The Rural Municipality of Stuartburn is offering a location for those wanting to get rid of used oil.
Reeve Michelle Gawronsky says for the third year now, they are running an oil recycling program. She notes the goal is to reduce the amount of pollution entering their landfill.
The program is run out of their Eco Centre at their landfill, where there is a designated spot for storing any product that is dropped off. Gawronsky explains they are funded through the Manitoba Association for Resource Recovery Corp (MAARC) to promote and operate the program, with hopes of increasing the amount of used oil recycling that happens in the southeast.
Gawronsky explains that this program was initially intended for ratepayers in Stuartburn. It has since expanded to include anyone wishing to take part.
"It's our way of being able to help promote safety in recycling," she says.
Stuartburn's Eco Centre will accept the following oil products to be recycled:
- Oil - any petroleum or synthetic crankcase oil, engine oil, hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid, gear oil, heat transfer fluid, or other fluid used for lubricating purposes in machinery or equipment.
- Oil filters - any spin-on or element oil filter used in hydraulic, transmission, or internal combustion engine applications - includes diesel fuel filters but does not include gasoline fuel filters.
- Oil containers - any plastic container with a capacity of fewer than 30 litres that is manufactured to hold oil.
- Antifreeze - any ethylene glycol or propylene glycol vehicle engine coolant.
- Antifreeze containers - any plastic container with a capacity of fewer than 30 litres that is manufactured to hold antifreeze.
Used oil materials can be dropped off at the Eco Centre between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm, Monday to Saturday. Gawronsky says individuals can come out to the Eco Centre where an agent will meet them, take down their information, and collect their used oil.
Gawronsky says this program provides many benefits to residents. She notes it reduces the amount of non-biodegradable materials from entering the landfill, creating a safer place to live. In addition, she says this is also about safety, particularly preventing pets and wildlife from accidentally getting into it.
Anyone who brings in four litres of used oil or antifreeze will receive either one shop towel roll or a 3.78 litre jug of windshield washer fluid.
With files from Adi Loewen