supersurgilator
Well-known member
I'm not sure how many of you actually change your own oil, but I wondered what you did with the old stuff.
Motor Oil
- Thread starter supersurgilator
- Start date
yogitunes
Well-known member
take it to a place that re-cycles it....
our dump has a recyclng center for oil
PepBoys Auto/AdvanceAuto/AutoZone...not all but some do
most Dealerships with Service will also take it
your area may be different, check local yellow pages, and make a few calls
our dump has a recyclng center for oil
PepBoys Auto/AdvanceAuto/AutoZone...not all but some do
most Dealerships with Service will also take it
your area may be different, check local yellow pages, and make a few calls
Around here, the city's recycling program provides one-gallon plastic jugs for used oil upon request, and then the jug goes to the curb with the rest of the garbage and recycling on collection day.
I think most gas stations that still have service bays will accept used oil. Otherwise you may have to schedule something for hazardous waste disposal collection, which around here is free and run by the county, but you have to make an appointment and wait for the next event, usually scheduled on Saturdays.
Ralph
I think most gas stations that still have service bays will accept used oil. Otherwise you may have to schedule something for hazardous waste disposal collection, which around here is free and run by the county, but you have to make an appointment and wait for the next event, usually scheduled on Saturdays.
Ralph
Oil
Back in Manassas, VA the local dump had a used oil tank you could just dump yours into.
Dave
Back in Manassas, VA the local dump had a used oil tank you could just dump yours into.
Dave
toggleswitch2
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 23, 2008
- Messages
- 5,000
I pay to have it done and don't need to even THINK about it.
I wonder if it is legal to TAKE oil from that tank. And how does one transport it back home?
http://www.wasteoilheat.com/
I wonder if it is legal to TAKE oil from that tank. And how does one transport it back home?
http://www.wasteoilheat.com/
abcomatic
Well-known member
When I used to change my own oil. I dumped it on the drive way, in the gravel to keep the dust down. Gary
I take it back to AutoZone, where I usually buy the oil. They recycle it.
brisnat81
Well-known member
It goes back into the old bottle until the next tip trip when it is left at the oil recycling area
sudsmaster
Well-known member
I take mine to Kragen's which is nearby. I have a number of 2-1/2 gallon jugs that serve to collect used oil from the various vehicle in my collection. When I get two or more full jugs, I shlep them over to Kragen's.
By the way, don't expect a service station or auto mechanic shop to accept your used oil. Many of them will not because they can't control what you put into the oil, and they would be held liable for major fines if the oil was tainted with, say, gasoline or antifreeze. Places like Kragen's and Pep Boys probably have an EPA waiver to absolve them of liability from cutomer deposits, but they still would have to have the oil properly disposed.
You can put the following into used motor oil bound for recycling: brake/hydraulic fluid, auto transmission fluid, other lubricants. Do NOT add any gasoline, antifreeze, paint, or solvents. The gas and the solvents in particular will result in the oil recycler rejecting the entire tank, which could be a very costly mistake.
It is probably illegal these days to dump used motor oil onto a gravel driveway. The primary concern is the heavy metals (cadmium, chrome, etc) that enter the oil from normal engine wear and would contaminate the soil forever. Another concern is the run-off - oil from one oil change could contaminate a million gallons of fresh water.
This is an interesting topic because I just passed a two-part auto mechanic safety certification, and the proper disposal of used motor oil and other auto fluids was a major part.
Something I didn't know before - the oil filter not only must be drained, but it's necessary to poke some holes in the top of the filter so as much oil as possible drains out (into the oil you're going to recycle) before you throw the old filter into the trash. Better yet, find a place that accepts not only used motor oil but also used oil filters.
By the way, don't expect a service station or auto mechanic shop to accept your used oil. Many of them will not because they can't control what you put into the oil, and they would be held liable for major fines if the oil was tainted with, say, gasoline or antifreeze. Places like Kragen's and Pep Boys probably have an EPA waiver to absolve them of liability from cutomer deposits, but they still would have to have the oil properly disposed.
You can put the following into used motor oil bound for recycling: brake/hydraulic fluid, auto transmission fluid, other lubricants. Do NOT add any gasoline, antifreeze, paint, or solvents. The gas and the solvents in particular will result in the oil recycler rejecting the entire tank, which could be a very costly mistake.
It is probably illegal these days to dump used motor oil onto a gravel driveway. The primary concern is the heavy metals (cadmium, chrome, etc) that enter the oil from normal engine wear and would contaminate the soil forever. Another concern is the run-off - oil from one oil change could contaminate a million gallons of fresh water.
This is an interesting topic because I just passed a two-part auto mechanic safety certification, and the proper disposal of used motor oil and other auto fluids was a major part.
Something I didn't know before - the oil filter not only must be drained, but it's necessary to poke some holes in the top of the filter so as much oil as possible drains out (into the oil you're going to recycle) before you throw the old filter into the trash. Better yet, find a place that accepts not only used motor oil but also used oil filters.
Suds . . .
Are you sure that common brake fluid can be combined with oil and other mineral based products? This surprises me as DOT brake fluid isn't a mineral fluid, but is based on alcohol and is thus completely incompatible with oil and other mineral based fluids. Green or purple brake fluids as used in some cars are similar to ATF and are compatible, as are most hydralic oils. I realize that the old fluids are to be recycled, but if the process is so sensitive that even gasoline would taint it, it seems odd that the brake fluid wouldn't.
Are you sure that common brake fluid can be combined with oil and other mineral based products? This surprises me as DOT brake fluid isn't a mineral fluid, but is based on alcohol and is thus completely incompatible with oil and other mineral based fluids. Green or purple brake fluids as used in some cars are similar to ATF and are compatible, as are most hydralic oils. I realize that the old fluids are to be recycled, but if the process is so sensitive that even gasoline would taint it, it seems odd that the brake fluid wouldn't.
i save all my used motor oil
all year long from the car, lawnmower and motorcycle. then in the winter i use it to soak my firewood in or i spray it on the wood when i build a fire in my wood burning stove. it makes a great starter fluid!
all year long from the car, lawnmower and motorcycle. then in the winter i use it to soak my firewood in or i spray it on the wood when i build a fire in my wood burning stove. it makes a great starter fluid!
sudsmaster
Well-known member
Hydaulic,
Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic oil. The EPA considers uncontaminated used brake fluid (uncontaminated by solvents, for example) to be a UO (Used Oil) for purposes of recycling.
See:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/osw/rcra.ns...f0b8ec25e3211e508525670f006bd6d4!OpenDocument
http://www.ecarcenter.org/pa/pa-brakefluid.htm
Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic oil. The EPA considers uncontaminated used brake fluid (uncontaminated by solvents, for example) to be a UO (Used Oil) for purposes of recycling.
See:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/osw/rcra.ns...f0b8ec25e3211e508525670f006bd6d4!OpenDocument
http://www.ecarcenter.org/pa/pa-brakefluid.htm
"You can put the following into used motor oil bound for recycling: brake/hydraulic fluid, auto transmission fluid, other lubricants."
That's a sigh of relief! I always felt bad dumping brake fluid, auto trans, manual trans, gear oil, Maytag gear oil, ect. in with the motor oil. Problem is, where else would I properly dispose of it?
Luckily, I have a friend that takes and recycles my coolant. Now this is a fluid that really needs to gain support in recycling. Most just let it flow from the driveway into the storm drain because virtually no one will accept it.
Now I have to figure out how to properly dispose the solvent from my solvent tank......
That's a sigh of relief! I always felt bad dumping brake fluid, auto trans, manual trans, gear oil, Maytag gear oil, ect. in with the motor oil. Problem is, where else would I properly dispose of it?
Luckily, I have a friend that takes and recycles my coolant. Now this is a fluid that really needs to gain support in recycling. Most just let it flow from the driveway into the storm drain because virtually no one will accept it.
Now I have to figure out how to properly dispose the solvent from my solvent tank......
That's interesting. I wonder why any gasoline contamination of the used oil is such a big issue, given that it's chemically related to motor oil?
As for me, I never contaminate my used oil with anything, but save it for a City hazardous material pickup day. Here in LA they'll take almost anything provided that you drive it to the proper location on the proper day.
As for me, I never contaminate my used oil with anything, but save it for a City hazardous material pickup day. Here in LA they'll take almost anything provided that you drive it to the proper location on the proper day.
sudsmaster
Well-known member
I think the problem is that the gasoline evaporates and could create an explosive situation. I know that recyclers will use a sniffer, and if volatiles exceed a set limit then they will reject the entire tank. Some gas does get into engine oil, especially with badly tuned or older motors, causing crankcase oil dilution. I suspect this is not so much a problem with modern fuel injected motors.
I have since read that if the used oil is going to be burned - as bunker oil or other fuel, the brake fluid is no problem. If the oil is going to be re-refined into usable motor oil, the brake fluid might be a problem. But our instructor says he's always added brake fluid to used motor oil and never had a problem. When in doubt, however, separate it out and take it to a local hazardous waste disposal center.
I have since read that if the used oil is going to be burned - as bunker oil or other fuel, the brake fluid is no problem. If the oil is going to be re-refined into usable motor oil, the brake fluid might be a problem. But our instructor says he's always added brake fluid to used motor oil and never had a problem. When in doubt, however, separate it out and take it to a local hazardous waste disposal center.
whirlcool
Well-known member
Around town here you'll see signs in Spanish indicating that it is not ok to dump your used motor oil down the sewer drain in the street. It also has a graphic of an oil pan draining into the sewer with the red circle no over it.
For my car-just have the oil and filter changed at the dealer-for what it would cost to me To DIY-Its actually cheaper to have the car dealer do it.However I have to change the oil in my JD lawn tractor and self propelled hand mower.I take the old oil-put it back into the can it came from and take it to the trash transfer dump site I take my other trash to-they have you pour the oil into a large tank.Then they have you put the used cans into the can recycling dumpster.
