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County to remove used-oil drums at most convenience sites; staff recommends redirecting residents to auto-parts retailers
Summary
Solid waste staff told commissioners March 10 that contamination at county convenience-site oil-collection drums is driving high disposal costs; staff proposed removing drums from most sites and keeping a small number open while encouraging residents to use participating auto-parts stores that accept up to five gallons of clean motor oil per day.
Pender County solid-waste staff reported March 10 that contamination in used-oil collection drums at convenience centers is increasing disposal costs and staff recommended removing most drums and encouraging residents to use participating auto-parts retailers.
Solid-waste staff said the county is frequently receiving contaminated liquids—motor oil mixed with gasoline, coolant, paint thinners and other wastes—that must be handled as contaminated hazardous materials, increasing service and disposal fees. Staff said the county pays a service-fee plus per-gallon charges when contaminated drums are pumped and hauled for proper disposal and that previous, lower-cost vendors have been bought out by companies charging higher rates.
Environmental services manager Miss Barnhill said auto parts stores in the region accept small quantities of clean used motor oil at no charge (commonly up to five gallons per day) and that the county has been directing residents to those retailers. She recommended the county remove oil drums from most convenience centers gradually, but keep a limited number of drums at strategic sites (Rocky Point and Hampstead) to ensure service access across the county.
Commissioners and staff discussed operational and staffing constraints: county convenience sites are not staffed full-time and site attendants cannot reliably monitor oil-drop-off to test for contamination. Staff said the county contractor (GFL) does not collect contaminated oil under the current contract, and that the county—s vendor contract runs another several years. Barnhill said the county will pursue public education to reduce contamination and evaluate contract language for future procurement.
No immediate price or formal removal schedule was set; staff said they will pilot leaving drums at one site on each side of the county while promoting auto-parts stores and will return with policy or contract changes as needed.
