Recycling used motor oil
1. After draining the oil from your car's crankcase, pour the oil into a clean
leak proof container with a screw-on top. Many household containers are suitable, including
original motor oil containers.
2. Never use containers that have previously held household chemicals such as bleach.
3. Make certain the container has a secure lid so it cannot spill.
4. Never store it in any container that once held food, beverages or chemicals. Regardless of the type of container used for carrying or storing used oil, be sure it is clean, clearly labeled "Used Oil", and keep out of the reach of children and pets.
5. Take the used motor oil to the nearest oil collection site.
2. Never use containers that have previously held household chemicals such as bleach.
3. Make certain the container has a secure lid so it cannot spill.
4. Never store it in any container that once held food, beverages or chemicals. Regardless of the type of container used for carrying or storing used oil, be sure it is clean, clearly labeled "Used Oil", and keep out of the reach of children and pets.
5. Take the used motor oil to the nearest oil collection site.
Draining an oil filter
- Use a filter wrench if necessary to loosen the old oil filter. Carefully remove the used filter.
- Drain the filter of any oil. Using a sharp tool, puncture a hole in the dome end of the filter or through the anti-drain back valve located on the flat end.
- The anti-drain back valves are present in most automotive and light duty truck filter models. The valve consists of a rubber flap that creates a vacuum and allows the "trapped" oil to be recovered for recycling.
- Place the flat end of the punctured filter on the container and drain as much used oil as possible out of the filter. It is important for used oil filters to be drained a minimum of 12 hours near engine operating temperature and above room temperature (approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Install the new oil filter according to manufacturer's directions. Coat the rubber seal.
Most of the Following Service Centers Collect Used Oil for Recycling
- Pep Boys
- Valvoline Instant Oil Change
- Texaco Full Service Stations
- Wal-Mart Automotive Centers
- O'Reilly's Auto Parts
- Auto Zone
- Check with other local establishments
Facts about automotive waste
- Used motor oil is the single largest source of oil pollution.
- Americans burn an estimated 200 million gallons of gasoline each day. As a result, 4 billion pounds of carbon dioxide are emitted into the atmosphere.
- One gallon of waste motor oil can contaminate one million gallons of water and make an acre-size oil slick. The oily surface blocks the oxygen and sunlight entry needed by aquatic life
- Commercial car washes pre-treat wash water. Washing your car and degreasing auto parts at home sends detergents and other contaminants directly into surface and ground water.
- Oil never wears out--it just gets dirty. Once the impurities such as heavy metals from your engine are removed, it can be marketed as refined oil/industrial fuel.
- It takes 42 gallons of high quality crude oil to produce 2-1/2 quarts of motor oil. It only takes one gallon of waste oil to produce the same amount.