Used motor oil and other automotive chemicals get into our water supply through careless and improper disposal or by simply dumping it on the ground.

Anything dumped into a storm drain, including used motor oil, drains directly to the nearest water supply——it does not get treated and cleaned.

Poorly maintained motor vehicles leak fluids onto roadways. Fluids then wash into storm drains and into our water supply every time it rains.

Used motor oil dumped on the ground eventually seeps into the ground water and eventually reaches the water supply.

Let's work together to stop this senseless destruction of our creeks, lakes and the Trinity River. Do your part and dispose of your used motor oil properly——recycle it!

2. Never mix used motor oil with trash, antifreeze, degreasers, brake fluids or other automotive chemicals. Also, don't mix used motor oil with cooking oils, paint thinners, gasoline or other fluids or solvents.

3. Recycle your used motor oil and filters by taking them to an approved collection site for used motor oil. Many full-service gas stations and retailers that sell auto parts will accept your used motor oil. Some may charge a small fee to take your oil filter. Make sure you call the location of the retailer before you go!

Why recycle used motor oil?

• Used motor oil causes water pollution. Water pollution is ugly, destroys neighborhoods, prevents economic growth, threatens the environment and is a health hazard.
• Just one gallon of oil will pollute one million gallons of water.
• Each year in the United States, people who change their own motor oil dump more oil onto the environment that the amount spilled by any major oil spill.
• Texans generate approximately 25 million gallons of used motor oil each year. According to the State of Texas, more than 70 percent is disposed of improperly.
• Used motor oil is a valuable resource. It can be used for industrial fuels, mixed with asphalt and made into road-base, and re-refined into lubricants with the same quality as "virgin" products.
• Improper disposal of used motor oil——especially dumping it into a storm drain——is illegal and punishable by fine.

Don't dump it, Dallas! Protect your water

• Please remember that anything that enters a storm drain is not treated before it flows into the nearest creek, lake or the Trinity River.
• Dispose of motor oil, antifreeze and other chemicals properly.
• Keep your cars maintained so they don't leak.
• Don't use motor oil, gasoline, or kerosene to kill weeds and insects.
• Keep soaps and detergents out of storm drains.
• Don't throw anything into storm drains or your neighborhood creek. This includes yard waste and trash.
• Eliminate soil erosion problems as this causes sediment buildup in our creeks, lakes and the Trinity River.
• Dispose of paints and other chemicals properly.
• Avoid overuse of fertilizers and insecticides.
• To report an illicit discharge, call (214) 670-5000.