Anyone working on changing their car's oil will be pleased to know there is a new free-to-use oil return station coming to Squamish.
The BC Used Oil Management Association announced July 6 that it has given a grant to Triton Automotive Supply for an upgraded used oil recycling centre.
As a result, residents can expect to soon have access to a new 20-foot modified sea container and a 2,200-litre tank. This upgraded public recycling centre will accept used oil and antifreeze materials.
"It's made for do-it-yourselfers in small commercial operations. Bring it down. It's free of charge," said David Lawes, CEO of the association.
Lawes added that the centre will accept uncontaminated oil.
He said it's key to bring the oil back as soon as possible, as the longer it sits, the more likely it will get contaminated."Take it back quick and clean and as soon as you [can]...and the more likely we can turn this back into a new product, a new lubricating oil," Lawes said.
He said Triton was chosen for a centre due to its standing in town."We like the community connection they have," said Lawes.
"British Columbians really like to recycle oil. We haven't heard a lot of issues about Squamish, but we saw an opportunity to work with Triton Automotive. They seemed like a nice community partner, they know the community well and we want to drive this service for that community."Lawes said that oil dropped off in return stations is 100% recycled.
About 75% of it is recycled as oil — like car oil — that you can get off the shelves, and the remaining quarter is used for different types of products.This can include use as a binder for road construction or it could be burned for energy.
The non-profit association receives its funding from retailers and manufacturers of oil to accomplish the B.C. government's mandate that those who make the product must provide a means to recycle it.By the organization's count, each year, approximately 50 million litres of oil, and 3 million litres of antifreeze are collected and managed through the association's network of public recycling centres and generators across the province.
