Sumter County Record Journal March 18, 2004

City of York joins Oil Recycling effort

“Project R.O.S.E. (Recycled Oil Saves Energy), recently donated a collection tank to the City of York for used motor oil recycling,” said Charlotte Nix, Assistant Project R.O.S.E. Coordinator. Since 1977, Project R.O.S.E. has served as the state used motor oil education and outreach program and is located in the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

“A year ago, Sumter County lacked a single collection location for used motor oil,” said Nix.

In 2003, three sites were established, and just recently a fourth at the Municipal Building in York. We appreciate the cooperation of Ms. Renee Pringle and the City of York to provide this service.”

The four locations in Sumter County are well spaced, making recycling convenient to do-it-yourself (DIY) oil changers,” said Nix.

“Cross Tire in Emelle serves the northern part of the county; Western Auto and the Municipal Building in York serve the southern part,” said Nix.

“Project R.O.S.E. wishes every county has this kind of coverage.”

Used motor oil is insoluble, persistent, slow to degrade, and sticks to everything from sand to bird feathers. Used motor oil can contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to plants, animals, and humans alike. Improper disposal can degrade soil, and contaminate ground and surface water.

The amount of used motor oil from a single oil change (approx. one gallon) can ruin a million gallons of fresh water, a year’s supply for 50 people.

Used motor oil should never be used to kill weeds, for dust abatement, or mixed with any other substance. It should be collected in a container like an empty milk jug or 2 liter soda bottle, sealed, and recycled in a timely manner. For more information, contact Project R.O.S.E. at 1-800-452-5901 or http://prose.eng.ua.edu.

Contact: Charlotte Nix, Assistant Project R.O.S.E. Coordinator, Box 870203, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, 205-348-5529, cnix@coe.eng.ua.edu.

Sumter County’s used motor oil recycling locations include: City of York Municipal Building, 1022 East 4^th Avenue; Western Auto, 631 3^rd Avenue North, York; and Cross Tire and Service, 39348 Hwy 17.