Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Plastic jugs with lids
- Funnel
- Hammer
- Large nail or awl
- Sawdust (optional)
Step1
Oil Filter Components
Modern oil filters have an anti-drain valve incorporated into the filter which is good for the engine, but makes it difficult to drain the filter before disposing of it. Several ounces of oil are trapped inside of each used oil filter, posing a real pollution problem when they deteriorate and release the trapped waste oil into a landfill.
Step2
Federal guidelines call for used oil filters to be either "hot drained" or else crushed and drained before disposal. Some states have more restrictive requirements. Commercial oil changing outlets such as Jiffy Lube and Pep Boys are required by law to recycle waste oil and oil filters. The larger outlets will usually accept and dispose of both your old oil and oil filters, free of charge.
Step3
If permitted in your state, you can "hot drain" your own filters as follows. First, change your oil and filter after a 10 minute drive so that the engine is warmed up. Hot oil thins out and will drain faster and more thoroughly.
Step4
Punctured Filter
Drain most of the oil out of the filter by dumping it into your oil collection jug, using a funnel. Then lay the filter on its side and puncture a hole in it about a quarter of an inch from the bottom (see photo) using a hammer and large nail or awl. Then place the filter in a funnel over the jug in a protected area and let it drain for twelve hours, to meet federal standards.
Step5
Oil and Filter
You can dump some sawdust in the filter (optional) to absorb any residual oil, wrap it in a plastic bag, and put it in your trash. The waste oil can then be taken to a commercial garage for recycling.
Comments
krazigirl79 said
on 7/19/2008 Great tips, thank you.
luv2blog said
on 6/28/2008 Thanks, Jim. 5 stars!
Desula said
on 5/26/2008 So many things have to be disposed of in a specific manner because of the environment. Thanks for this reminder.
amylaine said
on 5/11/2008 Great information, like that you added how to dispose of the waste properly. That is so important.
TGoode said
on 5/1/2008 Have thrown away a lot of oil filters, but never thought of draining them this way_ will start with next oil change!