Oil, Used Motor
Why recycle?
One gallon of used oil can ruin a million gallons of fresh water; a year’s supply of water for 50 people. Used oil should never be dumped in your yard (such as on blackberry brambles), down a storm drain, or in your garbage can.
How to recycle.
If you have curbside recycling service at your home pour the used oil carefully into clean, plastic milk jug and screw the lid on tightly. If you plan to haul the oil to a recycling drop-off site yourself, pour the used oil into a container with a secure lid for safe transporting to the drop-off site. Retail shops sell convenient reusable oil containers for this purpose. Never mix oil with other vehicle fluids, such as gasoline, solvents or antifreeze.
For proper disposal
If you are a curbside recycler, simply place the jug next to your recycling bins. If you live in a multifamily complex (apartments or trailer parks), check with your manager to make sure oil changes are allowed at your facility. If they are allowed, place the jug of motor oil next to the recycling carts. Please do not put inside the carts the oil will leak when collected and contaminate the rest of the recyclable material. If you do not have curbside recycling or live in a multifamily complex that prohibits do-it-yourself vehicle maintenance, your used motor oil may be taken to any Free Public Used Oil Collection or Household Hazardous Waste Collection facility or event; see collection information below.
Where does it go next?
Since oil only gets dirty and never breaks down, it can be cleaned and reused at refineries or it can be blended and used as an alternative fuel source.
Free Public Used Oil Collection Sites
Proper Disposal
Free Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
If you are a resident of Clark County or one of its cities, you may dispose of unwanted household hazardous waste products at any of the following HHW collection programs. Business-generated hazardous waste will not be accepted.
Home Collection
Eligible senior and citizens with disabilities who are unable to transport HHW to a collection site or event may call (360) 397-6118 ext. 4352 to see if they qualify for a free home pick up.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Central Transfer and Recycling Center - Brush Prairie
- West Van Materials Recovery Center - Vancouver
- Washougal Transfer Station - Washougal
Satellite Collection Events
