FREE CAR MAINTENANCE GIFTS TO LA COUNTY RESIDENTS FOR RECYCLING USED MOTOR OIL AND OIL FILTERS AT UPCOMING COLLECTION EVENT

LOS ANGELES (October 27, 2009) – The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works is hosting a collection event as part of its continuing efforts to encourage residents to recycle their used motor oil and oil filters. County residents can receive free promotional items such as oil containers, oil filter containers, shop towels, or oil funnels while supplies last. The event will take place at John A. Rowland High School, (Parking  Lot - 2000 Otterbein Ave., Rowland Heights, CA 91748) from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, November 7, 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 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 collection event, residents can drop off used oil and oil filters at weekend Household Hazardous Waste/Electronic Waste (HHW/E-Waste) collection events or at local Certified Collection Centers (CCC's). These centers 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!