Since 1977, Project R.O.S.E. has provided volunteer, used motor oil collection sites across Alabama, and the number of those had grown to more than 500. With the addition of 95 Advance Auto Parts locations, the number of recycling centers in the state has now increased to nearly 600.

“Through used motor oil collection programs across the state we have been able to collect 8 million gallons of used oil annually,” said Sheri Powell, coordinator of Project R.O.S.E. “Now, with the help of Advance Auto, we can significantly increase this amount and educate citizens on how to safely dispose of used motor oil.”

According to Powell, at least 4 million gallons of used motor oil in Alabama are discharged in backyards, storm drains, landfills and streams each year. Used motor oil contains dangerous toxins, like lead, chromium and cadmium. When not recycled or disposed of properly, it contaminates surface water and soil, kills plants and animals, and is hazardous to the health of humans - some toxins found in used oil can cause cancer.

All Advance Auto Parts stores accept used motor oil free of charge and no purchase is required.

Project R.O.S.E. is approaching its 25th anniversary, and serves as one of the oldest volunteer used motor oil outreach and education programs in the United States. The program is located in the chemical engineering department in the UA College of Engineering and is funded by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs’ Science, Technology and Energy Division.

For more information, contact Project R.O.S.E. toll free in Alabama at 1-800-452-5901, or at 205/348-4878, or visit their Web site at www.eng.ua.edu/~prose.