How to Dispose of Contaminated Motor Oil

As a rule, the recycling process for contaminated motor oil differs from normal recycling procedures. Major recycling centers often require clients to process contaminated oil during separate recycling events organized to handle hazardous material. Used motor oil is given hazardous material status when it has been mixed with water, heavy metals, antifreeze or hydraulic fluid. The safe transport of contaminated motor oil begins with the selection of the proper storage container. The transport of the used motor oil, along with adherence to local county or city protocol remains paramount for all who drain, replace and recycle the oil.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Used Oil Container
• Automobile

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Instructions

• 1

  Drain the engine oil from vehicle. Position a clean, leak-proof container beneath the oil release valve under the vehicle's engine compartment. The container must be large enough to hold all of the oil in the engine and cannot have been used to hold any chemical products, including household cleaners.

• 2

  Secure the container once the engine oil has been collected. Use the container lid or a drain pan that doubles as a used-oil container. For containers with screw tops, fill the container and tightly screw on the top to prevent leakage during transport.

• 3

  Label the container 'contaminated motor oil' by using an adhesive label or a piece of masking tape. Place the container in a secure area to prevent accidental puncture or contact with children or household pets.

• 4

  Choose a recycling location. In many cases, local recycling centers will not accept used engine oil contaminated with water, antifreeze or heavy metals. Recycling centers sometimes designate specific dates for accepting contaminated oil and other hazardous materials. Contact the city or county recycling authority to determine the date for contaminated oil drop-off. Some local agencies provide a door-to-door pick up service or a specified location for drop-off.