Problems With Automotive Waste

  • Dumping used motor oil on the ground, over roads, or into storm drains and other water systems is illegal. Heavy metals and other toxins in used oil contaminate soil and pollute water sources, posing a health hazard to wildlife and humans. Used motor oil is the single largest source of oil pollution.
  • Vehicle batteries contain corrosive materials and heavy metals that can contaminate soil and ground or surface water if disposed of improperly.
  • Dumping antifreeze on the ground will contaminate soil and surface water sources. Also, pets and children are attracted by its sweet taste, which can lead to poisoning.
  • Nearly all of a car’s wastes are toxic to varying degrees, and may present environmental and human health hazards if disposed of improperly. Toxic materials may cause injury or death if ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. None of these materials should end up in a sewer, septic system, storm drain, back yard or empty lot.
  • It is illegal to discharge automotive waste directly to surface water, storm drains, or onto the ground, where rainfall can carry it into the ground water or nearby surface water. Penalties of up to $30,000 per day may be imposed. Property found to be contaminated is difficult to sell without doing expensive cleanup, and the owners of the property may find it difficult to obtain loans against their property once banks are aware of the problem.
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