Santa Clarita residents came out to the Free Oil Filter and Motor Oil Recycling Event at O’Reilly Auto Parts on Castaic Road last Saturday.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 10, residents were welcome to exchange their old oil filter and receive a free replacement to help raise awareness for correct disposal procedures.

Edna Gandarilla, a representative for Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, recently participated in an on-air interview to speak about household hazardous waste products and how to properly handle items.

“If everyone does their part, we can protect the environment,” said Gandarilla.“Make sure you dispose of oil and oil filters properly.”

Los Angeles County Public Works officials teamed up with O’Reilly Auto Parts in Castaic to provide residents the opportunity dispose of these items the correct way by taking them to a certified collection center or hazardous collection event.

Many community members came out to the Castaic location to participate in the environmentally conscious event.

Those who attended were able to exchange a used oil filter for a new filter, which included a funnel and shop towel free of charge.

When residents no longer want hazardous waste items and need to dispose of them, sometimes it’s handled improperly, which could lead to fines of up to $1,000, according to Gandarilla.

Household hazardous waste can include any product that contains chemicals, such as solvents, cleaning products, used motor oil, paint, pesticides, nail polish and hairspray, according to Gandarilla.

The health and safety of local families, neighborhoods and the environment is threatened when household hazardous waste is stored or disposed of improperly, according to officials.

For more information on hazardous waste disposal events or a list of hazardous waste material, click here.

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