Abstract: A protective mat for the pavement area surrounding an open manhole comprises a bottom layer of petroleum and contamination impervious preferably polyethylene sheet material laminated to an upper fibrous mat sheet layer preferably comprising cotton fibers bonded together to form a porous liquid absorbent layer.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously recycling a plurality of used oil filters involves placing a plurality of the filters into a rectangular compartment having a top, opposite sides, a bottom, and first and second ends. Pressure is exerted on the oil filters in a first longitudinal direction, and a second compressive pressure is imposed on the filters in a second longitudinal direction at a substantial right angle with respect to the first longitudinal direction. The first and second pressures are sufficient to compress the air filters to a substantial self-contained rectangular block. This method produces a self-contained block wherein 90% to 95% of the residual oil in the filters is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously recycling a plurality of used oil filters has a rectangular shaped compartment having a bottom, a top, opposite sides, and first and second ends. A first powered plunger is associated with the compartment above the top thereof to be moved downwardly toward the bottom to compress a plurality of used oil filters against the bottom. A second powered plunger is associated with the first end of the compartment and is adapted to be moved longitudinally in the compartment towards the second end. A dam member extends laterally across the compartment adjacent the second end so that the second powered plunger can compress a plurality of used oil filters against the dam member. A method of simultaneously recycling a plurality of used oil filters involves placing a plurality of the filters into a rectangular compartment having a top, opposite sides, a bottom, and first and second ends.