TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The state of Alabama used oil education and outreach program, Project R.O.S.E. (Recycled Oil Saves Energy), will cease operations Sept. 30, 2005.

On Oct. 1, 2005, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Division of Science, Technology and Energy will assume responsibility for matters related to public used oil collection and recycling for the state of Alabama.

Contact information follows:

Web site Address: www.adeca.alabama.gov

Project R.O.S.E. was one of the first volunteer used motor oil public outreach and education programs in the United States. Dr. Gary C. April, professor and head of The University of Alabama’s chemical and biological engineering department, founded the program in 1977. Project R.O.S.E. began with two 55-gallon drums placed at a pair of service stations in Tuscaloosa and Mobile. Project R.O.S.E. was coordinating with more than 500 volunteer used motor oil collection sites throughout the state.