Southland firm collects, recycles used motor oil.

Southland firm collects, recycles used motor oil

The automobile has long been identified as a primary contributor to polluting our environment.

Fortunately however, programs are being initiated by the automotive industry to reduce and neutralize threats to the environment posed by the almost 200 million cars and trucks in the U.S. today (4.9 million registered in Los Angeles county alone).

Concern for the environment is a very serious and long-term issue that must be addressed by the business community and individuals alike. Given the industry's product mix, which includes motor oil, batteries and automotive chemicals, all potentially harmful to the environment, the automotive aftermarket has an added responsibility to initiate commonsense environmental programs.

One result of the industry's environmental efforts has been the growth of used motor oil recycling. Chief Auto Parts, Pep Boys and Checker Auto Parts are among the industry leaders who have adopted used motor oil recycling programs. Chief Auto Parts first introduced free used motor oil recycling in 10 Southern California locations in November 1989, and has since expanded the program to include nearly 194 of the chain's 520 stores, following favorable public response.

Collecting an average of 40,000 gallons per month, Chief has reclaimed nearly 450,000 gallons of the unwanted pollutant, saving approximately 450 million gallons of water from contamination. Most participating Chief stores are filling two receptacles per week, a volume far beyond the company's initial expectations.

With 400 million gallons of used motor oil dumped each year in the United States, urgent action is needed to continue this large scale recycling effort.

In the Los Angeles area used motor oil reclaimed at Chief Auto Parts is transported by a licensed hauler to DeMenoo-Kerdoon Refinery in Compton, where it is re-refined into marine diesel, roofing asphalt and a neutral base stock used to make multi-grade motor oil.

Coupled with keeping the used oil out of water supplies, this procedure saves energy and resources, compared to the alternative of producing virgin motor oil.

This voluntary service does not come free to retailers. Chief pays for the removal of used motor oil it reclaims. The company's net cost for the program last year topped $40,000.

Retailers' concern for the environment has not gone entirely unnoticed however. Corporate goodwill has proven to have measureable benefits both economically and environmentally. By appealing to consumers seeking environmental alternatives, retailers hope to increase sales and create a repeat customer relationship.

Contributing to Chief's environmental involvement has been the retail chain's SAFE (Specially Adapted for the Environment) products program. Originally launched with six products, SAFE has received a major boost from consumers willing to pay more for products which are environmentally sensitive. The program now includes more than 50 SAFE chemicals stocked on Chief Auto Parts' store shelves.

Supplied by various manufacturers, the products are derived from an environmentally safer formula and perform the same function as standard automotive products. Continued demand by consumers and, therefore, retailers for earth-sensitive products is expected to have a major impact on the future development and accessibility of new ecologically safe automotive products.

Battery recycling is yet another initiative taken up by many retailers in the aftermarket industry, which generally accepts batteries free of charge for recycling regardless of where they were purchased.

Representing one of the most potentially toxic parts on an automobile, batteries typically contain lead and acids that can pose serious health hazards if they seep into drinking water supplies. Positive applications for recycled batteries include new batteries and solar paneling.

Through continued concerted efforts on the part of the aftermarket automotive industry, automotive parts and chemical manufacturers -- combined with local and federal government support and voluntary action by retailers -- will prove to have a beneficial impact on our environment.

Mike Manor is president and CEO of Chief Auto Parts Inc.