DeKalb Approved for Used Motor Oil Collection Grant

DeKalb County has received approval for a $9,200 Used Motor Oil Collection Grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Division of Solid Waste Management.
Funds from the grant will be used to acquire tanks, canopies, pads, and absorbents.
DeKalb is among twenty seven counties or cities to receive the grants totaling $444,300 to establish, upgrade or replace existing equipment or establish a new collection center.
County Mayor Mike Foster said funds from the grant will be used to establish a used oil collection point at one and possibly two county garbage collection convenience sites. The landfill and five of the convenience sites already have places to collect used oil. Some also have places to collect used anti-freeze.
“Educating citizens on the proper disposal of used motor oil can have a direct impact on the water quality of Tennessee’s lakes, streams and groundwater,” TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau said.
Tennesseans who change their own motor oil generate more than one million gallons of used oil each year, which can pollute soil and water and interfere with the operation of sewer systems when not properly disposed. The General Assembly authorized the Used Oil Collection Act of 1993 to assist local communities in collecting used oil and reducing its negative effects on the environment. Tennessee’s Solid Waste Management Act requires counties to have at least one place in the county where used oil can be properly disposed. Used oil collection grants are funded by a two cent deposit on every quart of oil purchased in the state.
Used Motor Oil Collection Grants assist local governments in improving and expanding used oil infrastructure for the collection of used oil from do-it-yourselfers. Equipment purchased through the Used Motor Oil Collection Grants may include containers, used oil heaters, containment structures, shelter covers and other items. Tennessee counties, cities, solid waste authorities and counties having a metropolitan form of government are eligible for funding consideration.
The priorities for receiving a grant include upgrading or replacing equipment to bring used oil collection centers up to the standards of the Used Oil Collection and Recycling Grant Program requirements. An additional priority is the establishment of a new do-it-yourself used oil collection center.