Oil Recycling for Boaters

How Boaters in San Mateo County Can Make a Difference

Since marinas are located at the water’s edge—whether on the Pacific Ocean or San Francisco Bay—pollutants generated from boats and boat maintenance activities can pose an immediate threat to the health of aquatic systems and contribute to other environmental hazards.

Safely recycling or disposing of used motor oil, oil filters, oil cleanup absorbents (such as bilge pads),and other hazardous waste is a simple, easy and a FREE way you can help make a difference in your boating community.

What is Hazardous Waste?

Hazardous waste is toxic, corrosive, flammable or reactive, based on its chemical properties. Products such as paints, batteries, antifreeze and cleaning products are considered hazardous waste. It’s illegal and unsafe to dump this waste in the trash, ocean or Bay.

DID YOU KNOW that it’s illegal and unsafe to abandon or trash hazardous waste? Call the San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste Program at 650-372-6200.

Marina FREE Take Back Program

Marinas in San Mateo County will help you recycle or safely manage oil absorbent materials like bilge pads, used motor oil and filters. Call the marina or speak to the harbormaster about limits and hours when you’re ready to responsibly recycle and dispose of these materials. At Pillar Point Harbor and Oyster Point Marina, you can even get free oil absorbent pads for your boat in exchange for the used ones with the Oil Pad Exchange Program.

In addition, check out the San Francisco Bay Clean Boating Map in the resource library featuring locations of marina-based pollution prevention services (used oil collection, sewage and bilge pump-out, oil absorbent distribution and collection, marine battery collection), mobile boat-to-boat services and helpful information about clean and safe boating practices.

Additional information about bilge care and preventing oil spills is available at CA State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways.

Are You Registered as a Small Business?

Some businesses generate very little hazardous waste and may be eligible to participate in the Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program.

Visual Distress-Signals

Single-use Marine Flares

Explosive (pyrotechnic) marine flares can be a lifesaver in an emergency, but when expired, the disposal options are limited. After 42 months post-manufacture date, you’re stuck with an explosive hazardous waste. Contact local law enforcement and/or San Mateo County’s Sheriff’s Office for more information. San Mateo County’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility does not accept explosives.

Go Reusable

Electronic Visual Distress Signal Devices (eVDSDs) are safer for your family, better for the environment, never expire and are ultimately more cost-effective.

Visit the California Department of Boating and Waterways page to find Coast Guard-approved required visual distress-signals and other safety equipment for your type of boat. Information in the resource library below.

Electronic Benefits vs. Pyrotechnic Marine Flares

• No expiration date.
• Family safe (no flames).
• Easy to operate (first-time boaters can operate it in the event of an emergency).
• Battery disposal options vs. limited for pyrotechnic.
• Waterproof and buoyant.
• One-time purchase.

Do you have expired pyrotechnic marine flares you’d like to dispose of?

Sign up to get email or text message notifications for marine flare collection events in San Mateo County.

Tips for a Clean & Green Boating Experience

1. Prevent oily discharges from the bilge: Keep your engine well tuned to prevent fuel and oil leaks. Secure an oil absorbent pad or pillow in your bilge and under your engine where drips may occur.
2. Properly dispose of used oil, filters and absorbent materials: Do not put used oil absorbent materials in the trash. Dispose of them as hazardous waste at your marina. Have more than used oil, filters and absorbent materials to get rid of? Call 650-372-6200 to drop-off oil and other hazardous waste for free. The facility takes a variety of products such as paints, batteries, antifreeze and cleaning products. Sewage and uncontaminated bilge water are not accepted through the Household Hazardous Waste Program.
3. Don’t mix your used motor oil with anything else: Used motor oil mixed with any other materials is contaminated and cannot be recycled. Contaminated motor oil can only be disposed of as hazardous waste.
4. Spill-proof your oil changes: For oil changes, use an oil change pump to transfer oil to a spill-proof container. Use absorbent pads or rags to catch drips and spills.
5. Limit fuel spills: Prevent fuel spills by filling fuel tanks slowly. Don’t “top off” or overflow your fuel tank.
6. Do not add soap: Never use soap to disperse fuel and oil spills. It increases harm to the environment and it is illegal.
7. Minimize boat cleaning and maintenance in the water: If possible, save maintenance projects for the boatyard. When performing work on the water, minimize your impact by containing waste.
8. Manage sewage wastes properly: Never discharge sewage within three miles of shore. Use harbor pump-out stations and shore-side facilities. If you don’t have an installed toilet, use a porta-potty and empty it at a harbor dump station or bathroom.
9. Stow it, don’t throw it! Keep your trash on board. Never throw cigarette butts, fishing line or any other garbage into the ocean. Take advantage of shore-side facilities to recycle plastic, glass, metal and paper.
10. Reduce graywater discharges: Use a phosphate-free biodegradable soap to minimize the impacts of graywater on the marine environment.