How to Recycle Motor Oil

You can recycle motor oil after an oil change. Used motor oil disposal is a topic that should concern everyone. Disposal of motor oil in an irresponsible manner can lead to contamination of our water supplies and lands. Used motor oil is full of toxic compounds, and even a small amount can contaminate hundreds of thousands of gallons of water. Surgical type gloves should always be worn when handling used motor oil, because prolonged contact can be harmful to your health. Once drained from your vehicle, used motor oil should be safely contained until it is dropped off at one of the many used motor oil companies for recycling.

Collecting and Storing Motor Oil for Recycling
When changing the motor oil from your vehicle, watercraft, or lawn mower, always drain it into a suitable drain pan, large enough to hold all of the oil and still have adequate room below the rim of the container. The drain pan should only be used for motor oil collection. Motor oil that has mixed with anti-freeze cannot be recycled. Some recycled motor oil is burned in specialized industrial boilers, and the addition of anti-freeze causes burning problems and the release of toxic substances into our air. Using a dedicated funnel, carefully pour the used motor oil into a recyclable plastic container that has a secure lid, like an old one-gallon milk jug.

Where to Take the Used Motor Oil
The web site Earth911.com can help you find used motor oil companies in your area. Once the web site has loaded, you will see a green area with two information blocks. Type in the material you want to recycle into the first block. Enter your zip code into the second block and click on "Search". The next web page that loads will allow you to make a more exact selection from the drop down list that appears in the first block. Click on "Search" one more time, and a list of companies (in your zip code) will appear at the bottom of the screen.

Local newspapers and your state's official web site are additional resources to finding used motor oil companies. Simply use the search on your state's official site to look for used motor oil recycling. Indeed, your state's official web site can also be used to find companies that will accept other types of recyclables, in addition to used motor oil.

Another place to check is your local auto parts store. In fact, some of these stores have containers set aside specifically for disposal of motor oil.

Recycling used motor oil can help save our lands and water supply from contamination. Additionally, recycling saves energy. Used motor oil can be re-refined and used as a base for lubricating oils and in formulations for some types of new motor oils.