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Home My WebLink AboutUBI 2014 JUL-AUGCITY OF COLLEGE STATION city has decided to permanently close the Used Oil Recycling Center on July 31. Why is recycling oil important? Used motor oil can be re-refined as a lubricant that’s as good as new oil. From a 42-gallon barrel of crude oil, refineries can produce just one quart of new motor oil. A single gallon of used, recycled motor oil yields the same amount. Unfortunately, mixing contaminants with used motor oil can create hazardous substances, making recycling extremely difficult and sometimes impossible. Used oil filters can also be recycled into rebar fence posts and other steel products. Like used oil, the material remains useful after its original purpose is finished. Regardless, recycling is the only proper and legal way to dispose of used motor oil and filters. These items are banned from Inside College Station * * * * * * * City of College Station * Home of Texas A&M University® * College Station, Texas * * * * * * * For more than two decades, the City of College Station has operated an unmanned, always open, do-it-yourself recycling center for used motor oil and filters. When this facility opened in the early 1990s behind the College Station Police Department, it was the only one of its kind in the area. In its existence, the facility has collected more than 45,000 gallons of used motor oil. Regrettably, that’s not all that’s been poured into the collection tanks. Since the center is unmanned, it’s become a go-to spot for illegal dumping and improper disposal of household hazardous wastes such as paints, mystery chemicals and acids. This misuse has created health and environmental hazards, not to mention unnecessary cleanup costs and a loss of revenue due to contaminated oil. Since several area businesses now operate manned oil and filter recycling facilities, the JULY-AUGUST 2014 QUICK LINKS Recycling Informationcstx.gov/recycle City of CS on social media facebook.com/ cityofcollegestation twitter.com/cityofcs Recycle used motor oil the right way landfills and can’t be placed in garbage carts or dumpsters. Where do I go? Several locations throughout the BCS area will gladly accept used oil and filters. A complete listing of locations can be found at cstx.gov/recycle. Since many of these facilities have quantity limits, avoid bringing large volumes of used oil and filters in one trip. Instead, make a trip after each oil change to your nearest used oil and filter recycle center. Household Hazardous Waste Twice a year, the cities of College Station and Bryan partner with Twin Oaks Landfill for a Household Hazardous Waste disposal event. Not only is this event free and open to all residents of the Brazos Valley, but it’s also a fast and convenient way to dispose of old paint and chemicals – not to mention oil and oil filters -- that take up valuable space in your garage or attic. Visit twinoakslandfill.com to find out what materials are accepted at Household Hazardous Waste events, and how to become a volunteer. For more information, call 979-764-6229 or email Recycling Coordinator Heather Woolwine at hwoolwine@cstx.gov. Wildfire Preparedness Prepare your property against threats The College Station Fire Department is here to help you prepare your home and property against wildfire threats through the Ready, Set, Go! Program, managed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. GET READY – Prepare long before a wildfire becomes a threat. Create a defensible space around your home by clearing dead leaves and other debris from your yard, gutters, eaves, porches, etc. Trim back branches that overhang structures, and prune large tree branches up to 6 to 10 feet from the ground. GET SET – Develop, discuss, and practice emergency action plans with everyone in your home. Your plan should include your pets/livestock, two ways to get out of your neighborhood, and a designated meeting place away from your property. Have emergency supplies packed and ready to go. Stay informed for the latest news regarding wildfires in your area through your city government and local media. GO – Always evacuate if you feel unsafe; you don’t have to wait to be notified. If notified, leave immediately and follow your emergency action plan. This will ensure your safety and allow firefighters to better combat the fire. Go to firewise.org or call 979.764.3712. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CITY OF COLLEGE STATION Why are SEER ratings important? Higher efficiency means less energy Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the Heating Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) industry measuring for air conditioning systems. The cooling efficiency of a HVAC system is rated by the SEER value. Think of SEER like miles per gallons (mpg) for a vehicle. A higher SEER rating represents higher efficiency for the HVAC system. Higher efficiency means less energy used and lower utility bills. Typically, the SEER rating is displayed on the yellow “Energy Guide” sticker on the unit. Since January 2006, all residential central air conditioning units sold in the United States must have an efficiency rating of at least 13 SEER. Higher SEER units will use less energy but will cost more. One should consider cost versus savings, occupancy of the home and desired comfort level. A discussion with an air conditioning professional is an excellent way to start the buying process. The City of College Station offers up to $800 cash rebates to College Station Utilities electric customers who purchase and install whole system central air conditioning units with a 15 SEER or higher rating. Rebate dollar amounts are as follows: SEER RATING: 15 16 17 18+ REBATE: $500 $600 $700 $800 Go to cstx.gov/energy or call 979.764.6343. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside College Station events Aug.-Sept. 2014 July 31-Aug. 4 - Games of Texas taaf.com or 979.764.3486 Aug. 2 - Come & Skate It, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at G. Hysmith Skate Park. Register by Aug. 1 at cstx.gov/skatepark or 979.764.3486 Sept. 1 - City offices closed for Labor Day. No recycling. All other collections will run as scheduled. Sept. 9, 16, 23 & 30 – Homebuyer Education Course: 6-7:30 p.m. Register at cstx.gov/homebuyer ATHLETIC REGISTRATIONS -------------------------------------------------- July 28-Aug. 8 - Adult Softball July 28-Aug. 8 - Adult Kickball Aug. 4-15 - Adult Volleyball Aug. 25-Sept. 5 - NFL Flag Football Aug. 25-Sept. 5 - Girls Volleyball Aug. 25-Sept. 5 - Challenger Soccer Sept. 8-26 - Group Tennis Lessons For more information, visit cstx.gov/sports or call 979.764.3486 CITY ELECTION DATES -------------------------------------------------- City Council Places 1, 3 and 5 (at-large positions) will be up for three-year terms in this election. July 19-Aug. 18 - File for place on ballot Oct. 6 - Last day to submit voter registration application to Brazos County Voter Registrar. Go to brazosvotes.org. Oct. 20-31 - Early voting Nov. 4 - Election Day, 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. For more election information, visit cstx.gov/elections or call 979.764.3451. For more events, visit:cstx.gov/calendar JULY-AUGUST 2014 {PAGE 2}