Madison County
Solid Waste and Sanitation

USED OIL - A BIG PROBLEM!

New York Recycles!Improper disposal of used motor oil is a serious, but little recognized, environmental problem. Nationally, about half of all motor oil is changed by do-it-yourselfers. Studies indicate that over 60% of the used oil produced by do-it-yourselfers is disposed of by pouring it into sewers or on the ground, burning it, using it as a weed killer, or putting it in the trash to be landfilled - all improper means.

Used oil contains toxic and cancer-causing chemicals which are harmful to the environment and public health.

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.

A pint of oil can create an acre-sized slick on surface water. This kills floating organisms and impairs photosynthesis, which disrupts the aquatic food web, including fish.

 

MADISON COUNTY NOW RECYCLES USED OIL
How The Program Works:

  • Drain the used oil from your car, truck, motorcycle, boat, farm equipment, lawn mower, or snowblower.
  • Transfer the oil into a clear plastic container. Madison County Oil Recycling containers (clear, one-gallon plastic jugs) can be picked up free of charge at any of the four County Solid Waste Facilities (landfill and three transfer stations). Be sure to cap the jug tightly before transporting the oil.
  • DO NOT MIX THE OIL WITH ANYTHING ELSE! Antifreeze, gasoline, engine degreasers, paint thinner, cooking oils, paint, water, and any other liquids are considered contaminants and would prevent the oil from being recycled.

Note: Used motor oil is BANNED from disposal in the County Landfill.
  • Bring the used oil to the convenience station at the County Landfill in the Town of Lincoln or one of the three Solid Waste Transfer Stations located in the Towns of Cazenovia, Hamilton, and Sullivan. The site attendant will direct you to the oil collection tank. Take the empty container home to reuse for your next oil changee.
  • A minimal fee is charged to cover the County's costs to dispose of the oil collected. Currently, the fee is one waste coupon for up to two gallons of used oil. Waste coupons can be purchased at your municipal office, some banks, and at the County Landfill.

MOTOR OIL RECYCLING BENEFITS EVERYONE!

  • Used oil can be re-refined into a good-as-new lubrication oil. Oil itself never wears out, it just gets dirty and some of the additives break down.
  • Re-refined used oil takes only about 1/3 the energy of refining crude oil to lubricant quality.
  • Forty-two gallons of crude oil must be refined to yield the same amount of lubricating oil produced when re-refined only one gallon of used motor oil!
  • Recycling all our used oil could reduce national petroleum imports by over 25 million barrels of oil per year.
  • Recycling used oil prevents all the pollution problems associated with improper disposal methods.

RECYCLE USED ANTIFREEZE TOO!

Madison County also now offers an ANTIFREEZE RECYCLING program at the County Landfill site only.

Rules and disposal fees are the same as for used oil. Please be sure that only antifreeze is placed in the clear plastic containers provided.

This safe alternative is being provided as another effort to prevent improper disposal of toxic chemicals in Madison County.

Links:

Email questions or comments to madcosw@tds.net