Study: Most auto repair shops recycling oil, tires

Sept. 15 -- According to a study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, 88% of auto repair shops recycle tires and 95% recycle motor oil.

Most of the oil is collected and sold as combustible fuel, which is mainly used as energy for power plants and heating.

About 16% of used engine oil is re-refined into new oil, according to the report.

Meanwhile, 54% of scrap tires are converted to tire-derived fuel, "a low-sulfur, high-heating value fuel," the report said.

The association said tires present environmental risks because they settle unevenly in landfills and tend to rise to the surface, which can damage landfill covers.

"Many people aren´t aware of the widespread environmental thinking and practices in auto repair shops in the areas of recycling, disposal and facilities management," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council, a nonprofit organization, in a statement. "Shops have practiced sustainability for decades, and as a result, they have made huge contributions to a cleaner environment."

Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Vince Bond Jr. at vbond@crain.com or 313-446-1653.

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