Espina & Delfín, the company that holds the concession for Sanxenxo’s municipal water service, will be participating in the 2nd Environment Fair organized by the Sanxenxo City Council to mark World Environment Day. The company is using this event to launch its public awareness campaign, “Let’s Take Care of Water: Recycle Your Household Oil,” which focuses on the impact that household liquid waste—especially used cooking oil—has on the sewer system and local ecosystems.
Used oil: a bigger problem than it seems
Every time we pour used oil down the sink or toilet, we’re creating an environmental problem that extends far beyond our kitchen. Improper household disposal, especially of used oil, directly affects the sewer system and wastewater treatment. In addition to causing clogs and increasing the cost of treatment, it can contaminate rivers and entire ecosystems. The scale of the problem is greater than we realize: according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, a single liter of oil can contaminate up to 1,000 liters of water.
Oil forms a waterproof film on the water’s surface that prevents oxygenation, harms aquatic flora and fauna, and greatly hinders the work of wastewater treatment plants. In coastal towns like Sanxenxo, where the sea and rivers are an essential part of the landscape and the local economy, protecting the water is a collective responsibility.
What can you do?
The solution is simple: never pour used oil down the drain. Once it has cooled, store it in a sealed bottle and take it to a recycling center or the designated collection bins. This small gesture makes a big difference for the environment and for the operation of your municipality’s water services.
To encourage this practice, during the 2nd Environment Fair, residents and visitors can stop by the Espina & Delfín booth to pick up a free special funnel for recycling used cooking oil, as well as an informational brochure with practical tips on how to prevent liquid waste—such as oils, detergents, or chemicals—from entering the sewer system.