FAQ
When researching a prospective filter
management company, there are certain questions you should ask each
company. The following list of questions is meant to be used as a
guideline only. You should tailor your questions to your individual
needs and circumstances.
Q: Does Vortex Oil Filter Recycling have general liability insurance?
A: Yes. You can be assured that your company is adequately
protected when you let us process your used oil filters.
Q: Will Vortex Recycling provide me with the names and
phone numbers of business references?
A: Yes. We would be happy supply you with a list of references
that use our recycling facility.
Q: Why should I recycle?
A: Recycling the oil filters and motor oil from your car, truck, motorcycle, boat,
or RV is one way that you can demonstrate your commitment to protect
the environment for future generations while conserving energy resources.
Q: What are the benefits of
recycling?
A: Recycling keeps used motor oil from rivers, streams, or lakes. It also
keeps oil out of our ground water supplies which can affect your drinking
water. Recycling oil filters and oil saves energy and a valuable resources.
Q: Where do I drop off my used oil filters?
A: Most service stations, repair facilities and quick lubes will accept
used oil filters without charge. Check with your local government or recycling
coordinator for procedures and collection services in your area. A good
source for local collection center information is Earth 911, which
identifies collection centers in your area by zip code. To find out more
about Earth 911 and state and local program information, click here.
Q: How much used oil and steel gets recycled?
A: Current research shows 90% of all used oil filters are being dispensed
into landfills. If these filters were recycled, an estimated 161,500 tons
of steel and 17.8 million gallons of oil would be recovered. An oil
filter that is not drained can contain from one-half pint (8 oz.) to a
full quart (64 oz.) of used oil.
Q: What is recycled motor oil used for?
A: Used motor oil can be reprocessed into fuel that can be used in
furnaces for heat, or in power plants to generate electricity for homes,
schools and businesses. It can also be used in industrial and utility
boilers, mixed with asphalt, blended for marine fuels, and other uses.
Used motor oil can also be re-refined into lubricating oils that meet the
same API/SAE specifications as virgin motor oil.
Q: What are recycled oil filters used for?
A: Once all of the oil is removed from the filters and they are
compacted, they can be re-melted by steel manufacturers to process new
steel products.
Q: Is re-refined oil OK to use in
my car?
A: Yes. You can achieve the same level of performance from a re-refined
oil product as you can from virgin oil. Before buying a re-refined oil
product, check to see that it has the API Service Symbol "donut" (which
identifies the performance level, viscosity, and energy-conserving
properties) and the API Certification Mark "Starburst".
Q: Is used oil considered a hazardous waste?
A: The federal government does not consider used oil that is destined for
recycling a hazardous waste. There are three states, however, which have
classified used oil as a hazardous waste (CA, MA, and RI). These three
states require special handling for used oil. In all other states, used
oil is handled like a typical household hazardous waste such as paint,
stains, varnishes, pesticides, and many cleaning products.
Q: What is the best way to store used motor oil before recycling?
A: Be sure to store your used motor oil in a container that will not leak
– many people use milk jugs with a secure cap. Do not mix other
substances with the used oil, like antifreeze or transmission fluid.
Store it away from children and sources of ignition.
Q: How should I handle the filter and bottle?
A: The Filter Manufacturing Council has a web site that allows you to
search for regulations in your state on the proper disposal of oil
filters and provides a list of filter management companies that services
your area. Filter Manufacturers Council is located on the web at
http://www.filtercouncil.org/index.html
Q: How can I set up a collection program in my community?
A: API has "A Guidebook for Implementing Curbside and Drop-off Used Motor
Oil Collection Programs", that provides useful information for regulators
and municipal planners interested in starting or evaluating a drop-off or
curbside collection program. The document provides examples of both
programs and how to effectively implement them.
Q: What if I don’t recycle?
A: Used oil filters and oil that are not disposed of properly can end up in landfills, sewers, back
yards, or storm drains. In all of these cases, soil, groundwater and even
drinking water may be contaminated. Used oil poured down your sewer line
can damage your community’s water treatment system – contaminating your
drinking water and costing you money. In many areas improper disposal of
used oil is a crime.
