Used engine oils are considered carcinogenic. Avoid
repeated contact with bare skin and wash your hands as soon as possible,
preferably not in a tub of paraffin or petrol. Wear latex gloves if
possible while draining oil.
Remember, the oil may be very hot as the engine should
have been run to warm-it up prior to draining the oil.
Oil Disposal
Most
UK recycling Centres, aka "the Tip" will have a large reservoir for
used motor oil collection. Private individuals could probably also
negotiate disposing of their oil with a local garage, but most councils provide
some means of oil disposal. Most Council Tips will not accept waste oils
from a business, so garages will need an arrangement with a local collection
service. Some businesses use the old oil to power heaters in their
workshops in Winter but this is not advised and may conflict with local council
laws.
The
advice below is from the Environment Agency Brochure:
When
you drain your engine oil – don’t oil the drain!
Take
used oil to an oil bank, so that it can be recycled.
Telephone
0800 66 33 66 free of charge to find thelocation
of your nearest oil recycling bank.
Don’t
mix used oil with other substances, such as paint or solvents, as this
makes recycling very difficult.
If
you have oil fired heating, regularly check your tank and pipes for leaks.
If you notice a sharp increase in the amount of oil you are using, you may
have a leaking pipe.
Do
not burn waste oil on a bonfire.
Oil Care is a programme run in conjunction with the
Environment Agency and Shell
Dispose of your waste
engine oil for recycling at an oil bank
Oil is a common and highly
visible form of pollution where even a small quantity can
cause a lot of harm to the environment.
The Oil Care
Campaign was set up by the Environment Agency,in association with SEPA
in Scotland and Northern
Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), to reduce oil pollution
by providing guidance on and facilities for the safe disposal and
management of oil.
The Environment Agency,
SEPA and NIEA has installed a network of oil banks that accept used
engine oil for recycling.
Oilbanks do not
accept petrol, thinners, solvents, cooking oil, etc, or engine
oil that has been mixed with white spirit, paint or solvents.
If you live in the
England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can find out where your
nearest oil bank is by using this website or by telephoning the Oil Bank Line on
08708 506 506 or sending an email to enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.
You can download some useful
guidance notes on the safe use, storage and disposal of oil from this
website.
Automotive Fluids -
Lubricating Oils & Greases, Fuels, Coolants & Brake Fluids
