Media Release

Recycle Used Holiday Vegetable Cooking Oil

Wednesday, November 19, 2014 11:00 AM
ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department's Hazardous Waste Collection Program is urging participation in the County’s Waste Vegetable Oil Recycling Program. The oil (peanut, corn, canola or olive oil) can be brought to the Hazardous Waste Collection Center (5125 NE 63rd Ave., Gainesville), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. It can also be disposed of at the County’s five rural collection centers (click for locations), open Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oil should cool, and be placed in a metal or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. The oil cannot mix with other fluids, such as water, petroleum products, or soaps.

The Hazardous Waste Collection Program converts used vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel. The biodiesel is combined with standard diesel and used to power County fleet vehicles and a biofuel electrical generator.
When disposed of incorrectly, these oils can cause damage to the County’s natural resources. If poured down drains or garbage disposals, the oil can harden and build up in the sewer system. As a result, fats, oils, and greases can accumulate and cause expensive sewage backups in sinks and toilets in residents’ homes or even neighbors’ properties.
For more information, contact Household Hazardous Waste Coordinator, Kurt Seaburg at 352-334-0440, or kurt@alachuacounty.us.
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Contact

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in order to participate in a County program, service or public meeting, please contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at 352-374-5275 at least 2 business days prior to the event. TTY users please call 711 (Florida Relay Service).

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