Hampshire's first used oil collection Saturday

On Saturday, the village of Hampshire will begin its used oil recycling program.

The program will be the first effort of its kind staged in Hampshire. The village wants to impress upon the do-it-yourself oil changers in Hampshire to consider the importance of keeping their oil drippings out of storm drains, garbage and trash receptacles, empty lots and the groundwater. It also wants to do its share in combating the harm done to the environment by improper disposal and to improve energy conservation through re-use of this valuable energy resource.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy estimate that in excess of 180 million gallons of used oil are mishandled annually by do-it-yourself oil changes.

The Hampshire program has established a collection center for used oil, which will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of the month, starting Saturday, at the village maintenance barn, 100 Klick Ave.

Anyone interested in helping with the campaign can call village trustee Jan Kraus at (847) 683-2181.