Used Motor Oil and Oil Filter Recycling

"Zero Waste - You Make it Happen!"

Did you know that one gallon of motor oil can pollute one million gallons of drinking water, a one-year supply for 50 people? In fact, used motor oil accounts for 40% of oil pollution in America's waterways. But did you know that used motor oil never wears out? It just gets dirty and can be recycled, cleaned, and used again. Therefore, do not pour motor oil onto the ground or into storm drains, or toss it into trash cans (even in a sealed container) it can contaminate and pollute the soil, groundwater, streams, and rivers (and it's illegal!). Recycling your used motor oil reduces this pollution threat. When you take your used oil to a San Mateo County Used Oil Certified Collection Center for recycling, you are protecting the environment and conserving a valuable resource.

San Mateo County Environmental Health Services and the California Integrated Waste Management Board have established over 66 used oil collection centers around the County. The County-sponsored facilities will accept used oil and filters (or other automobile waste such as antifreeze and car batteries at certain facilities) without charge. Find a location near you: list of used oil collection centers.

It's easy to recycle used motor oil and filters. Just follow these steps to ensure your used oil is taking the correct path for recycling.

• Collect your used oil in a clean non-breakable container that has a screw-on cap.

• Don't mix other substances with your used oil such as: paint, gasoline, solvents, water or antifreeze.Your used oil must be free of contaminants in order to be recycled.

• Place your used oil filter in a sealed plastic bag.

• Drop off your used motor oil and oil filters during business hours at a Collection Center. DO NOT leave used oil outside the Collection Centers when no one is in attendance or after business hours.

To find the collection center nearest you call 1-800-CLEANUP or see our list of certified used oil collection centers.

Contaminated Oil
Used Oil Collection Centers will Not accept contaminated oil (oil with traces of anti-freeze, paint, water or other substances). To receive information on recycling contaminated oil, used antifreeze, paint and other household hazardous materials, call 650-363-4718 or visit San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste Program.

How to Become a Used Oil Collection Center
If you own or operate an automotive parts retail shop, service or repair shop, gas station, or auto dealership and are interested in becoming a certified collection center please visit the web site for the California Integrated Waste Management Board or contact San Mateo County at 650-372-6214.

The 3,000 Mile Oil Change Myth

Needing to change your car's oil every 3,000 miles is a myth. Many cars today can go longer without affecting engine wear. Automakers are regularly recommending oil changes at 5,000, 7,000 or even 10,000 miles based on driving conditions. Check your vehicle's user manual for guidelines on when to change your oil. More information can be found at 3000milemyth.org.