Recycle or Dispose of Motor Oil

Motor oil plays an essential role in keeping your vehicle’s engine running smoothly. However, it also poses environmental risks if not disposed of properly. Learning how to recycle or safely dispose of used motor oil is important for maintaining your car and protecting the environment.

Why Recycling Motor Oil Matters

Recycling used motor oil has many benefits:

Prevents pollution: Used motor oil contains toxic chemicals and metals that can contaminate groundwater, drinking water supplies, and soil if dumped irresponsibly. Recycling prevents pollution.
Conserves resources: Recycling allows used motor oil to be re-refined into new oil, reducing the need to manufacture virgin motor oil. This saves energy and valuable natural resources.
Saves money: Properly disposing of used oil at approved recycling centers is often free. Improper disposal can lead to fines for illegal dumping.
It’s the law: Federal and state laws prohibit dumping used motor oil because of its environmental hazards. Recycling used oil is often required by law.

How Often to Change Motor Oil

Routine oil changes are vital for engine performance and longevity. Here are general guidelines on how often to change your motor oil:

Conventional oil: Change every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first. Check owner’s manual.
Synthetic oil: Change every 7,500-10,000 miles or 6-12 months. Provides longer change intervals.
High mileage vehicles: Change oil more frequently – every 3,000 miles. Older engines benefit from extra protection.
Extreme conditions: Change oil more often if driving frequently on dirt roads, towing, short trips, or extreme weather.
New vehicles: Follow manufacturer’s break-in oil change schedule, typically around 5,000 miles.

Monitor oil level monthly and top off if needed. Regular oil and filter changes protect your investment!

Recognizing When Oil Needs Changing

Don’t rely solely on miles driven when deciding to change motor oil. Look for these signs your oil needs changing:

Dark black color: Oil gradually turns from amber to black as it oxidizes and picks up contaminants. Black oil needs changing.
Low oil level: Oil burns off over time. Check levels monthly and top off if over 1 quart low. Low levels indicate a need for oil change.
Excess dirt/debris: Used oil with floating dirt particles or thick, muddy consistency means an oil change is overdue.
Odors: Oil that smells burnt or foul immediately requires an oil change. It has lost lubricating properties.
Engine noise: Knocking, pinging or rattling engine sounds can signal dirty oil failing to properly lubricate the engine. Change oil immediately.
Oil consumption: An engine burning more than 1 quart of oil every 1,000-2,000 miles needs its oil changed to clean the issue.

Rely on oil life monitoring systems in newer cars when available. Otherwise, err on the side of caution with more frequent oil changes.

DIY Oil Change Tips

Changing your own oil can save money. Follow these tips for a smooth DIY oil change:

Gather supplies: Oil, new filter, drain pan, wrench set, gloves, rags, funnel, replacement drain plug washer if needed. Have items ready before jacking up vehicle.
Run engine first: Warm oil flows quicker and removes more contaminants. Let engine run 5 minutes before draining oil.
Loosen plug slowly: Oil may initially spurt out if plug removed too quickly. Loosen slowly to control flow.
Drain thoroughly: Allow plenty of time for oil to fully drain before replacing plug and adding new oil. 20 minutes minimum.
Check plug & washer: Replace drain plug washer if cracked or damaged. This prevents leaks. Snug plug hand tight only.
Refill carefully: Pause while adding new oil to check dipstick level frequently to avoid overfilling. Don’t rely solely on new oil container volume markings.
Reset reminders: If your vehicle has an oil life monitoring system, be sure to reset it according to manufacturer instructions after the DIY oil change.

How to Dispose of Used Motor Oil

Improperly disposing of used motor oil harms the environment. Follow these responsible disposal tips:

Recycle It

This is the best option as motor oil gets re-refined into new oil. Here’s how:

Use curbside pickup: Many municipalities offer household hazardous waste curbside pickup to collect used motor oil for recycling. Contact your local waste management department to inquire about programs in your area and how to prepare oil for pickup.
Take to drop-off site: Find a used oil recycling drop-off location near you. Big retailers like auto parts stores often have collection tanks. Transfer used oil from the drain pan into an empty plastic jug to transport to the drop-off site.
Take to service station: Many auto service shops will accept a limited amount of used motor oil from household DIY oil changes even if you weren’t a customer. Call ahead to ask about their policy.
Mail to re-refinery: Specialty oil recycling companies will send prepaid containers, collect your used oil, and ship to a re-refinery for recycling into new oil. Search for companies online. This costs a small fee.

Safely Dispose as Waste

If recycling is not possible, dispose safely as hazardous household waste:

Pour into sealable container: Carefully pour the used motor oil from the drain pan into an empty plastic jug or bottle that seals tightly. This prevents spills.
Dispose at hazardous waste facility: Contact your local environmental or sanitation department about household hazardous waste drop-off facilities in your area to properly dispose of the sealed used motor oil container. Fees may apply.
Prepare for transportation: Seal the used oil container and transport upright and securely in the vehicle. Check facility requirements as some have container size limits.
Never dump in sewer or street drain: Illegally dumping used oil into storm drains, sewers, backyards, or other improper places can result in hefty fines. Dispose at approved facilities only.

Storing Used Oil Until Disposal

When storing used motor oil prior to bringing it to a recycler or disposal facility, follow these important guidelines:

Use opaque, sealed containers: Store used oil in sealed, non-see-through plastic bottles or jugs to limit exposure to oxygen. Avoid reusing milk jugs or translucent containers.
Label clearly: Mark the container with the words “Used Motor Oil” and date to prevent accidental handling.
Store out of reach: Keep used oil containers in a safe location away from children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Clean spills quickly: Use rags to immediately wipe up any spills or drips when transferring used oil to prevent contamination. Properly dispose of soiled rags.
Dispose of ASAP: Plan to bring used oil to a recycling or waste management facility as soon as practical after generation. Never store for prolonged periods.

Proper oil storage prevents accidents and minimizes environmental risks until the used oil can be recycled or disposed of responsibly.

FAQs About Motor Oil Disposal

Can motor oil be poured down the drain?

No, never pour used motor oil down household or storm drains. Used motor oil contains toxic chemicals and heavy metals that can pollute waterways and harm the environment. Dispose of used oil properly at approved recycling or hazardous waste facilities.

Is it safe to mix different types of motor oil?

It’s not recommended. Oils have different additives and detergents that could react. For recycling purposes, experts advise against mixing conventional and synthetic oils. Keep oil types separate.

How do oil change facilities dispose of used motor oil?

Reputable auto service shops recycle used oil. Many have waste oil furnaces to burn limited amounts as heat in shop. Oil change chains often contract with licensed waste oil haulers to transfer used oil to recycling facilities.

Can burning motor oil in a backyard burn barrel be harmful?

Yes, back yard burning of used motor oil is illegal and unsafe. Motor oil contains toxins that can be released into the air as dangerous smoke or ash. This harms health and pollutes soil and groundwater if the ash is dispersed.

Does it matter if dirt or other fluids mix into used motor oil?

Yes. Contaminants make used oil more difficult to recycle and re-refine into new oil. Keep used motor oil as contaminant-free as possible by draining thoroughly from the engine and storing properly until taken for disposal or recycling.

What’s the easiest way for a DIYer to dispose of used motor oil?

For home mechanics, the simplest method is to transfer the used oil into clean containers with tight lids and take to a nearby hazardous waste disposal location or recycling drop-off site. Many automotive stores accept limited amounts of used motor oil for recycling also.

Key Takeaways on Motor Oil Disposal

Used motor oil is an environmental hazard and requires responsible disposal. Never dump down drains or in local water bodies.
Recycling used oil through curbside pickup, drop-off sites, or re-refinery mail services allows it to be re-purified into new motor oil.
If recycling is unavailable, dispose of used oil at designated hazardous waste facilities to prevent pollution.
Store used oil safely in sealed containers out of reach until transported for disposal or recycling.
DIY oil changers should utilize local recycling options from retailers when possible, or hazardous waste sites for minimal disposal fees.
Abide by federal, state, and local laws that prohibit illegal dumping of used oil and mandate proper recycling. Proper disposal protects the environment.

Recycling or safe disposal of motor oil after routine oil changes is easy to accomplish once you know your local options. Make the small effort – the environment will thank you!