Farmers rely on tractors, vehicles, and other mechanized equipment to produce the food we all rely on. Regular maintainance of this equipment means that farms generate used oils, coolants and the containers that these products come in. For the health of our communities and sustainability of our industry, it is important to ensure that these maintenance by-products do not find their way into our soils and water resources as one liter of used oil can potentially contaminate a million liters of drinking water!
The province of Nova Scotia has introduced a new regulation for the safe disposal and recycling of used oil, oil filters, coolant (glycol products), and certain containers. As of January 1, 2020, a new collection and recycling program will begin. The Used Oil Management Association (UOMA) NS has been approved by Nova Scotia Environment (NSE) to manage and deliver the program on behalf of producers within the province. The program will be funded through environmental handling charges that are built into the purchase price of the products. There is NO COST to your business at the time of disposal.
Designated products that are eligible for collection through the program:
- Oils: Means petroleum or synthetic derived crankcase oil, engine oil and gear oil, hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid and heat transfer fluid, and fluid used for lubricating purposes in machinery or equipment.
- Filters: Means a spin-on style or element style fluid filter that is used in hydraulic, transmission or internal combustion engine applications and an oil filter, a diesel fuel filter, a storage tank fuel filter on a household furnace oil filter other than a gasoline filter.
- Oil, glycol and DEF containers: A container with a capacity of up to 50 litres manufactured for the purpose of holding an oil, glycol or DEF product.
- Aerosol containers: Aerosol containers manufactured for the purpose of holding an oil product as well as aerosol containers used to contain products used to clean automotive parts.
- Glycol (antifreeze): Means ethylene or propylene glycol used or intended for use as a vehicle or commercial engine coolant, but does not include the following: plumbing antifreeze, windshield washer antifreeze, lock de-icer and gasoline and diesel fuel antifreeze.
Generators: Are the users of the designated products in the normal course of business or as a private consumer. Generators of small volumes must take them to a registered collection facility for disposal. If you are generating larger volumes you may qualify for a pickup at the farm by a collector. Contact a collector to determine if the volume you generate justifies a pickup and to discuss you scheduling needs. If you need collection barrels for any of these products contact a collector and they will be provided as needed free of charge.
Collection Facilities: Are the establishments registered with UOMA NS to receive the designated products from small generators free of charge. Examples of collection facilities include mechanical workshops, car dealerships or Regional Waste Management Authorities. Your business can register as a community collection facility. There are various financial incentives to do so. After January 01, 2020 you can search for a collection facility near you by entering your postal code on the UOMA NS website (link below).
Collectors: Are businesses registered with UOMA NS to collect the designated products from collection facilities and generators who generate a sufficient quantity of products to justify an on-site collection. There will be collectors travelling throughout the province to do pickups. A list of collectors is available on the UOMA NS website (link below).
For more information please visit the UOMA NS website: www.uoma-atlantic.com
