In 2000, Manitobans recycled 75 per cent of available used oil, but four-million litres of used oil still remains to be recovered. Every time someone changes oil in a vehicle and improperly disposes of the used oil, the used filter or the plastic container, an opportunity is lost to extend the life of a non-renewable resource, and the environment is harmed. The program is based on our co-operative partnerships with Alberta and Saskatchewan. But, the success of the network is dependent upon our partners who understand the need to recover this potentially hazardous material and who help us inform the public about the initiative. Used oil is the largest, single source of potentially hazardous recyclable material in western Canada.
Recycling used oil extends the life of a non-renewable natural resource.
Improperly discarding oil can contaminate ground and surface water and reduce soil productivity. If all used oil improperly disposed of in Western Canada were recycled, it could produce enough energy to heat and light 60,000 homes each year, or could provide close to 39 million litres of high-quality motor oil. A litre of used oil contains up to two-thirds of the energy equivalent of a litre of new oil, making it a readily available source of heating fuel. Using proper methods, contaminants in used oil can be destroyed during combustion and not released into the air. Used oil filters are a source of scrap metal and used oil.