
				Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor

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To report
environmental
emergencies
only, call the
Illinois Emergency
Management Agency
800-782-7860
217-782-7860
(24 hrs/day)

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Used Oil Management

The release of used motor oil can have adverse effects on the environment. Just one gallon of used oil can make a million gallons of fresh water undrinkable. When used oil is poured down the drain and enters a sewage treatment plant, a very small concentration of oil can foul the treatment processes. A film of oil on a water surface prevents oxygen from entering the water and blocks sunlight. This makes it difficult for plants to grow, thus reducing the animal and plant life in a body of water. Water, air and soil are all connected, and oil can make its way to these media.

Because of these risks, proper management of used oil is a major environmental concern. Illinois state law banned liquid used motor oil from landfills as of July 1, 1996. The ban does not include oil filters, absorbents used to clean up oil spills, or containers which previously contained used oil.

The Illinois EPA conducts numerous household hazardous waste collections throughout the state. Used oil is collected at these events and transported to permitted facilities to be used as an alternative fuel source. In addition, many service stations and retail outlets in Illinois are accepting used motor oil for reuse and recycling.

For more information, contact David Walters.

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