The Sheridan County Conservation District (SCCD) Board approved the continuation of its oil‑recycling agreements with the towns of Dayton and Clearmont on October 10, 2026. The decision preserves a free service that has helped residents safely dispose of used motor oil for more than thirty years.
How the program works
Under the renewed terms, the Conservation District will continue to cover the cost of collecting and maintaining the oil‑storage tanks. In return, each town provides a site for its tank, assists with routine maintenance, and monitors oil levels to ensure safe operation.
Residents simply drive to the designated tank, pour their used motor oil into the container, and leave. SCCD contracts with professional waste‑management firms to transport the oil to certified recycling facilities, where it is re‑processed into new products. The service remains free to all homeowners and businesses in the participating communities.
Impact to date
Since the program’s inception, more than 24,000 gallons of used oil have been collected from the Dayton tank, and nearly 16,000 gallons from the Clearmont tank. Those volumes represent a substantial reduction in improper disposal, which can contaminate soil and groundwater.
“Our goal is to protect the health of our families and the natural beauty of Sheridan County,” said SCCD Board Chairperson Mary Henderson. “By keeping this program free and accessible, we encourage every resident to do their part for the environment.”
Why the program matters to families
Improperly discarded motor oil poses a hidden threat to rural households, especially those who rely on well water. The free recycling service eliminates the need for costly private disposal and reinforces the district’s commitment to stewardship of the land that families call home.
Local faith leaders have also praised the initiative, noting that caring for creation aligns with Christian principles of stewardship. Pastor James Miller of Dayton’s First Baptist Church remarked, “Providing a safe, free way to recycle oil is a tangible expression of loving our neighbors and protecting God’s creation.”
Looking ahead
The Conservation District plans to maintain the program through the 2027 fiscal year, pending annual review. Officials are exploring additional outreach efforts, such as school‑yard presentations and community‑wide reminders, to ensure that every household knows where to bring used oil.
Residents are urged to continue using only the designated tanks for motor‑oil disposal and to avoid dumping oil in storm drains or on the ground. The SCCD’s ongoing partnership with Dayton and Clearmont demonstrates a practical, faith‑guided approach to environmental responsibility that benefits the entire county.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
