San Juan Fined for Treatment of Auto Waste
by Trey Granger
Published on March 4th, 2009
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San Juan, Puerto Rico and the U.S. EPA have reached a settlement where the municipality will pay $25,000 in fines for the improper handling of automotive waste like used motor oil and oil filters, as well as mercury containing lamps like CFLs.
San Juan's improvements in recycling and disposal education will help keep the area's famous beaches free from hazardous waste. Photo: Destinatino360.com
The violations occurred when the EPA inspected a San Juan Department of Public Works and Environment facility used to store and maintain municipal vehicles. It was determined that the facility was not making an effort to classify its automotive waste properly, in addition to storage violations.
Although Puerto Rico is not one of the 50 United States, its status as a U.S. territory requires compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
As part of the settlement, San Juan will spend $100,000 on public education about the proper disposal of used motor oil. It will also develop a training session to educate municipal employees and community groups about the environmental risks associated with the improper disposal of used oil and used oil filters, and will also conduct training sessions related to the handling and disposal of used mercury containing lamps.
Used motor oil and filters, as well as fluorescent lamps, can both be recycled. If you change your own oil, use Earth911.com to find a nearby recycling location.
