As surprising as it might seem, oil and other toxics leaking from your car can kill fish and other wildlife in the Bay and Ocean. When your car is not well maintained, toxic fluids often leak onto streets and driveways. The rain washes these toxics into the street drains, which ultimately carries them to the Bay and Ocean.

You can prevent water pollution from your car by:

• Fixing leaks promptly
• Keeping you car in tune
• Following the proper disposal methods in this guide

NEVER POUR OIL DOWN THE DRAIN!

Motor oil poured into street drains kills fish in the Bay and Ocean. Never put any automotive product into street drains, inside drains, or into the garbage. The right way to dispose of waste from your car is listed in each section of this guide.

$25,000 FINE FOR DUMPING OIL & TOXIC WASTE

 

SAN FRANCISCO'S HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION FACILITY

The City's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility(HHWCF) is open to San Francisco residents only. No fee is charged. Please bring proof-of-residency, such as a driver's license or utility bill. The facility will accept a maximum of 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous waste per trip.

San Francisco businesses should call (415) 467-8110 for waste disposal information.

Hours: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only
(415) 554-4333

 

How to use the Facility:

Here are some of the auto products you can take to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility:

• Used oil
• Used oil filters
• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Antifreeze
• Solvents and degreasers
• Gasoline
• Lead acid batteries
• Engine cleaning products
• Saturated absorbents

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility also accepts other hazardous wastes you might find in your home. Follow these important guidelines when using the facility:

• Do not transport more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous waste in your vehicle. State law strictly prohibits transportation of larger amounts without a license.
• Do not mix materials.
• Make sure lids are sealed tightly.
• Prevent leakage. Pack containers in plastic or newspapers and put them into a larger container.

RECYCLING

• Recycle used motor oil at gas stations and auto supply stores. San Francisco has more than fifty locations
• Recycle used antifreeze at the HHWCF
• Poke holes in your used oil filter and drain oil into a pan for several hours before bringing it to the HHWCF.
• Recycle your old battery! Exchange it when you buy a new one or take it to a battery recycler (some will even pay you for it). See Batteries Section for locations. San Francisco residents can also bring used batteries to the HHWCF.
• To reuse solvents, allow the dirt to settle out or filter through a coffee filter. Take unusable solvents to the HHWCF.

CLEANING SPILLS

What to do

• Clean up spills immediately.
• For small spills, use absorbents, such as kitty litter. Do not use sawdust. Sweep up absorbent and take to the HHWCF. Do not store used absorbents because they can become a fire hazard.
• For large spills, capture as much fluid as possible for recycling or hazardous waste disposal, using a squeegee and a dust pan.

28-POINT CHECKLIST TO GOOD CAR CARE

Here is an easy-to-use checklist that can help you keep your car in top condition:

Filters:

• Inspect air filter
• Change oil filter with oil change
• Inspect gas filter

Fluids:

• Check transmission fluid level
• Check master cylinder fluid level
• Check steering fluid level
• Check brake fluid level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check antifreeze/coolant level

Electrical:

• Inspect battery, posts, and cables
• Check horn
• Lights
  • Headlights
  • Dash
  • Emergency
  • Park
  • Turn Signal
  • Brake
• Check dash display/dome lights
• Check power windows/locks

Belts and Hoses:

• Inspect belts
• Inspect brake hoses and lines
• Inspect heater hose

Oil/Lube:

• Change oil and oil filter
• Lube grease fittings
• Lube hinges and latches

Suspension and Tires:

• Inspect shocks/struts
• Inspect tire pressure and tread

Miscellaneous:

• Check brake pedal clearance
• Check underbody for leaks
• Inspect muffler and related pipes
• Check parking brake
• Test windshield washer pump
• Check windshield wiper blades

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