Why You Should Recycle Your Used Motor Oil And How To Do It

Posted on: 4 September 2018

If you change the oil in your car yourself, you can save money while keeping your car in top condition. Plus, you have the satisfaction and convenience of changing the oil yourself when you have time. However, you need to know how to dispose of used oil the right way. Here's a look at why you should recycle old oil and how to do it.

Why Recycling Oil Is Important

Oil is a toxic substance. It can contaminate the water supply if you flush it down the drain or let it drain into the soil. It's easy to prevent this type of contamination by collecting your used oil for recycling. Used oil and used oil filters can be recycled and used again, which also benefits the environment.

How To Save Used Oil For Recycling

First, collect the oil into a pan when you drain it from your car. Then you can transfer the oil to a plastic container that has a tight lid so the oil won't leak. A gallon-sized water jug is a good choice, and you can transfer the oil into it easily by using a funnel. Suspend the filter over the pan for several hours to remove as much oil as possible, and place this oil in the jug as well. Be sure the lid is on tight so oil won't spill if you kick it over. You can save the jug and keep adding oil until it's full, or you can recycle it right away to get it out of your garage. Place the filter in a plastic trash bag or another container to keep it from getting oil on the garage floor or your car when you transport it.

Where To Recycle Oil

Call your local curbside service if you have one to see if you can set the oil out for pickup. If so, be sure to follow their directions for how to package the oil and filter. It's possible that your local recycling service won't pick up old motor oil. Instead, you'll have to find a drop-off location. Call local auto parts stores, your city's recycling office, and mechanic shops to see if they collect oil or if they know of a drop-off location. Once you know a convenient location for you, all you have to do is save the oil and then take it to the location to get rid of it. That's just a little inconvenience that has the big benefit of keeping toxic waste from contaminating the soil and groundwater.

Contact a company like Denver Used Oil to learn more about recycling used oil. 

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