Initiatives

The Oil Care Campaign and Sustainable Drainage Systems have been implemented to promote good environmental practices at home and at work.

During 2000 in Northern Ireland there were over 287 confirmed water pollution incidents involving oil (17% of all confirmed pollution incidents). Oil can pollute rivers, lakes and the sea, killing wildlife and removing vital oxygen from the water.

Because of the way oil spreads, even a small quantity can do a lot of damage: just one litre of oil could make a million litres of fresh water undrinkable. The most frequent polluting oil types are Diesel, central heating oil, petrol and waste engine oil. The most common causes of oil pollution are spills, leaks, inadequate facilities and irresponsible disposal.

The EHS Oil Care Campaign exists to help people avoid causing oil pollution incidents and their expensive, persistent consequences. The Campaign, established in 1994, aims to minimise the environmental impact of oil and fuels throughout their lifecycle, by promoting safe practices for handling, delivery and storage of oil and the proper collection of used oil. Although in its infancy in Northern Ireland, the campaign is gathering pace through the Oil Bank Line and targeted initiatives to educate members of the public and sectors of industry that handle oil

By using this freephone number (0800 66 33 66) or going on-line at www.oilbankline.org.uk members of the public are able to find their nearest Oil Recycling Bank and dispose of used engine oil. The Oil Bank Line telephone no. and website address are printed on most BP oil products (including Castrol and Duckham), Fram filters, all Haynes manuals and in the yellow pages.

Regulated contractors collect waste oil from Oil Banks, clean it up and recycle it as a lower grade of oil. It should be noted that hydraulic brake fluid and vegetable oils should not be taken to oil banks. Hydraulic oil can be taken to your local car dealer where it will be collected and recycled. Contact your local council for advice on how to dispose of vegetable and other oil types.

Oil Care Campaign publications

A number of Oil Care Campaign advisory publications are available. Please Contact Us to order copies.