America Recycles Day: How to Properly Dispose of Motor Oil - Engine Builder Magazine

America Recycles Day: How to Properly Dispose of Motor Oil

One of the items you should recycle is used motor oil, especially given the harmful effects it can have if spilled or allowed to seep into the ground. Did you know that one gallon of motor oil can contaminate a million gallons of water if poured into a storm drain? Luckily, used motor oil is one of the easiest materials to recycle, thanks to the many automotive retailers and repair shops that will accept used motor oil for proper disposal.

Many of automotive retailers and oil change locations that offer Pennzoil Synthetics will also accept used motor oil back for recycling. Oil change locations, such as Jiffy Lube and others will also accept used motor oil for proper disposal. To ensure your nearest retailer or oil change center accepts used motor oil, we recommend contacting the location directly.

If you change your own motor oil, there are few tips to keep in mind so that you can properly recycle your used motor oil and filter:

  • Capture every drop of motor oil by laying out a mat or other floor covering, ensuring it will capture any splashing or overflow. 
  • Use a pan big enough to capture all the used motor oil. Some pans even feature a built-in spout to allow for easy transfer to a storage container. 
  • Use storage containers made of plastic that the used motor oil won’t break down – containers made from PE (polyethylene) work best. Motorists also frequently use the original motor oil container, making for easy transportation and ample storage space. Containers like milk cartons are not suitable for storing used motor oil. 
  • Do not mix motor oil with other fluids in your vehicle such as coolant, windshield washer or brake fluid. Also avoid storing used motor oil in containers that once housed other fluids, since combining used motor oil with other vehicle fluids may prevent the used motor oil from being properly recycled. 
  • Do not forget the oil filter – it is made of steel and contains some used motor oil too! To drain the filter, punch a hole in the top of the oil filter and let the motor oil drain into the pan used for collecting the motor oil from the engine. The filter will still contain motor oil even after draining, so be certain to bring it with your used motor oil so it can be handled and disposed of by participating locations. 
  • Make sure you have a lid that is properly secured on the container. Store it in a cool, dry place until you bring it to be recycled. 

Recycling motor oil, glass, plastic, paper and household items is an important way to be more sustainable and help protect our environment. Learn about the steps Pennzoil is taking to reduce our carbon footprint.

You May Also Like

Legends Nitro Funny Cars Series Announces Nine Races for 2023

Officials with the Legends Nitro Funny Cars series have announced its schedule will feature nine events in 2023. Teams campaign Funny Cars fueled by Nitromethane with body styles from the 1960s and 1970s, ranging up to 1982 and older.  Legends Nitro Funny Cars points will be allocated during six NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series events and

Officials with the Legends Nitro Funny Cars series have announced its schedule will feature nine events in 2023. Teams campaign Funny Cars fueled by Nitromethane with body styles from the 1960s and 1970s, ranging up to 1982 and older. 

Legends Nitro Funny Cars points will be allocated during six NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series events and at three NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series events before a champion will be crowned at the NHRA Nevada Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Oct. 26–29. 

Bill Introduced in U.S. House of Reps. to Prevent ICE Bans

U.S. Representative John Joyce (R-PA) has introduced H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,” a bill designed to protect Americans’ right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles. The bill was introduced in response to the California Air Resources Board’s plans to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles

More Details Revealed for the Future of Auto Club Speedway

More details have been revealed about the recent sale of NASCAR’s Auto Club Speedway—the 2-mile, low-banked D-shaped oval superspeedway near Fontana, California. It was previously reported that NASCAR had sold 433 acres of the 522-acre site.  Related Articles – Lubrication Specialities Adds to its Marketing Team – West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports HoF Names Five Members – NHRA

Discover Pro Tips & More at Drag Racing Sponsorship Summit

Racers, teams, promoters and sponsors at all levels of competition are invited to join sponsorship guru Alex Striler and more than a dozen top panelists from some of the biggest brands in motorsports for the 2023 Drag Racing Sponsorship Summit. Related Articles – NASCAR to Announce New Short Track, Road Course Rules – Chip Ganassi

AAM Group Hires Jeff Kesar as Engine Pro Marketing Specialist

After assuming operational oversight of Engine Pro, The AAM Group—the automotive aftermarket program distribution group and specialty marketing firm based in Piney Flats, Tennessee—has announced Jeff Kesar will help lead marketing and strategic planning for Engine Pro. Related Articles – Spencer Hyde Wins Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod – Liqui Moly Sponsors Formula 1 for

Other Posts

NASCAR Sells California’s Auto Club Speedway

According to published reports, NASCAR has sold land on the site of Auto Club Speedway, the 2-mile, low-banked D-shaped oval superspeedway near Fontana, California. Approximately 433 acres of the 522-acre site is said to have been sold to an unknown buyer at an undisclosed price. Reported plans include the demolition of the famed track, which

Sonoma Raceway Names Karen Davis VP, Marketing and Events

Officials with Sonoma Raceway—the road course and drag strip located in Sonoma, California and owned by Speedway Motorsports—have appointed NASCAR industry veteran Karen Davis as the vice president of Marketing and Events. Related Articles – Don Schumacher Motorsports Announces $10.5M Expansion – First-Ever Alaska Speed Week Set for June – Deatschwerks Announces Matt Patricks as

MotorTrend’s 19th Annual Hot Rod Drag Week

The race to determine the title of “Fastest Street Car in America” is back as Hot Rod Drag Week 2023 Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive returns to premier tracks in four Southeast cities Sunday, Sept. 17 through Friday, Sept. 22, and made extra special this year as HOT ROD Magazine celebrates 75 years in 2023. Registration for this highly-anticipated

BorgWarner Announces New Aftermarket Segment Spin-Off

BorgWarner—the American automotive supplier based in Auburn Hills, Michigan—has announced its spin-off fuel system and aftermarket segment will be a separate, publicly traded company named “PHINIA Inc.”  Related Articles – NASCAR Technical Institute Awards $76,000 in Tuition Grants to High Schools – Cummins Announces New X10 Engine – DEI Adds New VP of Sales &