Motor Oil and Filter Recycling

Contact Information
Sustainability & Solid Waste
1055 S. Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
425-430-7379

Shift Green Oil Recycling title graphicIf you get your oil changed at a fast lube shop or service station, make sure to confirm they recycle your filters, rather than “draining and dumping” them. While throwing out filters is legal, it misses the opportunity to capture recyclable oil and high quality steel for return to our economy. The majority of fast lube shops in Renton recycle used oil filters, so ask your shop what they do with their used filters the next time you have your car serviced.

If you change your oil at home, it is important to consider how you are disposing of your used oil and filters. It is illegal in Washington to improperly dispose of oil, because improperly disposed oil pollutes our soil, waterways, and communities.

Recycling used motor oil and filters is easy in Renton. ALL of the city’s auto parts stores take back used motor oil and filters at no cost. The oil collected by these stores is recycled into re-refined oil or burned as bunker fuel, giving your used oil a second life and putting it back into the economy.

The city is proud to announce that its Shift Green program and its business partners won the 2024 Program Excellence Award award presented by the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association.

 

Why Recycle Motor Oil & Filters?

  • Oil is a valuable energy resource - two gallons of used motor oil can generate enough electricity for an average home for one day.

  • One gallon of oil can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water, or about a year’s supply of water for 50 people.

  • Oil filters are made of steel, which is a valuable recyclable material. Recycling all oil filters sold in the US each year would produce 160,000 tons of steel - enough for 15 Mariners stadium roofs!

How and Where to Recycle Used Motor Oil & Filters

For Oil: Drain the oil into a clean, reusable container (tip: use a funnel and an empty jug of new oil!) and bring it to any of the following locations during their business hours. Small quantities only - most stores will accept up to five gallons at a time.

For Filters: Drain the filter for 24 hours, and collect the oil for recycling. Bring the used filter to any of the following locations during their business hours. These locations currently only accept metal filters.

Where to Recycle Used Oil & Filters

To locate oil drop-offs, view the map.

Oil recycling map

Commercial Motor Oil & Filter Recycling

If you operate a business that accumulates large quantities of motor oil and/or filters, consider setting up a regular collection service with one of the following vendors. Filters can be collected crushed or uncrushed, depending on your business’s needs and the vendor’s recycling process.

The King County Hazardous Waste Management Program offers vouchers to reimburse businesses for costs associated with hazardous waste material management. You can apply for a voucher to cover the cost of filter crushing and storage equipment. Learn more about and submit a request for voucher reimbursement via their website.

Disposing of Other Auto-Generated Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste generated during auto service and repair - including antifreeze, coolant, brake fluid, car batteries, carburetor cleaner, engine degreaser, flares, gasoline, transmission fluid, used oil, and used oil filters - must be disposed of properly. Improper disposal of auto-related substances, including water from home car washing, is not allowed in the city’s storm and surface water system (nothing but rain down the storm drain).

Take all hazardous waste to the Auburn Wastemobile (open Sat./Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 1101 Outlet Collection Way, or to the Factoria Household Hazardous Waste Facility (open Tue.-Fri. from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. & Sat./. from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) at 13800 SE 32nd St in Bellevue.

For residents: There is no fee for hazardous waste drop-off and no appointment required. Limit 50 gallons per residential customer per day. No containers larger than 5 gallons.

For businesses: Small businesses that produce less than 220 pounds, about 25 gallons, of hazardous waste each month can apply for no cost disposal. As a Small Quantity Generator (SQG), you can drop off up to 25 gallons of hazardous waste up to four times per year. Businesses must fill out and print this Business Disposal Form prior to each drop off.

Addressing Oil Leaks

Concerned that your car might be leaking? Did you know that even a single drop on your driveway can mean your car is facing a shorter lifespan? Plus, leaks are the largest polluters of Puget Sound, so those drips are having a huge impact on the health of our local waters.

While addressing some drips and leaks can require costly repairs, the most common cause is an ill-fitting oil drain plug or oil pan gasket, both of which are inexpensive repairs. Washington’s Don't Drip and Drive campaign provides free resources, inspections, and workshops to help residents identify and address leaks. In addition, Puget Sound Starts Here features car care information in various languages, including details about the Don’t Drip and Drive Program. 

Questions

If you have additional questions about used oil and filter recycling, contact the King County Hazardous Waste Management Program at 206-296-4692 or the Department of Ecology’s Washington Recycles hotline at 1-800-RECYCLE.

 

Graphic: Resident and Mechanic flyers

Click below to view flyer PDFs

Resident oil recycling flyers

English
Spanish / Español
Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
Chinese / 中国人
Korean / 한국인
Russian / Русский

Mechanic oil recycling flyers

English
Spanish / Español
Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
Chinese / 中国人
Korean / 한국인
Russian / Русский

 

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