by Carl Baker on 2014-08-22

The cities of Redlands and Highland will hold a joint event to encourage residents of both cities to recycle used motor oil filters. Do-it-yourself auto enthusiasts may bring up to three used oil filters for recycling and exchange for new filters. In addition, they will receive a free bucket, oil drain pan and other items as a gift for participating in the recycling program. The free event, open to Redlands and Highland residents only with valid ID or a utility bill for verification, will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Auto Zone, 27292 Baseline Road in Highland. Filters and other gifts are available only at the Highland store until 2 p.m. or while supplies last. Filters should be allowed to drain for 12 hours and transported in a non-leaking container or bag. Used motor oil never wears out. It just gets dirty and can be recycled, cleaned, and used again. Recycling used motor oil conserves a natural resource (oil) and is good for the environment too. Recycling oil keeps it out of rivers, lakes, streams and even ground water. Used oil from a single oil change (approximately four quarts of oil) can ruin a million gallons of water - a year's supply for 50 people. Used oil poured down a sewer line can damage the City’s water treatment system – costing taxpayers money. Improper disposal of used oil is a crime. By recycling used motor oil, it can be transformed into new products, burned for heat or the production of asphalt or used in power plants to generate electricity. Burning just two gallons of used oil in a power plant can generate enough electricity to run an average household for 24 hours. This program is funded by a grant from CalRecycle at no additional cost to either the cities of Redlands or Highland.