Safe Waste Disposal: Used Oil and Filters

There are three easy and free options to safely recycle your used motor oil and filters in San Mateo County described below. 

It’s important to remember that these options are for uncontaminated oil only! Oil mixed with water, paint, solvents, rags, and antifreeze is contaminated. This oil must be taken to the San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Learn more here.

WHY RECYCLE USED OIL & FILTERS?

Here are 3 reasons to recycle your used motor oil and filters:

1 – ENVIRONMENT:
Did you know that one quart of motor oil can pollute up to 250,000 gallons of clean water? Used motor oil is a major source of oil contamination of waterways and can result in pollution of drinking water sources. Recycling used oil and filters protects the environment.

2 – COST-SAVINGS:
Improper disposal of used oil costs money…your money!  You pay in higher consumer prices, taxes for environmental cleanups, and increased health care costs when wastes are improperly managed. Recycling used oil and filters saves money.

3 – IT’S THE LAW!:
The California Health and Safety Code 25189.6 states that anyone who improperly disposes of hazardous waste, such as used oil, is guilty of a public offense punishable of a fine up to $250,000 or prison time. Improper disposal of used oil is a crime.