Looking for a place to take your vehicle for service, the environment probably doesn’t weigh heavily in your decision – if the price is right and the service is reliable and friendly, that’s all that matters. But with more cars on the road and pollution a serious concern, a company’s handling of hazardous chemicals and their commitment is worth a closer look.
If a garage or dealership isn’t up front about their environmental policy, it’s probably because they don’t have anything to be proud of. And now that being green is seen as a selling point for many consumers, they’re savvier in where they spend their money. Companies that don’t embrace some sort of environmental initiative probably see the associated costs as outweighing the potential for more business. This can be a sign of shortcuts with managing waste like used oil.
Up to 100 per cent of used oil can be recycled and then reused in other applications. Technicians handling hazardous chemicals and materials should also be well trained – ideally in WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System) – to deal with them safely.
According to Natural Resources Canada, just one litre of engine oil can contaminate up to two million litres of water. If you do perform oil changes yourself, you should practise proper collection and disposal of the oil. Some lube shops will even accept your used oil free of charge, preventing potential contamination or mishandling that could happen if it’s kept in your garage.
Mr. Lube recycles 100 per cent of its used oil, filters and packaging and accepts used oil and filters from customers at no cost. To learn more about its commitment to the environment visit www.mrlube.com.