Oil Care at Home

It is important that oil used or stored in your home is managed carefully. Oil is one of the most common causes of water pollution. Because of the way it spreads in water even a small quantity can cause a lot of harm.

Oil forms a film on the surface of rivers and lakes which can reduce the level of oxygen in the water, making it difficult for fish to breathe. It can also coat plants and animals that come into contact with it. In Canterbury large quantities of water are taken from rivers and groundwater for use as drinking water or for irrigation. Oil contamination can make the water unfit for these purposes.

Find out about used oil collection facilities in the Canterbury region.

Preventing Oil Pollution at Home

When you drain your engine oil put a drip pan beneath the vehicles oil pan. Do not tip the used oil down the drain. Many drains are connected directly to a river or stream and pollution will occur, and even small amounts can cause serious environmental problems.
When changing your oil filter, loosen the old filter (use a filter wrench if necessary), then spin if of and drain as much oil as possible into the drip pan. Place the filter upside down in an icecream container or a similar dish. Drain for 24 hours. If you can take the old filter to your local scrap metal collection point. If you don't have any other alternative, wrap the filter in newspaper and dispose of it through your domestic waste station.
Pour the used oil into a clean, empty container with a tight lid (e.g., the plastic container the clean oil was supplied in). Take used oil to a service station or recycling depot. BP and some Mobil stations will accept used oil.
Don't mix used oil with other materials, such as paint or solvents, this makes recycling very difficult.
Do not burn waste oil on a bonfire.
If you spill oil, stop it from entering drains by absorbing it with sand or sawdust. Never hose it down a drain.
If you have oil fired heating ensure that your oil tank and pipes are properly installed and regularly checked for leaks.
Store oil on an impermeable surface such as concrete, and store away from drains.
Make sure any oil stored around your home is labeled correctly.