PCP 01-06-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. Used Motor Oil Management in Minnesota Minnesota law prohibits the disposal of used motor oil in municipal solid waste (MSW) or on the land or waters of the State, and prohibits the disposal of used oil filters in MSW. In a rcport published in 1999, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) estimated that about half of all motorists changed their own engine oil and filter. Of the waste these do-it-yourselfers generated, about 69% of the used oil was recovered for recycling, and only about 20% of the used oil filters were recycled. (The 2004 County recycling survey also highlighted an important hazardous waste disposal issuc related to used oil filters; 19% of oil changing residents still throw their oil filters in the trash.) Based on the MPCA's findings, the State in 2000 enacted additional laws that required motor oil and filter manufacturers and retailers to establish a collection system for these wastes. The system must include some sites that provide free disposal of non-commercial used oil and filters. At this time Jiffy Lube is the only major retail outlet that continues to accept up to five gallons of used oil and five oil filters free from the public. Jiffy Lube offers this service as a courtesy; they are not required by law to do so. Many other automotive service stations, new car dealers, and auto parts stores will continue to accept used motor oil, and most will not charge a fee. Those that accept used oil filters will charge about $1 to $3 per filter. (The 2004 County recycling survey results showed 40% of oil changers dispose of used oil at service stations; 22% at HHW sites; and 18% at collection centers.) Providing public drop-off sites is a necessary part of Ramsey County's system . to assure that waste is managed in an environmentally responsible manner. Proposed Site Description and Operation The proposed combined used oil and seasonal HHW collection facility would be located in the northwest comer of the Public Works facility parcel, just east of the existing fuel pump station. The existing fence along the east side of the entrance would be moved further to the east to accommodate the proposed additional paved surface (65 feet by 194 feet). The existing entrance off Ben Franklin Avenue would be utilized. Vehicle queue capacity is at least 20 vehicles. Site work would include installation of aggregate base material, bituminous pavement, one light pole and fixture, concrete pads for HHW and used oil collection activities, construction of an enclosed structure, and replacement of trees and fencing. Used Oil and Filter Collection The proposed used oil and filter collection facility would be open continuously. This operation schedule was discussed at the December I Planning Commission meeting. Ramsey County has had about 30 years of experience with its existing used oil collection facility located at the old public works facility in Shoreview. There have been no significant issues or problems related to improper disposal or dumping during this period of operation. Weekend and evening operation of the site is considered essential because these are the times residents are most likely to use the facility. Some residents who are confronted with a closed facility may leave the material on-site or, in frustration, dispose of the material improperly. In addition, County Public Works does not . have year-round weekend or evening staffing to open and close the site on a routine schedule. Security considerations were discussed at the December 1, 2004 Planning Commission meeting. Ben Franklin Avenue is a public road that dead ends ncar the proposed used oil collection facility 2 -- --