How to Recycle Motor Oil

Once used oil is properly recycled, it can be turned into fuel oils or used as a raw material for the refining and petrochemical industries. Used oil can be recycled at community oil collection centers, service stations, car dealers or other maintenance facilities, and, in some areas, through local curbside recycling programs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Oil Filter Wrenches
• Motor Oil
• Oil Filters
• Adjustable Oi Filter Wrenches
• Used-oil Container Or Gallon Milk Jugs

1. Check with your county or state government office for recycling centers in your area.
2. Place your car's drained oil into a leakproof container with a secure screw-on top. Use a clean container that has not held any type of household chemical. A plastic milk jug works fine. Areas that have curbside pickup for used motor oil often provide containers just for this purpose.
3. Consider purchasing from an automotive store a special container designed to hold used motor oil.
4. Label the container "used oil."
5. Take the oil to an oil collection center, a local service station, a car repair shop or a car dealer.
6. Contact Earth's 911 at 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) for the nearest collection centers in your area. Type in your zip code when you are prompted to do so, and the locations will come up almost immediately.
7. Contact a Jiffy Lube, Pep Boys or Kragen Auto Parts in your area to see if it recycles used motor oil. Many offer this service through their shops across the United States.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to keep used oil out of the reach of children and pets.
• Avoid mixing used motor oil with antifreeze, as the oil will become contaminated.