How to Use Hay to Absorb Oil

Oil spills are public health hazards that require immediate and efficient cleaning and disposal. Hay effectively removes oil from water without otherwise compromising the water. Hay does tend to absorb water faster than oil if submerged too long, which can cause it to sink. This makes it ineffective in large bodies of water, which would require immense amounts of hay and cleanup costs and efforts. While not useful for large bodies of water, hay is an effective oil remover for small areas like a backyard fountain, pool or pond.

Things You'll Need

• Hay
• Wheelbarrow
• Pitchfork
• Rake
• Large trash bags or containers
• Rubber gloves

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Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  A wheelbarrow is an efficient way to transport hay.

  Use the pitchfork to fill your wheelbarrow with hay. Wheel hay to the oil infected water area.

• 2

  Rubber gloves protect the hands from the harmful effects of oil.

  Place rake, containers or trash bags and rubber gloves near the water for easy clean-up.

• 3

  Using a pitchfork, pile hay directly on top of oil. The oil will stick to the hay almost immediately. Stir hay around to maximize coverage.

• 4

  Put on rubber gloves and use the rake to pull oil covered hay out of the water. Load the hay into bags or containers. Repeat as often as necessary to remove all of the oil from the water.

• 5

  Tightly close or tie off containers and bags of oil covered hay. Dispose of at the nearest oil recycling center. Do not place in trash; oil must be disposed of properly to protect the environment.