and
should be serviced regularly by a hauler to make sure that there is always room
to receive more oil.
Proper Collection Containers —
The "Milk Run" Concept
Although these services have almost disappeared, milk delivery
and diaper delivery are familiar to most Americans. In days gone
by a milkman would deliver fresh milk in glass bottles and pickup
the empties in exchange. Similarly, diaper services drop off a
stack of clean diapers and collect soiled diapers at the same time.
This same "milk run" concept can be applied today to recycling
used oil. The 1981 Market Facts survey found that nearly 80
percent of survey respondents said they would always or usually
recycle their used oil if they had a special container that would
protect their car from messy spills. A recycling program can
provide plastic one-gallon milk jugs with caps, or other special
reusable containers, to do-it-yourselfers for the collection and
storage of used oil. These containers can then be picked up
through special curbside collections.
Providing special containers need not be expensive — the Sun-
nyvale, California, program purchased suitable containers for an
average of .19 each in 1985. Regardless of the type used,
recycling containers should be leakproof, with tight-fitting caps.
All do-it-yourselfers should be educated about the importance of
proper containers.
Many sites, such as service stations, taxi
or car rental garages, or car dealerships,
will have used oil collection tanks already
installed for their own use. The program
should start by determining whether these
existing installations will agree to accept
used oil from consumers. It may be nec-
essary to increase the size or number of
tanks, or increase the frequency of collec-
tion, to accommodate the additional vol-
ume of oil expected. (See Appendix C for
sample letter to prospective collection
center.)
If new collection sites are needed, they
might be established at private or public
locations — stores selling discount oil to
do-it-yourselfers, public facilities (such as
fire stations or landfills), or new, specifi-
cally designated used oil drop-off points.
Some of these locations may already have
onsite used oil storage facilities. If they do
not, properly labeled barrels or tanks can
be placed appropriately.
15
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Location and accessibility are important to increasing the convenience of collec-
tion stations. Try to choose sites that are along, or close to, main arteries or
popular shopping areas. Also, the more public the site, the more likely people
will be to drop off their used oil.
To encourage potential collection stations to participate, stress the following
selling points:
• Participation should increase consumer traffic at the establishment
and can therefore boost business.
• Participation can increase customer good will.
• Participation helps fight pollution and conserves a valuable natural re-
source.
• Participation may contribute a small source of revenue from the sale of
used oil. (This depends entirely on local economics.)
Be sure to clearly explain the responsibilities of managing a collection station.
Depending on the program, these may include:
• Prominently displaying a sign indicating that the location is a publicly
available used oil collection station.
• Providing a suitable collection container easily accessible to the public.
• Visiting the collection site on a regular basis.
Steps for Establishing a New Collection Site
Make initial contact
Follow up with phone call
Visit likely participants
Send follow-up letter
Write a letter to the potential
station manger explaining the
program and its benefits. (See
Appendix C for example letter to
prospective collection center
operators.)
Reiterate the importance of the
program and stress the benefits of
the program to the station and the
community. Avoid calling during
peak business hours (for service
stations, 7-9 am and 5-7 pm).
Schedule an interview with those
most likely to participate. Discuss
equipment, procedures, layouts,
and responsibilities. Be forthright
about responsibilities and possible
problems. Check out the site
Itself.
Thank prospective participants for
their help. Promise to include
them in literature and promotions.
» Making arrangements with a hauler to
recycle the oil. (Again, the program
should be prepared to assist in making
these arrangements if asked, or at the
least should review the potential haul-
ers to provide insight into adequate
performance.)
» Installing safeguards to prevent the de-
posit of hazardous, incompatible, or
other materials that could contaminate
the used oil: prevent fire hazards: and
control and respond to spillage.
Proper preparation of all prospective
collection stations will ensure smooth
operation of the program. (See Ap-
pendix D for sample oil collection
tank design.)
• Keeping records of how much oil is
collected and who hauled it.
16
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Finding a HdlllGlV The used oil, whether from central collection points or at curbside, must be
picked up in a timely manner by responsible, authorized used oil haulers and
sent to reputable recyclers. Your program must ensure that haulers:
• Have valid licenses and operate in a safe and environmentally sound
fashion.
• Maintain regular records of quantities of used oil collected, delivered,
and handled.
• Deliver used oil to reputable management facilities,
The last requirement is probably the most important. Environmental damage
linked directly to used oil mismanagement tends to be associated with substan-
dard recycling facilities.
Haulers and recyclers are often listed in the Yellow Pages. You will have
identified used oil haulers and recyclers through your initial contacts with
commercial facilities that recycle oil and through the state used oil program.
If possible, you should evaluate recyclers to check that their operations are
environmentally sound. Although much may be evident from a visit (substan-
dard operations tend to look substandard), important shortcomings may not be
evident to the layperson. The heart of every operation is the materials being
processed. A recycler should know where its used oil is coming from, should
check the oil it receives to see whether it is acceptable for processing, and should
store it properly on site. Good operations have documented procedures for
accepting oil, require laboratory checks of each shipment, and keep each client's
oil segregated until after testing. Their receiving and storage areas are neat and
clean, with no evidence of spills, and their storage areas include containment
berms or other containment enclosures.
A processing area in a good recycling operation will likewise include contain-
ment measures to prevent losses and contain spills. Closed process systems are
more desirable than open systems; they prevent vapor losses and should be free
of strong odors. The basic concern in processing is to avoid uncontrolled losses
that might result from haphazard processing or lack of maintenance.
Product storage areas — like receiving areas — should be neat and clean, with
no evidence of spills. If the product is transferred to drums for shipment, the
main storage area should include containment protection.
Finally, all recyclers should be in compliance with all applicable state and federal
requirements. You should check to make sure all necessary inspections have
been conducted and that any violations noted during inspections have been
corrected. After talking to the facility operator, you can verify your findings by
calling the appropriate agencies and speaking with the local inspector.
17
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Ideas for Promoting a Used Oil
Program
Once the basic framework of the program has been set up, the most important
next step is to make the public aware of the program. The typical do-it-
yourselfer is usually a male between 16 and 45 years old (people older than 45
usually have their oil changed for them). Many of those younger than 16 will
be driving someday and may become do-it-yourselfers. Your campaign should
therefore have three targets — current do-it-yourselfers, young people in school,
and the general public.
Promotional activities for a used oil recycling program should have two goals —
first, to educate the public about the used oil problem and to encourage more
responsible oil management and, second, to tell do-it-yourselfers exactly how to
use the program to recycle oil.
Your educational efforts should raise awareness of the damage used oil can do,
its value as a resource, and how to change auto oil in an environmentally sound
manner. You should emphasize that used oil that is re-refined or made back
into a motor oil is as good as regular oil and that purchasing recycled oil helps
support the used oil re-refining industry. Encourage the purchase of re-refined
oil where it is available. The publicity portion should alert do-it-yourselfers
about (1) the location of collection points, (2) the availability of curbside collec-
tion (if any), (3) how to obtain appropriate containers, and (4) any other elements
of your program aimed directly at the do-it-yourselfer.
Promoting a used oil program involves taking advantage of all possible oppor-
tunities to bring your message to the public, educating them about the impor-
tance of the used oil issue and how to manage their oil properly, and telling
them how to take advantage of your program's services. Since do-it-yourselfer
activity is seasonal, your promotions may not have to run the full year, but
education of the general public and young people can be a year-round activity.
Many do-it-yourselfers change their own oil.
19
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The program should be in full operation during the time when do-it-yourselfers
are most likely to change their oil — the spring through summer months. Have
all collection sites in operation by the time warm weather arrives. Promotion
should be in high gear one to two months beforehand to give do-it-yourselfers
plenty of time to take advantage of new services. For instance, in the Northeast,
a program might begin its publicity in March when winter weather is over.
Publicity would peak in May and June, the spring months when most DIYs
would be changing their oil, and again in September, the beginning of cooler
weather. In the warmest U.S. climates, seasonal variations may be minor and
you will want consistent, year round publicity.
Below are some suggestions of ways to promote your program. Although they
introduce proven approaches, you should be creative and invent more ways
yourself.
Program An open meeting is one way to kick off your program by combining public
Kickoff education and publicity to recruit more volunteers and increase partipation
among DIYs, potential collection centers, and local area leaders.
Time: Pick two hours on a weekday evening or a weekend day.
Invitations: Invite any community service organizations already inter-
ested, as well as representatives of business and govern-
ment.
Press Coverage: Meet with a reporter from a local newspaper two to three
weeks in advance. Provide the reporter with background
information about the problem, your program, and the
groups involved.
Announcements: Send public service announcements to local radio and TV
stations stating the purpose of the meeting and its date,
time, and location.
Press Release: One week before the meeting, send out a press release to
local newspapers.
This first meeting will serve to get people involved. Stress the basics about the
nature of the used oil problem and its solution. By the time the meeting is over,
you should have a list of the names and phone numbers of additional volunteers.
If your state has a used oil recycling coordinator, he or she would be an excellent
speaker at the kickoff meeting. This is also a time to call on local celebrities or
community leaders to ask them to lend their influence to the program (see list
of possible candidates in previous chapter).
USGd Oil The used oil program should, if possible, have a publicly advertised, local
RGCycling telephone "hotline" that people can dial during normal business hours (and if
Hotline possible on weekends) to get information regarding collection center locations,
how to obtain suitable used oil containers, and how to participate in the program
as a volunteer. This might be provided by the civic group sponsor, but could
also be run by the local government. In addition, if your state has its own used
oil hotline, that fact should be advertised locally as a part of your program.
20
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Newspapers,
Television, and
Radio
Public service announcements are a good way to get your message out through
newspapers, television, magazines, and radio. There is usually no charge. You
can use them as reminders to do-it-yourselfers to change their oil
properly and take advantage of collection centers. They are also invaluable for
publicizing special events. Use public service announcements as a vehicle for
outside endorsements from business and community leaders.
Full-length articles and editorials are another way to promote your program
through newspapers, community newsletters, and local consumer publications.
These may include feature articles by environmental editors or correspondents,
editorials supporting the program, letters to the editor from prominent people in
the community, and so forth. Solicit this type of coverage and be prepared to
supply background material as necessary. Keep a list of press and media
contacts for your area so that you can reach them quickly.
Where possible, generate news coverage of the program through announcements
of special events, progress made, major contributions, new endorsements or
testimonials, newly established collection sites, or tie-ins with other environ-
mental and energy groups, businesses, or local government. Send out press
releases and call reporters with developments as they occur. Radio and television
offer special opportunities for publicity and education through participation of
program members or supporters in public affairs shows.
A press release should answer the basic reporting questions of "who, what,
when, where, and why." This information should be found in the first sentence
or two of the release so the reporter or news department can quickly learn what
the press release is about and decide whether it deserves coverage. Learn local
press schedules and send releases so they reach reporters three or four days
before the events you want covered.
Project ROSE in Alabama is one of the
country's most successful organized
promoters of used oil recycling.
21
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Public Service Announcements on
Radio and Television
All broadcast stations must provide air time for public service an-
nouncements. Ask station managers about their requirements and
format. Such announcements are not difficult to produce — on televi-
sion, they may be nothing more elaborate than a slide of your program
logo with a brief audio message in the background. Many stations will
work with public interest groups to design short, inexpensive an-
nouncements.
Samples:
15-second announcement:
IF YOU CHANGE YOUR CAR'S OIL YOURSELF, REMEMBER TO
RECYCLE IT PROPERLY. CALL THE SPRINGFIELD USED OIL RE-
CYCLING PROGRAM AT 222-7777 FOR THE LOCATION OF A COL-
LECTION STATION NEAR YOU. THAT'S 222-7777.
20-second announcement:
USED OIL IS NOT A WASTE. IT'S A VALUABLE RESOURCE, BUT
IT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HARM TO LAKES AND STREAMS IF
THROWN AWAY. PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT BY CALLING
THE SPRINGFIELD USED OIL RECYCLING PROGRAM AT
222-7777 FOR THE LOCATION OF A CONVENIENT USED OIL COL-
LECTION STATION NEAR YOU. THAT'S 222-7777.
Never editorialize in a press release. On
your press release you should provide the
name of a person reporters can contact for
additional information. Make sure, how-
ever, that this person actually does have
additional information and will not simply
repeat what is already in the release. If
your program is new and unfamiliar to the
media, attach a background paper to fill in
the basics on the program itself.
News conferences are useful, too, but only
if you have something substantial to an-
nounce (such as receiving a grant or estab-
lishing a cooperative working relationship
with the city). If possible, have a local
"name" on hand to add focus to the cover-
age. Also, try to hold the conference some-
where that will generate good pictures for
the press or television — at a recycling
center with trucks in the background, for
example.
Posters, Printed materials of all kinds can be distributed through many outlets. Posters
Handouts, and with the program logo should be prominently displayed at all collection centers
Brochures and, where possible at points of purchase. Brochures and leaflets can be distrib-
uted wherever motor oil is sold — especially at discount stores, supermarkets,
and department stores catering to do-it-yourselfers. (See Appendix B for sample
brochures and poster.) Handouts can be both educational and promotional,
warning against pollution, teaching proper management techniques, and publi-
cizing local collection programs. Try to distribute these materials to everyone
who may be a do-it-yourselfer by persuading stores selling lubricating oil to
place them where the oil is displayed or near the cash register, or to insert them
into each bag carried away. The local office of your state motor vehicle depart-
ment may be willing to distribute them with licenses or registrations.
Bumper stickers are also effective, with very high visibility to exactly the right
audience. They can be distributed (perhaps at the collection centers) to every-
one who actively participates in or supports the program. Local motor vehicle
fleets can be asked to put your bumper sticker on each of their vehicles to help
promote the program.
22
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Mailings Regular or special-purpose mailings are another powerful technique for educa-
and Mailing tion and publicity. Often local businesses, such as banks, department stores,
Inserts insurance companies, or utility companies, can be convinced to include inserts or
brochures from your program in their mailings as a public service. These can be
used to remind people of collection center locations, as educational tools to
instruct do-it-yourselfers on proper oil changing and oil management tech-
niques, and so forth.
Change your own oil?
Don't dump it!
Recycle it!
Logo of the West Michigan
Environmental Action
Councils
Take your used crankcase oil
to a service station or recycle center.
Or cam 8006349504
Schools High schools are natural places to present short programs on the benefits of used
oil recycling. Future do-it-yourselfers can be reached with information on the
damages caused by used oil, how to change automobile oil properly, and how
to participate in your local collection program — either as a recycler or as a
volunteer helping run the program. Drivers' education classes are a perfect
place to include this information. You may even be able to persuade your state
to include used oil recycling in motor vehicle examinations or study guides.
Suggested Locations for Notices, Posters, and
Promotional Materials
At point of purchase of oil
(display, at cash register, as
bag inserts)
Used oil collection stations
Municipal and other govern-
ment offices
Public libraries
Chamber of Commerce infor-
mation racks
Nature centers
High school auto shop class-
rooms
College bulletin boards
Grocery store bulletin boards
Office and factory bulletin
boards
Bank lobbies
Banks and utility companies'
monthly mailings
23
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InCGntlVG Beyond education and an appeal to public concern for the environment, incen-
tive programs offering money and other prizes can be very useful for increasing
participation. Such incentives include:
• Merchandise discount coupons given with the original purchase
of motor oil, redeemable on return of used oil.
• Instant prizes issued on the return of used oil, redeemable for
merchandise.
• Large-prize contest coupons, issued at the point of purchase and
entered into a drawing when oil is returned to a participating
collection center. Prize drawings could be held at regular inter-
vals, such as quarterly, with winning numbers posted at partici-
pating collection points.
• Inexpensive kickoff prizes, such as funnels or used oil contain-
ers, offered at collection sites to all participants during the first
days or weeks of the program.
Project ROSE provides incentives to encourage
participation.
24
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Administrative Issues
This section discusses program management, funding and budget issues, track-
ing the progress of your program over time, and legal requirements.
Maintaining your Collection centers, public displays, information centers, and other possible
Program elements of your program will need to be maintained throughout the year. In
addition to routine checks, schedule major maintenance activities at the begin-
ning and end of the oil-changing season in your area — usually in the spring and
fall. These are the times to renew or replace faded signs and posters, print new
batches of brochures and fliers, and clean and maintain collection centers.
Short-term volunteer labor can help. You could recruit extra hands from local
high schools or scout troops or through public meetings.
Tracking Program Tracking the success of your program, while not essential, can help you manage
AcCOmplishmGntS and publicize it better — you can use the facts you gather to boast about success
or publicize problems you need help to solve. Ask collection site operators and
curbside pickup participants to report on a regular basis, monthly if possible, on
the amount of used oil collected and turned over to used oil haulers. If money
is being paid for the oil and is going to the collection sites rather than to the
program, ask for copies of their payment records. In addition, ask haulers to re-
port the amount of used oil collected and conveyed to recyclers.
Answering the following questions will help program tracking:
1. Is the program staying within its budget? If not, where can financial
requirements be adjusted?
2. How much oil is being recycled each month? How do comparisons
against the previous year's performance stack up — are trends up or
down?
3. Which collection centers are the most successful? (Follow-up analysis
may indicate why.)
4. Is the program complying with its schedule? Should it increase the fre-
quency of curbside pickups?
5. Is oil being picked up from collection centers so do-it-yourselfers always
find collection tank space available?
6. Are the collection centers having any problems with storage capacity,
schedules, contamination, sanitation or housekeeping, incentives, pub-
licity, or schedules of collection? If so, what techniques have been used
at other collection centers to solve these problems?
7. Are used oil collectors and haulers having problems with handling in-
creased quantities of oil, routing, frequency of pickup, or contamination?
8. Which public education efforts have worked well? Which have not?
9. Which advertising efforts have brought the greatest response?
10. Are there any problems with incentive programs?
25
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Some of this information will come from collection station operators. To mini-
mize the burden on these operators, you might gather the information in person
at two-month intervals during the oil changing reason and at six-month intervals
off-season. Keep your questions short, direct, and simple to answer. Since it is
inconvenient to measure precise volumes of oil recycled, expect estimates rather
than exact numbers. Be sure to express your thanks for each station's continued
participation, preferably in follow-up letters as well as in person.
You will assemble other information, such as budget figures, from haulers (who
should be keeping much more detailed and exact records than collection centers)
or from the public (perhaps through informal surveys).
NOTE: Any statistics generated will also interest your state used oil coordinator
and federal agencies interested in used oil issues (the U. S. Environmental Pro-
tection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy).
Legal You and others involved in your program should be aware of any legal issues re-
lating to health safety, and environmental performance that could affect your
activities. There are a few federal requirements affecting used oil management;
state requirements vary. EPA Regional Offices can provide information on
current federal regulations. States may have their own laws and regulations
governing used oil recycling; your state used oil program would be the authority
on these and any other requirements. (See Appendix A for list of state and EPA
Regional contacts.)
Generally, the most significant legal issue is to keep used oil from being mixed
with any hazardous waste. The easiest way is to prevent mixing used oil with
any other substances. Since preventing mixing will be as important to a
reputable hauler as it is to your program, all participants should be willing to
cooperate on this issue.
Other important legal requirements include making sure that you are complying
with local zoning, health, safety, environment, and fire laws. Contact the perti-
nent local agencies for advice.
Used oil must be recycled separately
from other materials and liquids.
26
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References
Publications
The following publications have been used in developing this document, and maybe useful to
those developing their own local used oil recycling programs.
1. Bider, William L., et al., "Composition and Management of Used Oil Generated in the
United States," Franklin Associates, Ltd., Prairie Village, Kansas, November 1985.
2. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, "Background Report: Used Motor Oil
Market Development Study," prepared by Franklin Associates, Ltd., Lansing, Michigan,
February 1987.
3. Nolan, John J., Christopher Harris and Patrick O. Cavanaugh, "Used Oil: Disposal
Options, Management Practices and Potential Liability," Government Institutes, Inc.,
Washington, DC.
4. U. S. Department of Commerce, "Survey of Household Hazardous Wastes and Related
Collection Programs," prepared by SCS Engineers, Inc., Long Beach, California, NTIS
PB87-108072, Washington, DC, October 1986.
5. U. S. Department of Energy, "Analysis of Potential Used Oil Recovery from Individuals,"
Final Report, prepared by Market Facts, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, DOE-AC19-79BC1OO53,
Washington, DC, July 1981.
6. U. S. Department of Energy, "Waste Oil: Technology, Economics, and Environmental
Health, and Safety Considerations," prepared by Mueller Associates, Inc.,
DOE/EV/ 1045O-H2, Washington, DC, January 1987.
7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Environmental Consequences of Waste Oil
Disposal in POTWs," prepared by Pope-Reid Associates, Inc., Washington, DC, July 21,
1987.
8. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Evaluation of the Use of Waste Oil as a Dust
Suppressant," Final Report, prepared by Franklin Associates, Ltd., Washington, DC,
September 1983.
9. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Review of Cooperative Public and Private
Sector Programs Promoting Do-It-Yourselfer Used Oil Collection, Recovery, and Recy-
cling," prepared by Versar, Inc., Washington, DC, October 13, 1987.
10. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Memorandum from Al Feldt, Economic Analysis
Staff, "Revisions to the Used Oil Baseline Analysis," June 4,1987.
Acknowledgements
We are particularly grateful to the help of the following State and local programs in providing
photographs, examples of letters, handouts, brochures, or technical advice.
1. Project Rose (Recycled Oil Saves Energy), The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa,
Alabama 35487-6373
2. California Oil Recyclers, Inc. and Evergreen Oil, Inc., Newark, California 94560
27
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Appendices
Appendix A Used Oil Contacts/List of U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency Regional Offices
Appendix B Sample Brochures and Sample Collection Center Poster
Appendix C Sample Letter to Prospective Collection Centers, Sample Letter to
Encourage Participation, and Sample Press Releases
Appendix D
Sample Oil Collection Tank Design
29
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Appendix A
State Contacts on Used Oil Recycling
The following list contains EPA's most recent directory of state used oil recycling contacts. Contacts, if your name,
address, or phone number is incorrect or if there are others who should be included on the list, please inform
Sarah Carney, U.S. EPA, OS-301, 401 M Street, S. W., Washington, DC 20460, (202) 382-7932.
(Updated August 1988)
Alabama
Ms. Janet H. Graham
Project ROSE Coordinator
Box 6373, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-6373
205-348-4878
Mr. Daniel Cooper
Chief of Land Division
Hazardous Waste Branch
Department of Environmental Management
1751 Federal Drive, Montgomery, AL 36130
205-271-7746
Alaska
Mr. Stan Osburn
Department of Environmental Conservation
P.O. Box O, Juneau, AK 99811
907-465-2653
Arizona
Ms. Stephanie Wilson
Department of Environmental Quality
2005 N. Central, Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-257-2317
Arkansas
Mr. Ed Davis
Industrial Development Commission
One State Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201
501-371-1370
California
Ms. Carol Brow
Solid Waste Management Board
1020 9th Street, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-322-1446
Mr. Leif Peterson
Department of Health Services
Alternative Technology Section
P.O. Box 942732, Sacramento, CA 94234-7320
916-324-1807
Colorado
Mr. Greg Starkebaum
Solid and Hazardous Waste Section
Department of Health
4210 East 11th Avenue, Denver, CO 80220
303-331-4830
Connecticut
Mr. Charles Zieminski
Department of Environmental Protection
State Office Building
165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
203-566-4633
Delaware
Mr. John Posdon
Division of Facilities Management/Energy Office
P.O. Box 1401, Dover, DE 19903
302-736-5644
District of Columbia
Russel Hawkins
Department of Public Works, 6th floor
2000 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009
202-939-8115
Florida
Mr. David H. Kelley
Department of Environmental Regulation
Twin Towers Office Building
2600 Blair Stone Road, Room 238
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400
904-488-0300
Georgia
Mr. John Olivier
Environmental Protection Division
Department of Natural Resources
Floyd Towers East, 205 Butler Street
Room 1154, Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-7802
Hawaii
Mr. Denis Lau
Chief of Hazardous Waste Program
Department of Health
PO Box 3378, Honolulu, HI 96801
808-548-6410
Idaho
Dr. John Moeller
Department of Health and Welfare
450 West State Street, 3rd Floor, Boise, ID 83720
208-334-5879
Illinois
Mr. James Mergen
Environmental Protection Agency
2200 Churchill Road, P.O. Box 19276
Springfield, IL 62794-9276
217-785-4437
Indiana
Mr. James Hunt
Department of Environmental Management
105 South Meridian Street , Indianapolis, IN 46206
317-232-4535
Iowa
Mr. Stu Schmitz
Department of Natural Resources
900 East Grand, Des Moines, IA 50319
515-281-8499
Kansas
Mr. Richard Flanary
Department of Health and Environment
Bureau of Waste Management
Bldg 730, Forbes Field, Topeka, KS 66620
913-296-1609
Kentucky
Mr. Charles Peters
Department of Environmental Protection
Natural Resources and Environmental Protection
Cabinet
18 Reilly Road, Frankfort, KY 40601
502-564-6716
Louisiana
Mr. Tom Patterson
Department of Environmental Quality
Hazardous Waste Division
P.O. Box 44307, Baton Rouge, LA 70804
504-342-4677
Maine
Mr. Richard Kaselis
Department of Environmental Protection
State House Station #17, Augusta, ME 04333
207-289-2651
Maryland
Dr. Cliff Willey
Maryland Environmental Services
2020 Industrial Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401
301-974-3291
Massachusetts
Ms. Cynthia Bellamy
Division of Hazardous Waste
Department of Environmental Quality Engineering
One Winter Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02108
617-292-5848
Michigan
Ms. Julie Stoneman
West Michigan Environmental Action Council
1432 Wealthy, SE, Grand Rapids, Ml 49506
616-451-3051
Mr. Hien Nguyen
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, Ml 48909
517-373-0540
Minnesota
Mr. Kevin O'Donnell
Waste Management Board
1350 Energy Lane, St. Paul, MN 55108
612-649-5750
Mr. Randall G. Hukriede
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155
612-296-9395
Mississippi
Mr. Jack McCord
Bureau of Pollution Control
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 10385, Jackson, MS 39209
601-961-5171
31
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Missouri
Mr. Bruce Martin
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102
314-751-3176
Montana
Mr. Bill Potts
Solid Waste Management Bureau
Department of Health and Environmental Sciences
Cogswell Building - Room B201, Helena, MT 59620
406-444-2821
Nebraska
Mr. Dale Gubbels
Nebraska State Recycling Association
P.O. Box 60729, Lincoln, NE 68501
402-475-3637
Nevada
Mr. Curtis Framel
Office of Community Services
1100 East William St., No. 117
Carson City, NV 89710
702-885-4908
New Hampshire
Ms. Wendy Waskin
Waste Management
Department of Environmental Services
Health and Welfare Building
6 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301
603-271-2900
New Jersey
Ms. Athena Sarafides
Office of Recycling
Department of Environmental Protection
401 E State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625
809-292-0331
Ms. Joanne Held/Mr. Gary Price
Department of Environmental Protection
32 East Hanover Street, Trenton, NJ 08625
609-292-8515
New Mexico
Mr. Mike Sanders
Hazardous Waste Section
Environmental Improvement Division
Health and Environmental Department
P.O. Box 968, Sante Fe, NM 87504-068
505-827-2924
New York
Dr. Roberta Weisbrod
Department of Environmental Conservation
50 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12233
718-482-4949
North Carolina
Ms. Judy Lund
Department of Human Resources
P.O. Box 2091, Raleigh, NC 27602
919-733-2178
Ms. Mary MacDaniel
Southeast Waste Exchange
Univ. of NC at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC 28223
704-547-2307
North Dakota
Mr. Dave Switlick
Division of Waste Management and Special Studies
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
P.O. Box 5520, Bismarck, ND 58502
701-224-2366
Ohio
Ms. Susan Buchanan/Mr. Kevin Clouse
Environmental Protection Agency
1800 Water-Mark Drive
Columbus, OH 43266-0149
614-481-7239
Oklahoma
Mr. Al Coulter
Industrial Waste Division
Department of Health
P.O. Box 53551, Oklahoma City, OK 73152
405-271-7067
Oregon
Mr. Peter Spendelow
Department of Environmental Quality
811 SW6th Street, Portland, OR 97204
503-229-5253
Mr. Gary Calaba
Hazardous Waste Department
P.O. Box 1760, Portland, OR 97207
503-229-6534
Pennsylvania
Mr. Bill LaCour
Department of Environmental Resources
P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17120
717-787-7382
Rhode Island
Mr. Eugene Pepper
Department of Environmental Management
83 Park St., Providence, Rl 02903
401-277-3434
South Carolina
Mr. Allen E. Raymond
Department of Health and Environmental Control
2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201
803-734-5200
South Dakota
Mr. Tim Rogers
Department of Water and Natural Resources
Air Quality and Solid Waste Programs
Joe Foss Building, Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-3153
Tennessee
Mr. Frank Victory
Department of Health & Environment
Customs House
701 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37219-5403
615-741-3424
Texas
Mr. John Fatchford
Head of Small Quantity Generator Program
Texas Water Commission
Hazardous and Solid Waste Division
P.O. Box 13087, Capitol Station, Austin, TX 78711
512-463-7761
Utah
Mr. Ronald Firth
Division of 011, Gas and Mining
355 West North Temple, 3 Triad Center
Suite 350, Salt Lake City, UT 84180-1203
801-538-5340
Vermont
Mr. John Miller
Agency of Environmental Conservation
103 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05676
802-244-8702
Virginia
Mr. Alan Lassiter
Division of Energy
2201 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220
804-367-1310
Washington
Ms. Rhonda Hunter
Department of Ecology
Mail Stop PV-11, Olympia, WA 98504-8711
206-459-6356
West Virginia
Mr. William Willis
Fuels and Energy Office
1204 Kanawha Blvd., 2nd Floor
Charleston, WV 25301
304-348-8
Wisconsin
Ms. Linda Lynch/Mr. John Reindl
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 7921, Madison, Wl 53707
608-266-5741
Wyoming
Mr. Dave Finley
Solid Waste Management Program
Department of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building
122 West 25th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002
307-777-7752
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EPA Regional Offices
REGION 1
Environmental Protection Agency
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Room 2203
Boston, MA 02203
FTS: 8-835-3715
ODD: (617)565-3715
Hours: 8:30am - 5:OOpm EST/EDT
REGION 2
Environmental Protection Agency
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
FTS: 8-264-2525
ODD: (212) 264-2525
Hours: 8:OOam - 6:OOpm EST/EDT
REGION 3
Environmental Protection Agency
841 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
FTS: 8-597-9800
ODD: (215) 597-9800
Hours: 8:OOam-4:30pm EST/EDT
REGION 4
Environmental Protection Agency
345 Courtland Street, N. E.
Atlanta, GA 30365
FTS: 8-257-4727
ODD: (404) 347-4727
Hours: 700am - 5:45pm EST/EDT
REGION 5
Environmental Protection Agency
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, IE 60604
FTS: 8-353-2000
ODD (312) 353-2000
Hours: 8:OOam - 4:30pm CST/CDT
REGION 6
Environmental Protection Agency
1445 Ross Avenue
12th Floor, Suite 1200
Dallas, TX 75270
FTS: 8-255-6444
ODD: (214) 655-6444
Hours: 8:OOam - 4:30pm CST/CDT
REGION 7
Environmental Protection Agency
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66101
FTS: 8-757-2800
ODD: (913) 236-2800
Hours: 7:30am - 5:OOpm CST/CDT
REGION 8
Environmental Protection Agency
999 18th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2405
FTS: 8-564-1603
ODD: (303) 293-1603
Hours: 8:OOam - 4:30pm MST/MDT
REGION 9
Environmental Protection Agency
215 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
FTS: 8-454-8071
ODD: (415) 974-8071
Hours: 8:OOam - 4:30pm PST/PDT
REGION 10
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
FTS: 8-399-5810
ODD: (206) 442-5810
Hours: 8:OOam - 4:30pm PST/PDT
33
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AppendixB
Sample Brochure
WHAT HAPPENS THEN 1
Used oil can be re-refined into a good-
as-new lubrication oil. Oil never wears
out, it just gets dirty.
It takes 42 gallons of crude oil to
produce 2 1/2 quarts of new lubricat-
ing oil. But just one gallon of used
oil can be re-refined into the same
high quality 2 1/2 quarts of lubricat-
ing oil.
Used oil can be reprocessed into a fuel
oil.
One gallon of used oil reprocessed
for fuel contains about 140,000
BTUs, of energy and can be burned
very efficiently.
Recycling used oil could reduce national
petroleum imports by 25.5 million barrels of
oil per year, and save much of the energy
to process it. (University of Alabama/
Alabama Energy Division, 1986.)
Washington State law declares that it is the
policy of the state to collect and recycle
used oil (Chapter 19.114, ROW). Additionally,
it is unlawful to spill oil into the ground
water or surface waterways of the state
(Chapter 90.48, ROW).
printed on 100% Recycled Paper
RECYCLE USED OIL
Prevent Water Pollution
Protect Public Health
For Information:
Call toll-free 1-800-RECYCLE
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT
OF ECOLOGY
Litter Control & Recycling Program
Olympia, WA 98504
THE USED OIL
PROBLEM
What Can You Do?
Waste oil has the most negative environ-
mental impact of all automotive products
because it's insoluble, persistent, and con-
tains toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
Oil sticks to everything from beach sand
to bird feathers. It floats on and pollutes
Dur waterways. It is slow to degrade and
evaporate. A small amount seriously con-
taminates large quantities of drinking
water.
HOW BIG IS THE USED
PROBLEM ?
More than 4.5 million gallons of used oil are
discarded every year in Washington State.
More than 2 million gallons of used
motor oil (enough to fill a medium sized
tanker) ends up in Puget Sound. Much of
it is dumped into storm drains that
empty into streams and lakes that feed
the Sound.
Used oil is the largest single source of
oil pollution (over 40 percent)!n our
nation's waterways. Most is dumped by
do-it-yourselfers.
In 1960, service stations performed
90 percent of the automotive oil
changes. Today do-it-yourselfers
change about 60 percent of the
automotive oil.
Most used oil changed by do-it-
yourselfers is dumped down a
storm drain, poured on the ground,
or sent off to a landfill in the gar-
bage.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?
Dumping of used oil in storm drains and on
the ground pollutes watersheds, Puget Sound,
and underground water supplies.
Used oil contains toxic chemicals, carcino-
genic hydrocarbons and heavy metals (lead,
zinc, arsenic, chromium, cadmium) which
are harmful to the environment and public
health.
One pint of oil can produce a slick of
approximately one acre on surface water.
Fish, waterfowl, insects and aquatic
life are threatened by used oil in
waterways. Floating plankton and
algae (a basic food source) are
killed on contact with oil.
Very small amounts of oil rinsed
over shellfish beds can contaminate
the flavor of clams and oysters.
Less than 300 parts per million
can ruin the taste of fish.
Used oil placed in the garbage seeps
through the landfill to contrbute to leach-
ate and contamination of groundwater sup-
plies.
One quart of oil will foul the taste
of 250,000 gallons of water.
Used oil should not be applied to roads
for a dust suppressant, as new oil some-
times is.
Over 90 percent leaves the road
surface on dust particles or is
rinsed into the state's waterways
with rain runoff, according to
EPA study.
Used oil carries a load of heavy
metals and toxics.
Burning unprocessed used oil can pollute
the air we breathe with elements poten-
tially harmful to human health.
WHAT CAN YOU DO? RECYCLE I
RECYCLE used oil from cars, boats, motor-
cycles, and lawnmowers.
Take it in a clean, sealed comtainer (i.e.,
milk jug) to the nearest participating
recycling center or service station
accepting uncontaminated used oil. For
locations, call theDepartment of Ecology
toll-free recycing hotline, 1-800-
RECYCLE.
Current market fluctuations have
eliminated many of the financial
incentives of the used oil recycling
program, and the service station
owners may have to pay to have
oil removed from their tanks. How-
ever, most participating stations
have chosen to remain in the pro-
gram.
Used oil should never be mixed
with antifreeze, engine degreasers,
gasoline, paint thinner, solvents,
cooking oil, etc., since these con-
taminants interfere with the repro-
cessing or re-fining process and
are very expensive to remove.
35
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Sample Collection Center Poster
RECYCLE
USED OIL
HERE
37
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Appendix C
Sample Letter to Prospective Collection Center Operators
(Date)
(Name)
(Address)
Dear
We would appreciate your help in a community used oil recycling project designed
to conserve energy and protect our environment.
We are planning a broad-scale program aimed at capturing used oil from do-it-
yourself oil changers. The residents of our town will be encouraged to participate. They
will be informed of the energy potential and the value of recycled oil — that it need not be
wasted but can be reprocessed and used again.
As you know, many of our citizens change their own oil and would be willing to
cooperate with us in this endeavor, but they need a convenient place at which to deposit
their drainings. We are in the process of setting up used oil collection centers at which
do-it-yourselfers can deposit their used oil. This oil will then be picked up by reputable
used oil collectors to be reprocessed and prepared for use once again.
Would you consider extending your service by establishing a collection center for
our project? You would be assisting many people who are now disposing of their
drained oil in ways that harm our environment and waste a valuable energy resource.
The used oil brought to the collection center would be yours to sell. While rendering a
significant service, you would also be playing an important role in a community project
that benefits you, the car owner, and the nation.
It is our belief that such a program can and will be successful if we work at it
TOGETHER. Sponsors of the program include (names).
We hope that you will join us and will place a "Recycle Used Oil Here" sign at your
station.
Please let us know at your earliest convenience if we can count on you. Write us at
the following address: _ or call _ (phone).
Thank you for giving the program your consideration.
Sincerely,
(Name)
(Title)
(Organization)
38
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Sample Letter to Encourage Participation
(Date)
(Name)
(Address)
Dear
Can we count on you to help our program to recover a potential source of energy, while at
the same time eliminating an environmental hazard?
We are in the process of establishing a public service used oil recycling program that we feel
would benefit our community and the nation. We would appreciate your advice and
assistance in its development.
Used oil is a neglected but valuable energy resource. It can be recycled and put back to work
as a lubricant or fuel. If used oil is not recycled and is discarded improperly, it can present a
serious hazard to our environment. Throughout our community and nation, used oil is being
wasted in surprisingly large amounts. (The Environmental Protection Agency and the
Department of Energy estimate that the amount of oil mishandled annually in the U.S. by do-
it-yourselfers exceeds 180 million gallons.)
Part of the reason for this waste is that automobile owners who change their own oil do not
have proper disposal facilities for their drainings. As a result, used oil ends up in garbage or
trash cans, storm sewers, or vacant lots. Eventually, it reaches and pollutes our streams and
rivers. A combined effort to end this pollution by saving and re-using oil, thus conserving
energy, will benefit all.
Our theme: PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT-CONSERVE ENERGY RESOURCES
Our slogan: RECYCLE USED OIL
A key feature of our program will be the establishment of a network of convenient used oil
collection centers in our community. We hope to enlist the voluntary participation of civic-
minded service station managers and business persons who are equipped and would be
willing to handle used oil. Collection facilities might also be set up on public properties such
as municipal garages, fire stations, or the area landfill or transfer station. Each collection point
can be identified by a sign or poster. The discarded oil can then be sold to a recycler, who
will ultimately reprocess it and prepare it for future marketing.
We will publicize the program and the collection centers through literature (brochures, etc.)
and the media.
Your interest in, and active support of, our endeavor can help to make this much-needed
public service a success. We would welcome your endorsement of our effort. Would you, or
someone you designate, meet with us to share additional ideas and discuss approaches aimed
at creating an effective program?
We welcome a response at your earliest convenience. You may callus at (phone) or write us
at the following address: (list). Thank you for giving the program your consideration.
Sincerely,
(Name)
(Title)
(Organization)
39
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Sample Kickoff Press Release
FROM: DATE:
FOR RELEASE ON:
USED OIL RECYCLING PROGRAM
BEGINS IN (COMMUNITY, CITY, STATE)
(Date) marks the kickoff of (community) used oil recycling program.
"We only wish that every community in the nation could be kicking off its
own recycling program today also," said (Name, Title) of (Organization).
The program, initiated on (date) by (identify and give desired specifics), will
be the first effort of its kind staged in (community). "The objectives are many. Of
utmost importance will be our desire to impress upon the do-it-yourself oil changers of
(community) the importance of keeping their oil drainings out of storm drains, garbage
and trash receptacles, empty lots and the ground water," said (name). (Name) also
cited the need to educate new do-it-yourselfers about how to collect and recycle oil in
an environmentally sound manner.
(Community's) desire to aid in doing its share to combat the harm done to the
environment by improper disposal was yet another reason. Last, but by far not least,
(name) said "we want to take a giant step for energy conservation through re-use of this
valuable energy resource."
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy
estimate that in excess of 180 million gallons of used oil are mishandled annually by do-
it- yourselfers.
The (community) program has established a network of collection centers for
used oil. Service stations (and any other establishments participating) have agreed to
serve as used oil collection centers. One of the incentives is that the collection centers
will be able to sell the used oil to recycling conglomerates and use the proceeds as they
wish (use statement only if applicable). The collection points will be identified by
posters and their locations will be publicized areawide. (Name) said, "For our resi-
dents, the rest is easy. All they need is a suitable container and a cooperative frame of
mind." (Organization) will have brochures, pamphlets and other informational
materials to place in circulation. The (organization) has received endorsements from a
number of (civic groups, organizations, etc.) and officials in the area, including: (list)
(Name of person) anticipates excellent cooperation and participation on the
part of collectors and community residents. Anyone interested in obtaining more
information or helping with this campaign should contact (name) at (address) or call
(phone number).
40
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Appendix D
SAMPLE OIL COLLECTION TANK DESIGN
2" COLLECTION PIPE WITH SCREW CAP.
EXTEND TO 1" OF BOTTOM.
CONSIDER 2" EVERTITE WITH LOCKING CAP.
2" VENT PIPE
1/4" SCREEN
1 FT. SQ. X 4" DEEP
LOCKABLE COVER"
2" DIAMETER
TANK GAUGE
250-GALLONTANK-
SANDMIN3"THICK
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE BERMED
TO CONTAIN LEAKAGE AND SPILLS;
CONTAINMENT CAPACITY EQUAL
TO MAXIMUM VOLUME OF TANK.
DRAIN ACCEPTABLE FOR
CONTAINMENT SHOULD BE
PLUG TYPE AND NOT VALVE TYPE.
LOCKABLE DRAIN DOCK
FOOT PEDAL
*U.S. Government PRINTING OFFICE 1892-0-32S311
41
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