Motor oil contains engine performance-enhancing chemicals when it hits the commercial market. After use, motor oil not only contains performance additives, but also fine metal particles, dust, and the by-products of gas combustion. Since motor oil requires changing at regular intervals, its improper disposal creates a notable amount of pollution.
Effects
- Discarding motor oil in the wrong way can harm topsoil. Bacteria and invertebrates like worms cannot survive exposure to used motor oil---and it is highly likely that improperly discarded motor oil will run off into our rivers and streams. Furthermore, pouring used motor oil into the ground may cause it seep down into our water table eventually.
Considerations
- Those who improperly dispose of used motor oil must recognize that the amount they discard is a small portion of a greater amount. Ignorance about what used motor oil contains, as well as its potential impact on the environment, should be addressed by public information campaigns. Those who change their own oil may need encouragement to follow proper disposal practices, so that they can avoid accidentally converting motor oil into hazardous waste.
Solution
- Used motor oil should be kept free of contaminants, so that it will be suitable for recycling. Mixing used motor oil with any other material will turn recyclable motor oil into hazardous waste. Used motor oil should be transported to a local collection agency.
