UA, Advance Auto join to recycle oil

TUSCALOOSA – The University of Alabama-sponsored Project R.O.S.E. (Recycled Oil Saves Energy) has formed a partnership with Advance Auto Parts to provide used motor oil collection sites in Alabama. A public awareness campaign runs through Nov. 30.

Since 1977, Project R.O.S.E. has provided volunteer used motor oil collection sites across Alabama, and the number of those had grown to more than 500. With the addition of 95 Advance Auto Parts locations, the number of recycling centers in the state has increased to nearly 600.

“Through used motor oil collection programs across the state we have been able to collect 8 million gallons of used oil annually,” said Sheri Powell, coordinator of the project. “Now, with the help of Advance Auto, we can significantly increase this amount and educate citizens on how to safely dispose of used motor oil.”

According to Powell, at least 4 million gallons of used motor oil in Alabama are discharged in back yards, storm drains, landfills and streams each year. Used motor oil contains dangerous toxins, such as lead, chromium and cadmium.