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By Alice McFarlane

Used oil recycling

Oil recycling still important during pandemic

Apr 2, 2020 | 12:04 PM

COVID-19 has had an impact on several aspects of the farming community including the recycling of used oil and antifreeze.

Saskatchewan Resource Recovery Corporation Executive Director Ethan Richardson said public drop off locations are run by independent businesses and they may not be taking product.

“Some of them might be closed, some of them might have reduced hours and some of them might be open. If you are bringing materials to either a eco-center or a business, please call ahead to make sure they’re able to take your stuff,” he told farmnewsNOW.

There is another option. Richardson said farm pickups are continuing for larger pickups.

“A lot of our collectors are still operating, especially if you’ve got outdoor tanks or facilities where you don’t need to interact. They’re more than happy to come pump out and keep that material moving,” he said. “Of course, from an administrative perspective we’ve made accommodations to make sure the proper distancing can be maintained.”

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Richardson said farmers should also keep in mind antifreeze can be recycled along with oil, oil filters and plastic containers.

“Especially with antifreeze, if you have a hose leak or a blow out, please try and keep that material separate. Don’t mix it with your oil because we can turn that antifreeze back into clean product for resale,” he said.

Richardson said if you’re able you may want to consider waiting to recycle your materials and store them safely until everything returns to normal.

“Especially with the situation changing on an almost daily basis, maybe just hold on to your filters and oil for a little bit longer than you would normally especially if it’s not causing a problem,” he said. “Maybe consider doing it a little bit later in April or even in May.”

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On twitter: @AliceMcF