How do I become a participant?
  • Home mechanics and hobbyists interested in the program may request an onsite evaluation of their current practices by contacting Patrick Kelly, Environmental Compliance Specialist Sr. with the Pollution Prevention Reduction Team via email or 512-974-2230.
  • The Shade Tree Mechanic Program also reaches out to home mechanics that are recommended for the program by a neighborhood association, Austin Police Department officer or a spills team investigator that witnesses discharges of automotive fluids from a residence. A Pollution Prevention Reduction representative will then attempt to make contact with the responsible party to provide education and invite them to enroll in the program if they are interested.
Participants obligations

What are my obligations as a participant?

  • Simple. Those that agree to participate in the program and receive the free bucket are expected to be responsible in their automotive repair practices.
  • Participants must be willing to provide minimal personal information (Name, address and email)
  • Participants may be contacted periodically and at the end of each fiscal yearonce a year to perform a follow up visit, or conduct a brief survey to assist us in assessing the overall success of the program and its effectiveness at reducing pollution associated with automotive repair.
  • Tell your friends about the program so we can keep it growing.

What else can I do to help?

  • Recycle your used oil
  • Report any pollution or spills 24 hours a day through the pollution hotline at 512-974-2550
    • Mark Storm Drains
    • Subscribe to be emailed when volunteer events are created like planting native plants along Grow Zones or creating a rain garden at a school.
Participants' perks
  • A representative of the Pollution Prevention Team will come out to perform an assessment, provide recommendations and determine eligibility
  • Eligible participants will receive a free oil change bucket specially designed to capture waste oil and secure for transport to any used oil drop off location
Recycle automotive waste
Recycling Bucket Use

Recycling Bucket Instructions

1. Remove the bucket lid. It is designed to be the drain pan for the oil change.

Remove the bucket lid. It is designed to be the drain pan for the oil change.

 
 

2. Slide the lid beneath the oil filter to prevent spillage. Place the filter directly into the lid. Then place the lid beneath the drain plug to capture the used oil.

Slide the lid beneath the oil filter to prevent spillage. Place the filter directly into the lid. Then place the lid beneath the drain plug to capture the used oil.

 

3. Fully drain the used oil into the lid & replace the drain plug. Prime the new oil filter and install. Refill the engine with fresh oil.

Fully drain the used oil into the lid & replace the drain plug. Prime the new oil filter and install. Refill the engine with fresh oil.

 

4. Remove the filter from the lid and place open end inside the bucket. Tip the lid and pour the oil into the bucket.

Remove the filter from the lid and place open end inside the bucket. Tip the lid and pour the oil into the bucket.

 

5. Replace the lid onto the bucket keeping the lip within the rim of the bucket to prevent drips.

Replace the lid onto the bucket keeping the lip within the rim of the bucket to prevent drips.

 

6. Firmly press the lid

Firmly press the lid

 

 

7. Take automotive waste to Household Hazardous Waste or one of many oil recycling locations

 

Regulatory requirements
What else can I do to help?