USVI Public Records

Document text

HERE’S THE DIRT C Used oil is the largest single source, of oil pollution (More than 40 percent of total oil pollution) in our country’s waterways. C Used oil can seep through soils and landfills to contaminate ground water supplies and coastal waters. C Just one quart of motor oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of water. C Oil dumped in storm drains may kill fish and other aquatic life. C Oil takes decades to decompose. C It’s against the law in the Virgin Islands to dump oil on the ground or in the water. C Used oil never wears out it just gets dirty, Oil can be reprocessed and reused, saving energy and non-renewable petroleum resources. Re- refined oil can be used for hydraulic and crankcase oils. RECYCLING - IT'S EASY TO DO! 1 Drain the used oil into a sealable, reusable container. Reuse oil containers for waste oil A clean water or milk jug, or a reusable container sold at auto stores can also be used. NEVER temporarily store used oil in a container that once held food, beverages, or chemicals. 2 Keep the oil pure. Keep the container sealed from rain water and debris. When mixed with toxic substances like brake fluid, solvents, gasoline, thinners or Antifreeze, used motor oil becomes hazardous waste. 3 Store safely. Containers of used oil should be clearly labeled “Used Oil” and kept in a dry, safe place out of reach of children and pets. 4 Take the used oil to an oil collection site. Protect the environment and conserve resources by taking yew used oil to the nearest collection site. Look for this “Oil Drop.” See the insert in this brochure for locations in the Virgin Islands. To reduce waste, keep the oil container to use again. This brochure was printed using non-petroleum-based soy ink on recycled paper. Graphic design by Toni Thomas and Julie Wright. CHANGING YOUR OWN OIL 1 Turn off the engine, block the wheels, and set the puking brake before getting under your car. To avoid burns, make sure that the engine is not too hot. Refer to your owner’s manual for directions. 2 Remove the drain plug on the bottom of the engine’s oil pan and allow the used oil to drain into a drip pan. 3 lf you are changing your oil filter, follow the directions below. After you are done, replace the drain plug in the bottom of the engine’s oil pan and make sue that it’s tight. 4 Carefully add new oil. Most cars take about four quarts of oil, but check y our owner’s manual for the amount and grade of oil needed by your car. Do not overfill. 5 With the parking brake still set, and in a well- ventilated area, start the car engine. The oil pressure light may be on, but should go out after a few seconds. Once the light goes out, let the engine run for a few more minutes. 6 Turn off the engine and check the oil level. Also check around the oil filter and drain plug for leaks. 7 To know when to change your oil next, write down the mileage and date and keep it handy. 8 Use a funnel or carefully pour the used oil from the drip pan into a suitable recycling container (see previous panel). CHANGING AND RECYCLING YOUR OIL FILTER Since there are currently no facilities available for recycling used oil filters, the empty used filter can be wrapped in newspaper and discarded with your regular household trash. Whether you recycle or discard your used oil filter it must be DRAINED of used oil. Special handling is needed to properly drain an oil filter: 1 Use a filter wrench (if necessary) to loosen the oil filter, and then carefully remove it. 2 Drain the filter of any oil. Use a sharp tool to puncture a hole in the dome end of the filter or through the anti-drain-back valve on the flat end of the filter. Allow the used oil to flow into a proper container for recycling the oil (see previous panels). 3 Place the flat at end of the punctured filter on the used oil collection container and drain as much used oil as possible out of the filter. It is important for used oil filters to be drained a minimum of 12 hours near engine operating temperature. 4 Install the new oil filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Coat the rubber seal on the filter with a small mount of oil, then replace it. Do not use a filter wrench to tighten the new filter as this may damage the filter. Instead, tighten it snugly with your fingers, following the directions supplied with the filter. Issued by the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service, Kwame Garcia, State Director, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on non-discrimination regarding race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, and gender preference. CLOSE THE LOOP! The only way to close the recycling loop is to purchase recycled products. Re-refined oil is now available from some suppliers. By using and requesting re-refined oil, you’ll be taking the final step in the cycle. WHERE TO RECYCLE YOUR USED OIL: St. Croix: Public Works compound, Anna’s Hope, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m Monday - Friday. St. John: Susannaberg Transfer Station, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m Monday - Friday. St. Thomas: Public Works Motor Pool, Subbase, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m Monday - Friday. For More Information, Call: Anti-Litter and Beautification Commission 777-3073 (St. Thomas/St. John) or 773-4489 (St. Croix) Department of Public Works 776-4844 (St. Thomas), 776-6346 (St. John) or 773-1290 (St. Croix) UVI Cooperative Extension Service 693-1080 (St. Thomas) 778-9491 (St. Croix) To Report Toxic Chemical or Oil SPILLS: Call the DPNR Division of Environmental Protection at 774-3320 (St. Thomas) or 773-0565 (St. Croix); or contact the toxic spill hotline at 1-800-424-8802. Recycle Your Used Motor Oil A Do-It-Yourself Guide O nce used oil is drained from an engine, many people do not know how or where to safely dispose of it. Used oil from trucks, cars, generators, and other heavy equipment can be recycled. This brochure tells you how to recycle used motor oil and includes an insert with a complete listing of collection sites in the Virgin Islands.