State Grants Help Promote Motor Oil Recycling Programs: Funds will enhance reuse of used oil products, target illegal disposal practices

SACRAMENTO--The California Integrated Waste Management Board approved more than $1.2 million in grants from the Used Oil Opportunity Grant Program and Used Oil Nonprofit Grant Program to allow California cities and counties to enhance overall used oil and used oil filter collection and recycling programs, as well as to consider using re-refined oil in their fleet vehicles.

"Improper disposal of used motor oil poses a great risk to the environment, as well as the health and safety of our residents," said Board Chair Margo Reid Brown. "These grants will increase used oil recycling and reduce improper disposal practices."

These projects will help boost the amount of used oil that is recycled yearly. Of the nearly 153 million gallons of used oil generated annually in California, only 59 percent is now being recycled.

Used oil is very recyclable and can be re-refined or processed into fuel oil. Unfortunately, not enough is being recycled. In 2006, 153 million gallons of lubricating oil were sold in California. Approximately 33 percent, or 50 million gallons, leaked out of engines or was burned. Yet, of the remaining 102 million gallons, just 88 million gallons were recycled, leaving approximately 14 million gallons unaccounted for and possibly improperly disposed of down storm drains, into lakes or streams, or into the garbage.

The Board’s Used Oil competitive grant program is designed to provide resources to explore new program activities and/or to transfer proven program ideas and best practices to a larger pool of communities in order to enhance overall used oil, and oil filter collection and recycling. Competitive grants can spur innovation, which may later be covered by local "Block Grant" used oil and filter collection programs.

The Board approved grants today to the following organizations:

2007/2008 Used Oil Opportunity Grants (OG9)
Applicant	Funds Awarded	Project Summary
Fremont	$ 86,123.00	Program Priority Criteria: Targeted Do It Yourself (DIY) Collection and Oil Filter Collection Will expand oil filter and used motor oil collection by partnering with the new permanent household hazardous waste facility in Fremont. This program will target the DIY population and provide outreach materials to all Fremont residents.
City of Los Angeles	$150,000.00	Program Priority Criteria: Targeted DIY Collection and Oil Filter Collection Will construct and establish five additional permanent marina oil recovery facilities. Implement a boater education program to promote used oil and filter recycling and the use of re-refined oil.
Los Angeles County	$150,000.00	Program Priority Criteria: Oil Filter Collection Implement a pilot curbside collection program for a 12-month period. In addition, proposes to conduct used oil filter exchange events at existing certified centers in the community and include public education to increase awareness and alternative methods of proper disposal.
Modoc County	$132,600.00	Program Priority Criteria: Targeted DIY Collection and Oil Filter Collection Target shade tree mechanics, Hispanic ranchers, and the DIY population by upgrading current premiere Certified Collection Center (CCC). This would include installation of a large capacity convault tank, purchase of a new electronic oil filter crusher, and replacing oil and oil filters currently used in County vehicles (120 vehicles) with re-refined oil and reusable oil filters.
Palm Desert	$150,000.00	Program Priority Criteria: Targeted DIY Collection and Oil Filter Collection Expand the current curbside used oil and filter recycling program. Provide educational materials to inform residents of the importance of recycling. Hold special collection events to target used oil filters and used oil recycling.
San Joaquin County	$127,200.00	Program Priority Criteria: Oil Filter Collection Implement an annual used oil filter education, collection and exchange program at CCCs targeting the DIY population. Improve/expand services and education to other ethnic and economic groups on used oil filter environmental issues and recycling opportunities.
San Mateo County	$ 64,550.00	Program Priority Criteria: Targeted DIY Collection Provide DIY launch ramp users and slip renters at Pillar Point Harbor with access to an onsite land-based facility for used motor oil, filter, and absorbent pad disposal and recycling.
Western Riverside Council of Governments	$125,825.00	Program Priority Criteria: Targeted DIY Collection Continue boater outreach and education program at local lakes and reservoirs. Expand existing marina bilge pad collection program at three marinas at Valley Diamond Reservoir.
2007/2008 Nonprofit Grants (NP8)
Save Our Shores	$ 65,430.00	Program Priority Criteria: Targeted DIY Collection Conduct a major boater outreach and education campaign, including re-launching of the “Dockwalkers” boater outreach program and re-establishment of the Central Coast Chapter of the California Clean Boating Network.
Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation	$198,271.00	Program Priority Criteria: Targeted DIY collection Reduce discharge of oil and oil related wastes associated with recreational boating by installing prevention services, monitoring systems and increased outreach to targeted population.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is the state's leading authority on recycling and waste reduction. It promotes reducing waste whenever possible, managing all materials to their highest and best use and protecting public health and safety and the environment.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is one of six boards, departments, and offices within the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA).

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