FREE OIL FILTER  TO LA COUNTY RESIDENTS AT KRAGEN FILTER EXCHANGE EVENT

LOS ANGELES (October 21, 2009) – The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works is hosting an oil filter exchange event as part of its continuing efforts to encourage residents to recycle used motor oil and oil filters. County residents can receive one free motor oil filter and promotional items such as an oil filter container, shop towel, or oil funnel (while supplies last) when they recycle a used oil filter at Kragen Auto Parts store (2605 Foothill Blvd,  La Crescenta, CA 91214) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2009.

Why should residents recycle used motor oil and oil filters?  Just one gallon of motor oil can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water -- that's enough water for one year's supply for 50 people! Recycling used motor oil can also help protect the environment for future generations.  Follow these steps to recycle your oil filter and used motor oil:

• Place used oil filter in a plastic bag.
• Store used motor oil in a seal-proof container.
• Do not mix oil with other liquid or materials including water.
• Mixing liquids contaminates the motor oil which cannot be recycled.

In addition to the Kragen Filter Exchange event, residents can drop off used oil and oil filters at a weekend Household Hazardous Waste/Electronic Waste (HHW/E-Waste) collection event. They can also drop off these materials at a local Certified Collection Center (CCC) within the County that will typically accept up to five gallons of uncontaminated used motor oil, and some will also accept used oil filters for recycling – all free of charge.  

To find out more information about upcoming weekend HHW/E-Waste collection events and CCC's, please call 1(888)CLEAN LA or visit www.CleanLA.com.

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Media Contact: Natalie Davis at 213.683.2113 or ndavis@saeshe.com

About the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Public Works' services include road and flood control system maintenance, construction programs, building and safety services, traffic signals and street signs. Public Works also oversees public education and information programs designed to reach the 10 million residents of the County of Los Angeles with crucial messages about protecting the environment. These programs are part of a comprehensive effort to help residents understand the impact they have on the environment and the steps they can take to protect and improve it.

Funded by a Grant from the California Integrated Waste Management Board.  Zero Waste – You Make It Happen!