Oil Recycling: The Proper Disposal of Used Motor Oil
If you’re a DIYer regarding oil changes, properly disposing of used motor oil is crucial. Getting rid of used motor oil is not just important for the environment; it’s the law.
Entrusting Caliber Auto Care for your oil change needs is a quick way to guarantee your car’s motor oil ends up where it belongs.
Still, a rundown of what to do with your car’s used oil can help you stay compliant with governmental regulations. It could also ensure that used oil doesn’t contaminate local soil and water, should you opt to do your oil changes.
Dangers of Improper Motor Oil Disposal
Used motor oil from just one oil change can contaminate 1 million gallons of freshwater. That’s enough water to last 50 people an entire year, underscoring the need for the proper disposal of used motor oil.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), used oil from your car is insoluble, contains heavy metals and toxic chemicals, and persists within the environment for a long time when improperly managed. The slow degradation of motor oil and its capacity to adhere easily to animal fur and feathers makes it particularly harmful to wildlife and plants.
As a result, the law mandates proper disposal of used motor oil. It’s illegal to pour motor oil down a storm drain or toss it in the trash since it could contaminate local water supplies. These include creeks, rivers, lakes, and oceans.
If you are cited for improperly disposing of motor oil, you face heavy fines and penalties, including incarceration. Moreover, you may be required to pay for professional oil cleanup, which can be quite expensive.
DIY vs. Professional Oil Change: Household Do-It-Yourselfer (DIY) Used Oil Recycling
While properly disposing of used motor oil is vital, recycling is even better.
Recycling motor oil prevents it from polluting water and soil, so the environment stays cleaner and the planet breathes a little easier. It provides a quick way to transform used oil into other useful lubricants without using crude oil, which is good for the environment.
In fact, it takes 42 gallons of crude oil to produce 2.5 quarts of lubricating oil; creating the same amount with motor oil requires only one gallon. Furthermore, the energy expended to produce a single gallon of base stock from crude is much less than it is to re-refine used motor oil, making oil recycling look even better.
If you go the DIY route for oil changes, find a recycling center to dispose of used motor oil properly. This may be a local government-run recycling center, hazardous waste recycling facility, waste collector, or auto maintenance facility. Many communities also offer the option to dispose of used motor oil through curbside recycling programs. In addition, some auto parts stores collect used motor oil for proper disposal or recycling.
Benefits of a Professional Oil Change
While some folks may find personal satisfaction in changing their oil, it’s best to leave this vital vehicle maintenance to the pros at Caliber Auto Care. Some perks of a professional oil change and disposal by the seasoned professionals at Caliber Auto Care include:
Convenience
Caliber Auto Care can easily keep your car on its regular oil change schedule. Skip the auto parts store and forget about finding the right filter and oil for the job. You don’t have to worry about buying the special wrench needed or having an oil pan on hand for your old oil.
Reliability
Caliber Auto Care’s technicians are specially trained to handle all car maintenance needs, including regular oil changes.
When you trust Caliber Auto Care to change your oil, you know that the job is done right. You don’t have to worry about selecting the wrong oil or installing the oil filter incorrectly. Caliber Auto Care’s techs are also able to spot things you might not, such as leaks and other problems.
Proper Disposal of Used Motor Oil
Since Caliber Auto Care disposes of your old oil, you don’t need to find a recycling center or drop-off point. This lets you avoid all concerns about improper disposal — from an environmental standpoint to the legalities of disposing of used oil.
Why Choose Caliber Auto Care for Your Next Oil Change?
When you have your oil changed The Caliber Auto Care Way, you can count on a quality oil change every time. We’re committed to building trust through transparency in everything we do for our valued customers. Schedule your next oil change online or visit your local Caliber Auto Care to learn more.