Recycle

Where can I recycle motor oil

Motor oil sticks to everything – even water!

When poured down a gutter or a drain, oil can find its way to oceans, lakes, and rivers. It contains metal particles and other toxic substances, meaning it’s hazardous for plants and wildlife.

If motor oil is poured down a drain, it can contaminate 1 million gallons of fresh water, which is enough drinking water for 50 people for one year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The recycled oil can power furnaces or be used to fuel power plants that supply electricity. The re-refined oil is even safe to place back into car engines.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Agency encourages auto parts stores and service stations to collect their collection sites on a daily occurrence, as well as inspecting the disposition of the oil. 

Once the oil’s out of the car

If you use an auto shop to change your car’s oil, call ahead and ask about recycling practices. Chains, like AutoZone and Pep Boys, typically recycle the oil, but so do locally owned repair shops.

If you DIY, keep these steps in mind:

  1. Place a plastic sheet underneath the engine and place a container, like a drip pan, on top of the sheet to catch the draining oil. Be sure to let the liquid drain for several hours.
  2. Pour the oil from the drip pan to another container, preferably the original though you could also use a milk jug.
  3. Make sure that the motor oil is in a clean and tightly sealed container. Keep it away from direct sunlight, children, and animals, and ensure it stays dry
  4. Bring the container to an auto repair shop or to one of the city’s household hazardous waste events. If you live in the suburbs, check your county’s website for HHW events.

Note: if your motor oil is mixed with antifreeze or other fluids, it is unable to be recycled.

Jessica Rogers

Recent Posts

Climate action updates, EPA deregulation, new gardens, & more

Check out the latest sustainability news: Office of Sustainability releases 2025 Climate Action Update. OSS…

5 days ago

A bird-a-thon without birdwatching? For blind birders, it’s all about sound

From Malvern to Massachusetts, the first blind birding event showed accessibility in action. Chester County…

6 days ago

How Fishtown neighbors organized for a pedestrian safety win

More than 500 residents advocated for change, leading to 40% longer crosswalk times on Girard…

7 days ago

Protecting community gardens, PA’s green energy package & more

Check out the latest sustainability news: City Council votes to protect one of the city’s…

2 weeks ago

Mayor Parker’s $2 Billion H.O.M.E. plan to tackle housing & climate change

Here’s how the city plans to retrofit the aging housing stock and support existing repair…

2 weeks ago

Plant-based as resistance: Veggie Mijas reconnects BIPOC communities to the land

From storytelling workshops to seed swaps, they’re cultivating more than just vegetables in Philly and…

2 weeks ago