It's basically the plot of the Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

Back then they should just let the oil go on the side of road. No need to capture it

That reminds me of the Popular Science garage hint from 1963, explaining how to easily dispose of used motor oil: Dig a hole in the ground and fill it with fine gravel. Pour in the oil, and it will be absorbed into the ground before your next oil change.

https://books.google.com/books?id=myADAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA166#v=on...

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stefanfisk 5 hours ago | parent [-]

Different times indeed.

The Swedish government created this informational video in 1964 on how to properly dispose of your trash when at sea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03saJVFkv4. Apparently the trick is to make the trash sink rather than float.

	▲	Gud 4 hours ago \| parent [-]
		People were doing it, at least make sure they do a good job.