With oil prices continuing to skyrocket, there is something we can do to save a little money while helping the environment at the same time.
 
Many service stations charge a fee to recycle used motor oil every time you have your oil changed.  But, did you know that the City of Garland's Recycling Center offers this service free of charge?
 
If you change your own oil, bring it to the Recycling Center and empty it into the white tank.  Then, put the used oil filter into the container located nearby.  There are signs to guide you.
 
Motor oil and oil filters are hazardous waste and should never be put in the trash, sink or down a storm drain.  Just one gallon of oil can contaminate a million gallons of fresh water.  That's a year supply of water for 50 people.
 
The American Petroleum Institute says over 600 million gallons of motor oil are purchased every year.  Over half that amount is bought by people who change their own oil.
 
Used motor oil can be reprocessed into fuel that keeps your family cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  It can be burned in furnaces for heat, or in power plants to generate electricity for homes, schools and businesses.
 
Recycling used motor oil pays off for you and the environment!
 
To report stormwater pollution, cal the Stormwater Hotline at 972.205.2180.