CIWMB Press Room Archives

G.M. Joins Environmental Agencies to Bust the 3,000 Mile Myth: State Focuses On Environmental Hazards of Used Motor Oil

SACRAMENTO--Today, the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB), the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA), and General Motors Corporation (GM) announced their partnership to educate Californians about the need to change their vehicles' oil based on manufacturers' guidelines and not automatically follow the long-standing 3,000 mile standard.

It is estimated that each driver in California drives approximately 15,000 miles per year. If your vehicle manufacturer recommends changing your oil at 5,000 miles instead of every 3,000 miles, drivers can reduce the amount of oil generated by seven or eight quarts and can keep used oil from entering the waste stream. The reduction in oil usage also equates to an average savings of $76 a year.

These projects will help boost the amount of used oil that is recycled yearly. Of the nearly 153 million gallons of used oil generated annually in California, only 59 percent is now being recycled.

Used oil is very recyclable and can be re-refined or processed into fuel oil. Unfortunately, not enough is being recycled. In 2006, 153 million gallons of lubricating oil were sold in California. Approximately 33 percent, or 50 million gallons, leaked out of engines or was burned. Yet, of the remaining 102 million gallons, just 88 million gallons were recycled, leaving approximately 14 million gallons unaccounted for and possibly improperly disposed of down storm drains, into lakes or streams, or into the garbage.

The Board's Used Oil competitive grant program is designed to provide resources to explore new program activities and/or to transfer proven program ideas and best practices to a larger pool of communities in order to enhance overall used oil, and oil filter collection and recycling. Competitive grants can spur innovation, which may later be covered by local "Block Grant" used oil and filter collection programs.

"We're asking drivers to check their vehicle owner's manual for best car care practices. With better cars, new technology, and the increase of synthetic oils, the 3,000 mile standard is not always recommended," said CIWMB Chair Margo Reid Brown. "And by reducing their oil usage, drivers can protect their pocketbooks and our environment."

A study by the CIWMB found that 73 percent of California drivers change their oil more frequently than their manufacturer recommends, needlessly generating more used oil waste. Reducing the amount of used oil in our waste stream is critical to our health and our surrounding environment.

Currently, California generates more than 150 million gallons of used oil; if that oil is not recycled, it may end up polluting lakes, streams, and oceans. Used oil from just a single oil change (approximately four quarts) can pollute one million gallons of water, which equals a year's supply of water for more than 50 people.

"General Motors and CIWMB share the common goal of reducing the amount of both new and used oil in order to help protect the environment," explains Peter Lord, executive director, GM Service Operations.

GM has equipped many of their year 2000 and newer models with an Oil Life System (OLS), a sensor that alerts drivers of the optimal time to change the oil. Keeping pace with technology, the system has been upgraded to account for advances in lubrication and engine design. If used as intended by the 2.5 million motorists in the state who have one of these vehicles, this technology could help drivers consume more than 8 million fewer gallons of motor oil annually, compared to oil changes at a 3,000 mile interval. Other manufacturers have also begun recommending that motorists change their oil every 7,500 miles for 2007 or new vehicles. Recommendations vary based on vehicle model, make, year, and driving conditions.

When it comes to oil changes, less is more. You'll have more money in your wallet by changing your oil less --and fewer oil changes means less oil that needs to be safely managed and recycled.

For more information on this topic, visit www.3000milemyth.org.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is the state's leading authority on recycling and waste reduction. It promotes reducing waste whenever possible, managing all materials to their highest and best use and protecting public health and safety and the environment.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is one of six boards, departments, and offices within the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA).

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