As of July 1, antifreeze can now be recycled for free at various locations across the RDOS. The antifreeze recycling program is managed by the BC Used Oil Management Association (BCUOMA). Since 2003, BCUOMA, a non-profit organization, has been responsible for the province-wide collection and recycling of used oil, oil containers and oil filters.
Used antifreeze is a concern for the environment since it may contain copper, zinc and lead from automobile engines, and can pose several risks to the environment, animals and humans, when leaked, spilled or improperly disposed of.
“It is estimated that about 11 to 12 million Iitres of automotive antifreeze will be sold in B.C. this year. About 45 per cent of the antifreeze sold will be available for collection and recycling while the other 55 per cent is lost through use,” says Dave Russell, Antifreeze Board Member, BCUOMA. “We are optimistic that close to three million litres of used antifreeze will be collected in our first full year of operation.”
Historically, only a very small number of return collection facilities throughout British Columbia voluntarily accepted used antifreeze from the do-it-yourselfer. Today, the program has over 200 hundred collection facilities taking back used antifreeze from the do-it-yourselfer at no cost, and more facilities will be signed up in the next few months. For the do-it-yourselfer to take back their used oil materials, there are over 480 collection facilities.
In the RDOS, residents can currently bring used oil, antifreeze, oil filters and applicable containers for free drop off and recycling at the following locations:
Penticton: Canadian Tire, Great Canadian Oil Change, Larsen Brothers, Lube-X
Osoyoos: OK Truck
Oliver: Oliver Brake and Muffler
Okanagan Falls: G&R Auto
Keremeos: Dan’s Automotive
As well the Campbell Mountain Landfill in Penticton, the Summerland Landfill and Princeton Landfill can accept antifreeze, oil, oil filters and containers free of charge. Check with www.usedoilrecycling.com for new locations as they become available.