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Illinois state law bans liquid used motor oil from landfills as of July 1, 1996. The ban does not include oil filters, absorbents used to clean up oil spills, or containers which previously contained used oil.

The release of used motor oil, either intentional or otherwise, can have adverse effects on the environment. Just one gallon of used oil can make a million gallons of fresh water undrinkable. When used oil is poured down the drain and enters a sewage treatment plant, a very small concentration of oil can foul the treatment processes. A film of oil on a water surface prevents oxygen from entering the water and blocks sunlight. This makes it difficult for plants to grow, thus reducing the animal and plant life in a body of water. Water, air and soil are all connected, and pollutants such as oil can make their way to these media. This is why proper management of used oil is such a major environmental concern.

UIS collects all used oil generated on campus for recycling. UIS cannot accept used oil from the general public, however, student housing residents may drop off their used oil to the campus oil recycling station. For more information, contact Bob Raebig at 206-6531 or e-mail: raebig.bob@uis.edu