Interchange Recycling recently announced the opening of a new used oil recycling depot in Fernie located at 6000 Highway 3.

The not-for-profit organization dedicated to the collection and recycling of used motor oil, oil filters, oil containers, used antifreeze and antifreeze containers in British Columbia is working in partnership with the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), providing Fernie Transfer Station with a new 20-foot sea container,  2,200 litre used oil storage tank and an intermediate bulk container (IBC tank) for antifreeze collection.

“Most British Columbians are recycling their oil without even knowing it,” said David Lawes, CEO, Interchange Recycling. “When you take your vehicle in for a service or an oil change at a registered oil change or mechanic shop, the employees ensure that your oil is being recycled for you. For the do-it-yourself market, we have a network of approximately 300 collection sites around the province which make it safe, convenient and easy to do the right thing and return their used oil and antifreeze materials, making sure they don’t end up in our environment.”

Formed in 2003 under the British Columbia Society Act, Interchange Recycling has provided British Columbians with a convenient, free, and eco-friendly way to recycle program materials for the past two decades. 99.6 percent of residents across the province currently have reasonable access to recycling locations.

“This new Fernie depot provides a convenient option for the public to safely dispose of oil, antifreeze, filters and accepted containers through the Interchange Recycling program and will ensure these items not only stay out of the landfill, but are properly recycled,” said Regional District of East Kootenay Solid Waste Superintendent Jim Penson.

“Having the depot located at the Fernie Transfer Station further adds to the convenience for our residents, who can now access even more recycling services in one location.”

Since 2003, Interchange Recycling has collected more than 880 million litres of used oil, 100 million used oil filters, and 26 million litres of antifreeze (they started collecting antifreeze in 2011).

Used oil is a valuable resource and if it is recycled at one of Interchange Recycling’s dedicated public recycling centres it can be recovered and re-used. Used oil can be re-refined into new lubricating oil or material inputs for manufacturing or energy products.

Additionally, used oil filters contain metal, which is recycled into metal products like rebar, nails, and wire. Used oil and antifreeze containers are recycled and used to manufacture new oil containers, drainage tiles, and parking curbs. Used antifreeze is refined and reused as new automotive antifreeze.

See a comprehensive listing of all the public recycling centres across B.C.

Photo submitted

Article Share