SACRAMENTO – A recent survey by California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) revealed a serious gap in awareness among drivers who change their own motor oil. While 95 percent of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) oil changers said they recycle their used motor oil, approximately one-third admitted to dumping their used oil filters in the trash, potentially contaminating the environment with hazardous waste.

DIYers who responded that they threw away their used oil filters acknowledged they were not aware filters could be recycled, revealing a critical opportunity to improve oil filter recycling practices across the Golden State.

New efforts to build stronger awareness of the importance of recycling oil filters are rolling out statewide. CalRecycle is using public service announcements, filter exchange events, and other grassroots initiatives to educate the public on the importance of recycling their used motor oil and filters together.

“California’s home mechanics are recycling their motor oil, but we need to make sure they finish the job right and take in their filters, too,” CalRecycle Director Caroll Mortensen said. “We are asking news professionals, local businesses, and our local government partners to help us spread the word. Together we can make big strides to increase oil filter recycling and keep toxic materials out of the environment.”

Each year California generates nearly 70 million used automotive filters, which are completely recyclable. After filters are drained, each one still holds about 10 ounces of toxic oil residue and is therefore considered hazardous waste that cannot be thrown in the trash. This trapped motor oil could add up to two million gallons of toxic waste going into California’s environment, water systems or landfills each year if not properly recycled. According to CalRecycle, recycling these filters, which contain about a pound of steel, could produce enough metal to build three large sports stadiums.

Californians can find a list of local Certified Collection Centers on the CalRecycle website. Additional tips and information can be located on the CalRecycle Facebook page and Twitter.

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CalRecycle is the state’s leading authority on recycling, waste reduction, and product reuse.  CalRecycle plays an important role in the stewardship of California’s vast resources and promotes innovation in technology to encourage economic and environmental sustainability.  For more information, visit www.calrecycle.ca.gov.

SACRAMENTO – Should motorists change their vehicle’s oil every 3,000 miles? Not necessarily, according to the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) and its “Check Your Number” campaign to encourage drivers to rethink their current driving habits and only change the motor oil as needed.

“With significant advances in auto technology, it’s important for drivers to understand that changing motor oil every 3,000 miles is an old default that may not be relevant for their vehicle,” said CalRecycle Director Caroll Mortensen. “Frequent oil changes do not necessarily mean better performance or longer engine life. By following the manufacturer’s recommendations, you will not only do right by your ride, but you’ll also benefit the environment by using fewer resources.”

A recent survey by CalRecycle indicates almost 10 million Californians change their motor oil every 3,000 miles or less. However, many cars can now go farther. For example, Ford recommends an oil change every 5,000 miles for a 2005 Explorer SUV, while Honda recommends 7,500 miles for its 2007 Civic.

Since launching in November 2011, the “Check Your Number” campaign has garnered mass media attention throughout California and nationwide from the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and the New York Times, to name a few. Over a half-million visitors have flocked to the campaign website (CheckYourNumber.org) to find the manufacturer-recommended oil change intervals for most cars manufactured since 2000.

CalRecycle will host a public education “Check Your Number” campaign event at the Santa Monica Pier on April 14. Free parking will be available to drivers who agree to check their manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval and display that number on a windshield poster, creating a sea of “Check Your Number” supporters helping to educate their fellow Californians. Additionally, the CalRecycle team will be available to look up the recommended oil change intervals for any Santa Monica Pier visitors that day. Through this event, CalRecycle will demonstrate to Californians that different vehicles have different oil change needs and that re-evaluating their current oil change habits can help them save money while reducing their impact on the environment. “Check Your Number” parking is available to the first 140 participating drivers.

Motorists can take the first step by checking their owner’s manual or by visiting CheckYourNumber.org to find recommended oil change intervals for popular vehicle models made 2000-2012. Additional tips and information can be found on the CalRecycle Facebook page and @CalRecycle on Twitter.

Do your part for your vehicle and the environment and Check Your Number today!

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CalRecycle is the state’s leading authority on recycling, waste reduction, and product reuse.  CalRecycle plays an important role in the stewardship of California’s vast resources and promotes innovation in technology to encourage economic and environmental sustainability.  For more information, visit www.calrecycle.ca.gov.

SACRAMENTO – A recent survey by California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) revealed a critical gap in awareness among drivers who change their own motor oil. While 95 percent of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) oil changers said they recycle their used motor oil, approximately one-third admitted to tossing out the used oil filter, potentially contaminating the environment with hazardous waste.

 New efforts to build stronger awareness of the importance of recycling oil filters will be tested this year in Kern County, the state’s fourth-largest DIY oil change market.

“California’s home mechanics are recycling their motor oil, but we need to make sure they finish the job right and take in their filters, too,” CalRecycle Director Caroll Mortensen said. “Considering Kern County’s highly involved community, we have a great opportunity here to raise awareness and make big strides to increase oil filter recycling and keep toxic materials out of the environment.”

CalRecycle will host the first of five free filter collection events in Bakersfield March 17 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at AutoZone #5332 (1615 Brundage Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93304). Each resident who participates in an event will receive a new oil filter in exchange for their used one. The local environment will also benefit from new educational materials and information on oil and filter recycling that will be distributed through community organizations and participating businesses.

Each year California generates approximately 70 million used automotive filters. Even after draining, each still holds about 10 ounces of toxic oil residue and is therefore considered hazardous waste that cannot be thrown in the trash. This trapped motor oil could add up to 2 million gallons of toxic waste going into California’s environment, water systems, or landfills each year if not properly recycled.

Californians can find a list of local Certified Collection Centers on the CalRecycle website. Additional tips and information can be located on the CalRecycle Facebook page and Twitter.

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 CalRecycle is the state’s leading authority on recycling, waste reduction, and product reuse.  CalRecycle plays an important role in the stewardship of California’s vast resources and promotes innovation in technology to encourage economic and environmental sustainability.  For more information, visit www.calrecycle.ca.gov.

CalRecycle is taking over Pier 30 parking area at San Francisco’s AT&T Park for the Cal vs. Washington football game and giving free spots to fans who agree to check for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval specific to their vehicle. If you’re planning to attend the game, or if you’re hanging out around the Embarcadero, come swing by for free parking and to check your oil change interval number!

What is the “Check Your Number” Campaign?
“Check Your Number” is a creative new public education campaign with two primary goals.

First, it encourages Californians to look up the recommended oil change interval for their vehicle instead of defaulting to the old standard of 3,000 miles. With today’s advanced technologies, many car makers confirm that their automobiles can now maintain top performance and engine life while going longer between oil changes. Thus, it makes economic and environmental sense to “check your number” and be sure you are not changing your oil too soon, unnecessarily wasting money and resources. The second goal is to inform residents on the proper way to collect and recycle used motor oil and filters. There are many free, local collection centers available throughout the state to help drivers do their part to keep harmful toxins out of the groundwater.

This statewide initiative includes strategic partnerships, special events in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Kern County, advertising, public relations and a new website (www.CheckYourNumber.org) – all designed to make it easy for residents to “check their number” and be better informed about the responsible time and way to handle their next oil change.

SACRAMENTO – Should motorists change their vehicle’s oil every 3,000 miles? Not necessarily, according to the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), which today announced the “Check Your Number” campaign to encourage drivers to rethink their current habits and only change motor oil as needed.

The campaign kicks off with launch events in San Francisco on Nov. 5 and Santa Monica on Nov. 12 to help drivers do the right thing for their vehicles and the environment.

“With significant advances in auto technology, it’s important for drivers to understand that changing motor oil every 3,000 miles is an old default that may not be relevant for their vehicle,” said CalRecycle Director Caroll Mortensen. “Frequent oil changes do not necessarily mean better performance or longer engine life. By following the manufacturer’s recommendations, you will not only do right by your ride, but you’ll also benefit the environment by using fewer resources.”

A recent survey by CalRecycle indicates almost 10 million Californians change their motor oil every 3,000 miles or less. However, many cars can go farther. For example, Toyota recommends an oil change every 5,000 miles for a 2005 Tacoma pickup, while General Motors recommends 7,500 miles for its 2007 Chevrolet Malibu.

Reduced motor oil consumption reduces the risk of environmental damage. Changing motor oil according to manufacturer specifications would reduce motor oil demand in California by approximately 10 million gallons per year.

To kickoff the campaign, CalRecycle will take over high-traffic parking areas at San Francisco’s AT&T Park and the Santa Monica Pier near Los Angeles for one day, offering free parking to drivers who agree to check their owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval, and display that number on a poster on their windshield. Creating a sea of “Check Your Number” supporters, CalRecycle will challenge Californians to re-evaluate their oil change habits.

Motorists can take the first step by checking their owner’s manual or by visiting CheckYourNumber.org to find recommended oil change intervals for popular vehicle models. Additional tips and information can be found on the CalRecycle Facebook page and @CalRecycle on Twitter.

Do your part for your vehicle and the environment and Check Your Number today!

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CalRecycle is the state’s leading authority on recycling, waste reduction, and product reuse.  CalRecycle plays an important role in the stewardship of California’s vast resources and promotes innovation in technology to encourage economic and environmental sustainability.  For more information, visit www.calrecycle.ca.gov.

DRIVERS LEARNING TO “CHECK THEIR NUMBER” AND RE-EVALUATE OIL CHANGE HABITS CAN PARK FOR FREE AT SANTA MONICA PIER APRIL 14

Public Education Campaign Helps Motorists Save Money By Learning Recommended Oil Change Interval

WHAT: CalRecycle will host a public education “Check Your Number” campaign event at the Santa Monica Pier near Los Angeles on April 14. Free parking will be available to drivers who agree to check their manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval and display that number on a windshield poster, creating a sea of “Check Your Number” supporters helping to educate their fellow Californians. Additionally, the CalRecycle team will be available to look up the recommended oil change intervals for any Santa Monica Pier visitors that day. Most modern cars have manufacturer recommendations of 5,000 miles, 7,500 miles or even more between oil changes, and don’t need to rely on the outdated 3,000-mile standard. Through this event, CalRecycle will demonstrate to Californians that different vehicles have different oil change needs and that re-evaluating their current oil change habits can help them save money while reducing their impact on the environment. “Check Your Number” parking is available to the first 140 participating drivers.

WHO: CalRecycle, the state’s leading authority on recycling, waste reduction and product reuse.

WHEN: Saturday, April 14
10:00 am – 3:00 pm

WHERE: Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
West Parking Lot, behind the Carousel

VISUALS:

• A sea of 100+ vehicles displaying their various oil change numbers, dramatically illustrating the range of intervals between different models
• CalRecycle representatives and possibly elected officials helping visitors “check” their number on-site
• Residents talking about the money they will save now that they realize they do not have to change their oil so often
• Large posters highlighting the recommended oil change intervals for top models

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CalRecycle is the state’s leading authority on recycling, waste reduction, and product reuse.  CalRecycle plays an important role in the stewardship of California’s vast resources and promotes innovation in technology to encourage economic and environmental sustainability.  For more information, visit www.calrecycle.ca.gov.

Visitors Invited to Save Money On-the-Spot and in the Future By Learning Recommended Oil Change Interval 

WHAT: CalRecycle is taking over Pier 30 parking area at San Francisco’s AT&T Park for the Cal vs. Washington football game and giving free spots to fans who agree to check for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval specific to their vehicle. With many motorists still defaulting to the old standard of 3,000 miles, this event offers immediate payoff (free parking) for Californians willing to rethink their current motor oil change habits, get better informed, and only change their oil as needed – which for many vehicles on the road today can range from 5,000-10,000 miles.

WHO: Local officials are teaming up with CalRecycle, the state’s leading authority on recycling, waste reduction and product reuse, to challenge AT&T Park visitors to verify the right interval for their next oil change instead of mistakenly holding on to the outdated 3,000-mile guideline. In return for a few minutes to “check your number,” hundreds of visitors will save on parking for the day and save on unnecessary oil changes in the future as part of this statewide education program.

WHEN: Saturday, November 5

10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

WHERE: AT&T Park
24 Willie Mays Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94107
Pier 30 – North of the park along Embarcadero

VISUALS:

• A sea of 100 vehicles displaying their various oil change numbers, dramatically illustrating the range of intervals between different models
• Elected officials helping visitors “check” their number on-site
• Residents talking about the money they will save now that they realize they do not have to change their oil so often
• Large banners highlighting the recommended oil change intervals for top models

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CalRecycle is the state’s leading authority on recycling, waste reduction, and product reuse.  CalRecycle plays an important role in the stewardship of California’s vast resources and promotes innovation in technology to encourage economic and environmental sustainability.  For more information, visit www.calrecycle.ca.gov.