Used oil is exactly what its name implies: any petroleum-based or synthetic oil that has been used. Oil keeps our cars, lawnmowers, and many other machines running smoothly. However, during normal use, impurities such as dirt, metal scrapings, water, or chemicals, can get mixed in with the oil, so that in time, the oil no longer performs well. Eventually, this used oil must be replaced with virgin or re-refined oil to do the job correctly. Show
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Note: Information on this page is meant for consumers. For information on managing used oil at your place of business, read through our frequent questions for small businesses. Basic Information on Handling Used Oil at HomeYou Dump It, You Drink ItYou Dump It, You Drink It (pdf) (73.42 KB) You Dump It, You Drink It – Recycle Used Motor Oil Brochure (pdf) (476.13 KB) If you are one of the many people who change their own motor oil, you too need to know how to properly manage the used oil. After all, used oil from one oil change can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water — a years’ supply for 50 people! When handling used oil, be sure to take these key points into consideration:
Are you a “Do-It Yourselfer” —do you change the oil in your car at home? On average, about four million people reuse motor oil as a lubricant for other equipment or take it to a recycling facility. If you plan to recycle your used oil, take care not to spill any when you collect it and place it in a leak-proof can or container. Check with local automobile maintenance facilities, waste collectors, and government waste officials to see when and where you can drop off your used oil for recycling. Don’t forget to drain and recycle used oil filters as well—usually you can drop off the filters at the same collection centers where you deposit used oil. The Benefits of Reusing and Recycling Used OilRecycling and reusing used motor oil is preferable to disposal and can provide great environmental benefits. Recycled used motor oil can be re-refined into new oil, processed into fuel oils, and used as raw materials for the petroleum industry. Looking for a Place to Recycle your Used Oil? Use the below resources to find recycling locations near you:
Some of the many reasons to reuse and recycle used oil include:
How it Works: Recycling Used Oil and Oil FiltersUsed oil can be re-refined into lubricants, processed into fuel oils, and used as raw materials for the refining and petrochemical industries. Additionally, used oil filters contain reusable scrap metal, which steel producers can reuse as scrap feed. So, how is used oil recycled? Note that the most preferred option, re-refined oil—must meet the same stringent refining, compounding, and performance standards as virgin oil for use in automotive, heavy-duty diesel, and other internal combustion engines, and hydraulic fluids and gear oils. Extensive laboratory testing and field studies conclude that re-refined oil is equivalent to virgin oil—it passes all prescribed tests and, in some situations, even outperforms virgin oil. The same consumers and businesses that use regular oil also can use re-refined oil, since re-refining simply re-processes used oil into new, high-quality lubricating oil. Any vehicle maintenance facilities, automobile owners, and other machinery maintenance operations that use oil also can use re-refined oil. In some cases, fleet maintenance facilities that use large volumes of oil arrange to reuse the same oil that they send to be re-refined—a true closed recycling loop. How do I dispose of old oil?General Public: You can take your oil to a certified collection center (CCC). Many communities have curbside recycling programs that allow you to leave your oil at the curb (properly packaged). Or you can have your oil changed by a service station that recycles the oil for you.
Can you put motor oil in the garbage?Answer: Bottles of motor oil are considered hazardous waste when they contain oil. If the bottles are empty or completely dry they can be placed in the trash.
How do I dispose of used motor oil near me?Many service stations, repair facilities and quick lubes will accept used oil and used oil filters. Additionally, your local government or recycling coordinator may be able to identify curbside or other recycling programs in your area.
What do you do with oil after oil change?Here are some easy steps to properly dispose of your used oil after performing an oil change:. Carefully pour the used oil into a suitable recycling container. ... . Label the container “Used Oil.” Do not mix any other wastes – such as paint thinners, gasoline or antifreeze – with the used oil.. |