EPA LAUDS T.O.'S RECYCLING EFFORTS WITH RE-REFINED OIL.

Byline: Teresa Jimenez Daily News Staff Writer

Working to set an example for residents, the city has been doing some recycling of its own by putting used-but-cleaned oil into its cars, trucks, construction equipment - and even lawn mowers.

On Wednesday, the state Environmental Protection Agency lauded the efforts of Thousand Oaks and other cities in Ventura County for recycling attempts that are a step ahead.

``Ventura County's use of re-refined motor oil is an example of government's expanding environmental awareness,'' said the agency's Integrated Waste Management board Chairman Daniel G. Pennington. ``We hope county residents will also take note of how well re-refined oil works and consider using it in their cars and trucks.''

State representatives pointed out the city of Thousand Oaks program, in particular, as an example of how a recycling program can go full circle.

Twice monthly, the city collects used oil from residents and sends it out to be cleaned. It then purchases back the cleaned oil, said Don Nelson, Public Works director.

The city collects about 400 gallons of used oil a month at its Municipal Service Center, 1993 Rancho Conejo Blvd., which is open the first Thursday and third Saturday of every month, said oil recycling assistant Gail Kaufman. The center also accepts antifreeze, automobile batteries, oil filters and water-based paint, she said.

Used oil is also collected at nine certified centers around the city, she said.

Nelson said that people are hesitant to tinker with such a vital car fluid as oil. But he said that since the city began using the re-refined oil more than a year ago, no problems have resulted. All of the city's 350 cars use re-refined oil, he said.

``The re-refined oil meets or exceeds the standards for oil,'' Nelson said. ``We used it on a trial level in May 1995, but now we use it for all our vehicles.''

The city voluntarily switched to using re-refined oil, though it receives grant money as a result, Nelson said.

Oil recycling is just one more way the city has provided a progressive reuse program to residents, Nelson said. Since trash recycling efforts began, the city has reduced its waste stream by over 50 percent, he said.

Oil has become a concern since the state produces 118 million gallons of used oil each year. Though about 74 million gallons of that are recycled, 40 million gallons are unaccounted for and may be thrown out every year.

``These are environmental protection issues. It touches on all parts of our life, whether it's water, oil or newsprint,'' Nelson said. ``This really is a model for any city. We've taken a role in providing information and resources to residents.''