BCUOMA partners with Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group

BC Used Oil Management Association is pleased to announced we are the first Associate Member of the Indigenous Zero Waste Advisory Group (“IZWTAG”), a non-profit society dedicated to supporting zero waste systems in all First Nation communities in BC. As an Associate Member, BCUOMA will work with IZWTAG to ensure used oil, antifreeze and other program materials are safely collected from First Nation communities and responsibly recycled. This month, BCUOMA provided its first Return Collection Facility (RCF) infrastructure Grant to Lil’wat Nation in Mount Currie, and delivered and installed a 20-foot modified sea container to facilitate the responsible collection and management of used oil, antifreeze, filters and containers.

“BCUOMA is pleased to be the very first industry stewardship to become an Associate Member of IZWTAG, and we are committed to working with IZWTAG to ensure that First Nation communities across BC receive the support and resources necessary to responsibly handle, collect, store, and recycle used oil and antifreeze material using economic, efficient and environmentally acceptable options,” said David Lawes, CEO, BC Used Oil Management Association. “The residents of Lil’wat were in need of a Return Collection Facility where they could recycle these materials. BCUOMA worked closely with IZWTAG and the Lil’wat Nation to facilitate the delivery and installation of environmentally friendly infrastructure. We also provided signage with recycling instructions, and appropriate technical training for the staff.” 

The newly installed used oil recycling depot in Lil’wat Nation, located at 10027 Xit’Olacw Road, Mount Currie in the Squamish Lillooet Regional District, is now accepting used oil, antifreeze, filters and containers. The facility is open to the public Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

“IZWTAG is dedicated to environmentally-responsible waste management, and we want to provide all First Nation communities with the resources and support to safely recycle used oil and antifreeze materials,” said Calvin Jameson, Superintendent Public Works Lil’wat Nation, and President of IZWTAG. “Through IZWTAG’s partnership with BCUOMA, new long-term infrastructure was installed at Lil’wat Nation that now makes it easy and convenient for Lil’wat residents to recycle their used oil. The sea container also ensures that the products are safely stored and free of contamination.”

Used oil is a valuable resource and if it is recycled at one of BCUOMA’s dedicated RCFs, it can be recovered and re-used. Used oil can be re-refined into new lubricating oil and used as a fuel in pulp mills, cement plants and asphalt plants. Any vehicle maintenance facilities, automobile owners, and other machinery maintenance operations that use oil also can use re-refined oil. Additionally, used oil filters contain reusable scrap metal, which steel producers can reuse for metal products like rebar, nails and wire. Used antifreeze can be reprocessed to produce new automotive antifreeze. Plastic oil and antifreeze containers can be recycled into new oil containers, flowerpots, pipe, guardrails, and patio furniture.

Each year, approximately 50 million litres of oil, and 3 million litres of antifreeze are collected and responsibly managed through the approximately 300 public collection facilities and over 4,000 generators across the province, which are managed by the BCUOMA program. 

About BC Used Oil Management Association (“BCUOMA”)
Formed in 2003, the British Columbia Used Oil Management Association is a not-for-profit group dedicated to the collection and recycling of lubricating oil, oil filters, oil containers, antifreeze and antifreeze containers in BC. Our goal is to provide British Columbians with an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to recycle these materials. For more information, visit interchangerecycling.com.

About Indigenous Zero Waste Advisory Group (“IZWTAG”)

IZWTAG is proud to be an Indigenous run, non-profit society that was built on the foundation of protecting and preserving the environment and improving waste management within every First Nation community. IZWTAG was founded in 2019 with the aim of assisting First Nations to implement zero waste programs. IZWTAG continues to develop its training opportunities and raises awareness about recycling programs for First Nations. For more information, visit izwtag.com.

Media Contact:

Kari Kylo  – SOMA Concepts & Solutions

Kari@somaworks.com – 604.889.8057