How to Recycle Motor Oil
Used motor oil from engines that can be re-refined indefinitely into new motor oil, used as industrial lubricant, or converted to energy. Contains valuable base oils worth $10-15 per quart when recycled. All oil types (conventional, synthetic, high-mileage) are recyclable together, making it one of the most successfully recycled materials with a 60% recovery rate nationwide.
- 1Allow engine to cool for 30+ minutes after driving (oil temperature can reach 250°F)
- 2Drain completely into clean, leak-proof container with funnel to prevent spills
- 3Store in original oil container, clean milk jug, or dedicated oil collection container
- 4Keep separate from ALL other automotive fluids (antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid)
- 5Include used oil filter - drain for 12+ hours before disposal
- 6Wipe up any spills immediately with absorbent materials and dispose with used oil
- 7Label container clearly as 'Used Motor Oil' with date of collection
- 8Store on impermeable surface (concrete/asphalt) away from drains and water sources
- Auto parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts) - often with incentives
- Quick-lube shops (Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Jiffy Lube)
- Service stations and gas stations with automotive services
- Municipal recycling centers and household hazardous waste facilities
- Walmart, Costco, and other retailers with automotive departments
- Auto dealerships and independent repair shops
- Fire stations (many participate in collection programs)
CRITICAL: Never mix with other fluids - even small amounts of antifreeze, brake fluid, or solvents make the entire batch non-recyclable and potentially hazardous waste. Store maximum 55 gallons for households, 25 gallons in single container. Use secondary containment for containers over 5 gallons. One quart can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water - equivalent to a year's drinking water for 50 people.
Motor oil from one oil change can contaminate 1 million gallons of freshwater. Used oil contains toxic heavy metals, carcinogens, and additives harmful to wildlife. However, it can be re-refined indefinitely - 2.5 quarts of used oil can be re-refined into 1 quart of new base oil. Recycling saves 85% of energy compared to refining crude oil. The US recycles 1.3 billion gallons annually, preventing massive environmental contamination while creating $3.5 billion in economic value.
- Extended oil change intervals with synthetic oil (7,500-10,000 miles vs 3,000-5,000)
- High-quality oil filters to extend oil life
- Oil analysis testing to determine optimal change intervals
- Professional oil change services with guaranteed recycling
- Bulk purchasing to reduce packaging waste
Accepted
- All motor oil types (conventional, synthetic, full synthetic, high-mileage)
- All viscosity grades (0W-20, 5W-30, 10W-40, etc.)
- Motorcycle and small engine oil
- Marine engine oil (2-stroke and 4-stroke)
- Hydraulic oil and gear oil from vehicles
- Used oil filters (drained for 12+ hours)
- Oil-soaked absorbent materials in sealed containers
Not Accepted
- Oil mixed with antifreeze, brake fluid, or other automotive fluids
- Oil contaminated with gasoline, solvents, or paint
- Oil with significant water contamination (over 5%)
- Industrial oils, cutting oils, or hydraulic fluids from non-automotive sources
- Oil filters that haven't been properly drained
- Containers with free-flowing oil residue
- Oil contaminated with hazardous materials or unknown substances
Estimated value: $0.40-$0.60 per gallon in incentive programs (California), $10-15 per quart in base oil recovery value, potential cash payments at certified collection centers
- Heavy metals (lead, zinc, copper from engine wear)
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) - carcinogenic compounds
- Benzene and other aromatic hydrocarbons
- Additive packages with sulfur compounds
- Detergent and dispersant chemicals
Can I mix different types of motor oil for recycling?
Yes! Conventional, synthetic, and high-mileage oils can all be mixed together for recycling. The re-refining process handles all oil types. However, NEVER mix motor oil with other automotive fluids like antifreeze or brake fluid.
How long can I store used motor oil before recycling?
Used oil can be stored indefinitely if kept in proper containers away from contamination. For households, store maximum 55 gallons total, with no more than 25 gallons per container. Use secondary containment for containers over 5 gallons.
What should I do if I accidentally mixed motor oil with antifreeze?
Stop adding more oil immediately. This mixture cannot be recycled and must be treated as hazardous waste. Contact your local hazardous waste facility for proper disposal. Never attempt to separate mixed fluids yourself.
Can I get paid for my used motor oil?
Yes, in many areas. California pays $0.40 per gallon through certified collection centers. Some auto parts stores offer store credit. The oil itself has $10-15 per quart value in base oil recovery, making it valuable to recyclers.
Is synthetic oil better for the environment when recycled?
All oil types recycle equally well, but synthetic oil's longer change intervals (7,500-10,000 miles vs 3,000-5,000) mean less total oil consumption and fewer recycling trips, reducing overall environmental impact.
What happens during the re-refining process?
Used oil goes through vacuum distillation, clay treatment, and hydrotreating to remove contaminants. The result is high-quality base oil that can become new motor oil, meeting the same performance standards as oil from crude petroleum.
Can I recycle oil that's been sitting in my garage for years?
Yes, if stored properly in sealed containers without contamination. Old oil may have sediment but is still recyclable. However, if containers are rusted, leaking, or contaminated, take special precautions during transport.
How do I handle oil filter recycling?
Drain used filters for 12+ hours at room temperature or above. Once drained, filters can be recycled as scrap metal. The drained oil should be added to your used oil collection. Some programs accept filters with oil still in them.
What containers are safe for storing used motor oil?
Original oil containers, clean milk jugs, or dedicated oil collection containers work best. Avoid metal containers that can rust. Ensure containers are leak-proof, properly labeled, and stored on concrete or asphalt - never on soil or near drains.
Can businesses recycle motor oil differently than individuals?
Businesses generating over 25 gallons per month may need EPA identification numbers and must follow stricter management standards. Many recyclers offer pickup services for bulk quantities and may pay for large volumes.