Farmers often find themselves with used or surplus oil and antifreeze from their farm machinery and vehicles. Recognizing the need for proper disposal, the British Columbia Used Oil Management Association (BCUOMA) offers a free recycling program through Interchange Recycling.
This initiative helps farmers across British Columbia responsibly manage their waste while protecting the environment.
The Interchange Recycling program focuses on collecting and recycling lubricating oil, oil filters, oil containers, antifreeze, and antifreeze containers.
Annually, the program handles about 50 million litres of oil and antifreeze, ensuring these materials are kept out of the environment and instead are turned into useful products.
Since its inception in 2003 for oil-related products and 2011 for antifreeze, BCUOMA has been pivotal in promoting environmental sustainability.
They work closely with stakeholders to recycle these materials at publicly accessible centres throughout the province.
These materials are then sent to registered processors where they are re-purposed into new products or used as raw materials for manufacturing and energy products.
For instance, used oil can be refined into new lubricating oil or used as raw materials in other manufacturing processes.
Metals from used oil filters are recycled into products like rebar and nails, while plastics from oil and antifreeze containers are transformed into new items such as parking curbs and drainage tiles. Similarly, used antifreeze is processed and reused as automotive antifreeze.
For farmers looking to participate in this recycling program, here are five easy steps:
- Drain the oil and oil filter from your machinery.
- Store the used oil in a suitable container, like an old oil drum.
- Use a funnel to transfer the oil, minimizing spills.
- Ensure the container is well-sealed.
- Bring the used oil and antifreeze to a local recycling centre.
To find a nearby recycling centre, visit Interchange Recycling. This webpage includes a map and a legend that indicates the types of materials accepted at various locations. For additional information, head to the Interchange recycling website.
By participating in this program, you contribute to a sustainable future, ensuring that essential resources are reused and repurposed. This initiative not only helps keep your farm clean but also aids in achieving broader environmental goals like CO2 reduction and pollution prevention.