Oil

Recycle

Oil should always be disposed of properly, at an oil bank (see below). Never pour cooking oil down the sink because it will clog the waste outlet. Never tip oil down a drain as many of these lead directly to rivers and streams.  Just 5 litres of oil is enough to form a film over a small lake, starving the aquatic animals of oxygen.  An oil spill also coats plants and animals that it comes into contact with and prevents river water being siphoned off, treated and used for drinking water. Take waste oil to Marlborough Household Recycling Centre (cooking oil or  engine oil - from households only, not from businesses) and ask where to put it.

Householders using oil-fired heating systems should regularly check their tank and pipes for any leaks.  Watch for any sharp increase in your oil usage, which could indicate a hidden leak.   Never hose down an oil spill.  Instead, use earth or sand to absorb it, preventing it from flowing into drains or watercourses.  Then phone the Environment Agency Emergency Hotline 0800 80 70 60. Their website gives details of what type of incidents to report.