How to Dispose of an Oil filter

Used Oil and Filter

Member

By jimdris
eHow Community Member

Article Rating:

(27 Ratings)

Although do-it-yourselfers commonly recycle the waste oil drained from their personal vehicles, they do not know how to properly dispose of old oil filters, which could also be considered to be hazardous waste.
This article contains two suggested methods to accomplish these tasks.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Plastic jugs with lids
Funnel
Hammer
Large nail or awl
Sawdust (optional)

Step 1

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.
Step 2

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.
Step 3

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.
Step 4

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.
Step 5

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.