Residential Used Oil Collection

Do You Change Your Own Oil?
If so, please make sure to recycle your used oil and oil filters to help keep California safe and pollution-free. 

Did you know that used motor oil never wears out? It just gets dirty and can be recycled, cleaned and used again. Recycling used motor oil conserves a natural resource and is good for the environment too! It is illegal to dispose of motor oil and used oil filters in trash cans (even in a sealed container) or to pour motor oil onto the ground or into storm drains. Motor oil and used oil filters that are not disposed of properly can contaminate and pollute soil, groundwater, streams and rivers. Recycling your used motor oil and oil filters reduces this pollution threat. When you take your used motor oil and oil filters to a certified center for recycling, you are protecting the environment, conserving a valuable resource and getting money back. That's a winning combination!

Used Oil Filter Recycling
Recycling used oil filters is becoming more popular with DYI mechanics. Every time you change your oil, not only can the oil be recycled, but so can the oil filter. Did you know that each used oil filter contains about one pound of re-usable steel and ten ounces of recyclable oil even after draining? Instead of throwing used oil filters in the trash (which is illegal), take them to one of the Certified Used Oil Collection Centers in Fountain Valley (see the list below to see which ones accept oil filters). There is no charge for disposing of used oil filters, and there is no I.D. or paperwork required to participate.

Certified Used Oil Collection Centers
Certified Used Oil Collection Centers will take used motor oil from the public and will pay you 40¢ a gallon. There are seven Certified Used Oil Collection Centers in Fountain Valley (see the list below). Most centers will take up to 5 gallons at a time. Most centers will also accept used oil filters.

What About Contaminated Oil? 
Certified Used Oil Collection Centers will not accept used motor oil that has been contaminated with other fluids, such as antifreeze, solvents, gasoline or water. Therefore, don't mix your used motor oil with anything. However, if your used oil accidentally gets contaminated, a Certified Used Oil Collection Center can tell you where to take it for proper disposal.