Case Studies

Project Background

Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) manages used oil grant programs for ten cities in the Coachella Valley. HF&H has provided Used Oil Recycling Program services to CVAG since 2006. Our services have included grant application and annual report preparation, CalRecycle liaison assistance, and planning and hosting used oil filter exchange events.

Grant Administration

HF&H assists CVAG with the administration of their Used Oil Block Grant/Oil Payment Program. These duties included preparing the Used Oil Block Grant/Oil Payment Program application and annual report; gathering statistical data; conducting certified center site inspections; attending used oil and household hazardous waste workshops; and preparing and presenting status reports to CVAG’s Solid Waste Technical Working Group.

Used Oil Filter Exchange Events

HF&H assists CVAG in planning and hosting nine used oil filter exchange events throughout the region. HF&H schedules the events, obtains necessary land use applications and certificates of insurance, coordinates pre-event and event-day advertising and promotional items, coordinates with retail locations to gain authorization for events, and sets up and staffs information center and trains retail store staff and volunteers during each event.

Project Results

The success of CVAG’s Used Oil Filter Exchange Program can be measured by the dramatic increase in event participation and sustained behavioral change. Through innovative advertising techniques and community based social marketing strategies developed by HF&H, CVAG has seen a 426% increase in filters recycled during the used oil filter exchange events between 2006 and 2018, and a 900% increase in used oil filters recycled on an ongoing basis at certified used oil collection centers.