How to dispose of car engine oil: where should you put old car oil?

Table of Contents

How to dispose of car oil
1. Find your local oil bank
Engine oil recycling
1. How to recycle engine oil at home
What happens to used engine oil?

Car’s engine oil plays a vital role in maintaining engine performance and longevity. Its primary function is to lubricate the moving parts of a car engine, which are continuously exposed to friction – the leading cause of wear and tear. By reducing this friction, motor oil minimises wear on engine components, ultimately helping to lower maintenance expenses and improve overall engine efficiency. This article will explore how best to dispose of your old oil.

How to dispose of car oil

Improperly disposing of your car’s used motor oil – by pouring it down the drain or dumping it on the ground – can result in significant environmental contamination and is illegal. Discarding old engine oil in this way pollutes the soil and water systems, endangering ecosystems and potentially impacting public health. If you're caught polluting, you could face legal action and penalties. To get rid of your oil safely and in accordance with the law, bring it to an authorised collection facility, where it can be managed and recycled appropriately.

Find your local oil bank

Take your used engine oil in a sturdy, leak-proof car waste oil container to an oil bank or recycling centre. The staff will make sure it's recycled or disposed of safely. You'll help protect the environment and keep your community clean! Avoid disposal down drains or in the ground.

How to dispose of car oil

Engine oil recycling

Engine oil recycling involves removing water from the used oil, which is then sent to tall recovery towers for further separation. In these towers, glycol and less heavy fuels are extracted and collected. The recovered glycol is later refined into a high-quality automotive-grade product, while the heavier fuel components are processed for industrial applications. This recycling process helps conserve resources and reduces environmental impact by repurposing valuable materials instead of discarding them.

How to recycle engine oil at home

To recycle engine oil at home, start by using a drip pan or sump tray to collect the oil as you drain it from your vehicle. Pour the used oil into a sturdy container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent leaks, and label it clearly. Store the container securely until you can take it to a nearby recycling centre. Never dispose of oil down the drain as it's harmful to the environment and usually prohibited.

What happens to used engine oil?

Used oil can be purified and transformed into fresh lubricants, converted into fuel oils, or repurposed as raw materials in refining and petrochemical processes. Additionally, car oil filters contain recyclable scrap metal, which can be reclaimed by steel manufacturers as raw material for new steel production.