FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Thurston County  

Oil Recycling Just Got Easier in South County

The Thurston County Health Department is pleased to announce the grand opening of a new FREE oil recycling site in Grand Mound.  The site is at:

Grand Mound Diesel Services, Inc.
19320 Elderberry St. SW
(.3 miles north of Hwy 12

The tank is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Used motor oil is the only waste accepted.  Drain the oil into a closed container such as a draintainer or once drained, put into a container that can be sealed such as an old milk jug to take to the site.  To keep the oil from spilling or leaking in your car, place the sealed container in an old dishpan or bucket. Please do not leave any containers at the site.

For contaminated motor oil (oil mixed with anything else) and any other auto waste such as oil filters or antifreeze, the county operates HazoHouse, a household hazardous waste collection site at the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center (the former landfill).  HazoHouse is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Improper disposal of used motor oil is one of the greatest challenges facing our water supply in Thurston County.  Thurston County’s drinking water comes from groundwater, which can be contaminated by motor oil that is dumped on the ground, down sinks, or into storm drains.  It is illegal to place used oil in the trash.  One gallon of used motor oil can ruin a million gallons of fresh water, a year’s supply for 50 people. 

By recycling your used motor oil at one of the 28 free oil recycling sites in Thurston County, you can help to protect our drinking water and keep our rivers and Puget Sound clean and healthy for wildlife and people.  Call 1-800-RECYCLE for a list of sites that recycle used motor oil and household hazardous waste or see our website at www.co.thurston.wa.us/wwm.