By Jan Axelson
Northside News

Northsiders who change their own motor oil have a new, improved drop-off site for used oil. Located in the parking area at the corner of Wheeler Road and School Road, the site has dual 500-gallon tanks so the site can remain open if one tank becomes contaminated.

Every two weeks, the tank in use is locked out, tested and emptied, and the other tank is unlocked for use. The testing looks for the presence of PCBs, industrial products that have been shown to be hazardous to human health. Although PCBs were banned from motor oil and other products in 1979, the tests still occasionally reveal contamination.

The site shares an entrance area with Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park’s South Unit. The new location, just east of the parking area, allows a more unified entrance to the park’s trails and boat landing. Plantings will screen the enclosure, and motion-activated solar lighting will illuminate the site at night.

The City of Madison provides drop-off sites because used motor oil is a hazardous substance. Don’t place motor oil in the trash, recycle bins, household drains or the sewer system.

The site is for motor oil only. Don’t use the tanks to dispose of gasoline, antifreeze, cleaning solvents or other liquids. To recycle cooking oil, use the collection tanks at 4602 Sycamore Ave. or 1501 West Badger Road.