The garage

Although it is unlikely that there is a drain in your garage, there are probably some chemicals associated with the car that could cause pollution if they found their way into a drain.

Car batteries

These contain lead and acid. Never pour out the contents. Take the whole battery to your local Recycling Centre.

Oils

Oil can have a devastating effect on the water environment. It can pollute rivers, lochs and the sea, killing wildlife and removing vital oxygen from the water. Due to the way oil spreads, even a small quantity can do a lot of damage: just one litre of oil could affect a million litres of fresh water.

We usually think of big tankers spills as the cause of oil pollution. But only 5% of oil pollution in oceans worldwide is due to major tanker accidents. In Scotland it is estimated that 40% of oil pollution is due to wrong disposal.

Do not tip oil into any drains or onto land as this will result in the pollution of rivers and groundwater or cause land contamination. If oil gets to a wastewater treatment works, it can damage bacteria, thereby reducing the efficiency of the works. Burning waste oil on a bonfire pollutes the air.

To dispose of oils, take them to an oil bank for recycling. Oil banks can be found at most civic amenity sites. (Be careful not to mix used oil with other substances such as white spirit, paint or solvents, as this makes recycling extremely difficult).

For further information please contact WWF Scotland: phone 01350 728200, email info@watersense.org.uk, or write to WaterSense, c/o WWF Scotland, Little Dunkeld, Dunkeld, PH8 0AD