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Places to Dispose of Car Oil

Many people who know how to change their own car oil do so as a way to save money. However, finding a place to dispose of used car oil may be more difficult than changing the oil itself. People who properly dispose of car waste, such as used motor oil, help prevent hazardous substances from polluting our air, soil, and water.

  1. Drop-Off Center

    • Take your used oil to a drop-off center or collection program. Many communities have drop-off centers that will recycle or properly dispose of used motor, hydraulic, or diesel oil. If your community does not have a drop-off center, check the Earth 911 website (see Resources) to locate the nearest center to you.

    Local Retailers

    • In many states, retailers that service automobiles and sell more than 1,000 gallons of motor oil each year, such as Jiffy Lube and Pep Boys, must accept used car oil free of charge. Some retailers use this oil as heating fuel for their buildings. Most retailers limit customers to five gallons per person each day, but those who use the oil for heat may take even more.

    State Parks

    • Some state parks have recycling bins including containers for your used car oil. For example, in Delaware, the state parks have recycling bins where oil, cardboard, newspaper, glass, and aluminum can be disposed of properly. Located in the park’s parking lot, the recycling bins are lined up, which makes them easy to access.

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