Pollution Prevention

Common activities such as washing your car or changing your car’s oil in your driveway can pollute our streams and rivers. When it rains, the runoff from your driveway makes its way to the storm drain, and that runoff can ultimately end up harming fish and other aquatic organisms in local streams. There are several steps you can take to help maintain local water quality, including recycling automotive fluids such as antifreeze and motor oil, and properly disposing of tires. Some recycling and disposal outlets are listed below. We’ve also provided some simple suggestions below for washing your car, changing fluids and cleaning spills.


Antifreeze 

Clermont County residents can drop off used antifreeze (along with other automotive fluids) for no charge at the County garage located at 4435 ST RT 222.  Drop-off hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The used antifreeze is recycled and re-used in County vehicles.  Call Clermont County Fleet Maintenance at 513-732-7775 for details.


There are several other locations throughout the County that accept used antifreeze; however, there may be a disposal fee.  Some of these locations are listed below.  It is recommended that you call before visiting.

  • Firestone:
    956 Hwy. 28. (Milford)     513-831-1721
    8187 Beechmont Ave.     513-474-2910

  • ProCare Automotive:
    All Greater Cincinnati locations accept motor oil, car batteries, and antifreeze.



Motor Oil

Like antifreeze, residents can bring used motor oil, transmission fluid or other automotive fluids to the County garage located at 4435 ST RT 222.  There is no charge for this service.  Drop-off hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Call Clermont County Fleet Maintenance at 513-732-7775 for details.


There are a number of other locations in Clermont County that accept used motor oil.  Some of these are listed below.  There is typically a disposal fee, so it is recommended that you call the disposal center before bringing in the used motor oil.


  • Auto Zone: up to 5 gallons, car batteries, and transmission fluid
    1212 Hwy. 28 (Mt. Repose)     513-575-4288
    1362 Ohio Pike (Batavia Twp)     513-753-7600
    8500 Beechwood Ave     513-474-6650

  • Firestone:
    Eastgate Mall, 4625 Eastgate Blvd.     513-753-7171
    956 Highway 28 (Milford)     513-831-1721
    8187 Beechmont Ave.     513-474-2910

  • ProCare Service Center: also accepts car batteries and antifreeze
    457 Ohio Pike (Cherry Grove)     513-528-6240

  • Pep Boys: Up to 5 gallons per customer
    4436 Glen Este – Withamsville Rd.     513-943-1100

  • Village Quik Lube:
    7101 Main Street (Rt. 32, Newtown)     513-272-0677

  • Wal-Mart Tire & Lube Express:
    4370 Eastgate Sq. Dr., Eastgate     513-753-4069



Car Batteries



Tire Disposal

Old tires can be recycled at the following locations.  Disposal costs vary based on the type of tire, whether or not it is on the rim, and by store.  It is recommended that you call the disposal location before bringing in old tires.



Keeping Work Areas Clean

Minimize water usage and pollution by taking simple steps to keep your work areas clean in an environmentally-conscious manner.

  • Sweep your garage (or other work area) regularly rather than hosing it down.
  • Clean up spills with absorbent material (such as cat litter or sawdust) and dispose of properly.  Never wash hazardous materials into the street or storm drain.
  • Follow the storage and disposal directions on product labels.


Washing Your Car

You can take steps to limit the amount of water that you use to wash your car, as well as the impact of the cleaning products on the environment.

  • Use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose to conserve water.
  • Wash your car on your lawn instead of in your driveway to allow the wash water to soak into the ground rather than enter the storm drain system.
  • Use non-toxic cleaning products that are phosphate free.
  • Clean battery heads, cable clamps, and chrome with baking soda paste.
  • Mix baking soda with mild biodegradable dishwashing soap to clean wheels and tires.
  • Clean windows with white vinegar, lemon juice and water.


Changing Your Fluids

When you change the fluids in your car, you should take special care to limit the possibility of spills, so those fluids do not get into the water supply.

  • Pay careful attention to the amount of fluids you are putting in your motor vehicles. Do not top off your fluid tanks.
  • Change your car’s fluids when the weather is nice (not in the rain).
  • Maintain your vehicle (or other motored appliances) regularly, not only to save you money in the long run, but also to prevent liquids from leaking in your garage, driveway, and street. If you notice something leaking, get it fixed as soon as possible.
  • Use a funnel to change your own fluids, and use a drip pan to reduce the amount of liquids that hit the ground.


Cleaning Up a Spill

Spills happen.  They can be harmful to the environment if they are not cleaned up quickly because the spilled material can get into the ground and ultimately into our local waterways. You can take precautions that will help to minimize the effects of spills.

  • Keep kitty litter, sawdust, or cornmeal handy for small spills. Use only as much as needed.
  • Keep a clean-up kit available for large spills, especially if you do a lot of work in your garage or other work areas.

Pollution Prevention Information & Brochures

Auto Care For Homeowners

Home Repair and Remodeling

Lawn and Garden

Litter Prevention

Pet Waste

Prescription Drug Disposal

Septic Systems

Storm Drain Curb Markers