Interchange Recycling opens new oil recycling depot in Kelowna, B.C.
The new facility aims to make recycling easier while protecting British Columbia’s environment and waterways
Interchange Recycling has opened a new used oil recycling depot in Kelowna at The Great Canadian Oil Change. This not-for-profit organization focuses on collecting and recycling used motor oil, oil filters, oil containers, used antifreeze, and antifreeze containers in British Columbia. This new location has received a 10-foot sea container with a 1,100 litre tank to store program materials.
"Our ability to properly recycle and re-introduce used materials back into B.C.'s circular economy is important work that requires growing infrastructure to enable the safe collection, handling, and storage," says David Lawes, CEO at Interchange Recycling. "This new infrastructure will help keep more automotive materials out of landfill, and will enable the hard working team at The Great Canadian Oil Change to collect materials from Kelowna residents with ease."
Formed in 2003 under the British Columbia Society Act, Interchange Recycling has provided a convenient, free and eco-friendly way to recycle these materials for British Columbians for over 20 years. Currently, 99.4 percent of residents across have convenient access to recycling locations.
"With the addition of this new recycling infrastructure, we're able to manage these automotive materials more efficiently and safely," says Mike Bernhardt, franchise owner of Great Canadian Oil Change in Kelowna. "We're now able to provide Kelowna residents and customers with a convenient, close-to-home solution to recycle used motor oil, antifreeze, and related materials, ensuring they are properly handled and kept out of our environment and our local waterways."
In 2023, Interchange Recycling collected 49,823,206 litres of used oil in B.C., and awarded 12 infrastructure grants. Used oil can be re-refined into new lubricants or converted into manufacturing materials and energy products.
Additionally, used oil filters that contain metal, can be recycled into metal products like rebar, nails, and wire. Used oil and antifreeze containers are recycled and used to manufacture new oil containers, drainage tiles, and parking curbs. Used antifreeze is refined and reused as new automotive antifreeze.
