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How to Recycle Your Used Oil

Are You Due For An Oil Change?

Find the manufacturer-recommended oil change intervals for most vehicles (2000 to Current).

OC Used Oil - Banner - Is it time for your car to have an oil change?

 


Find a Certified Used Oil Recycling Center Near You.

Used Oil Recycling Center - link to California search tool

 

Recycle Used Oil - Sponsors

Tips to Know Before Changing Your Motor Oil and Filters

Changing your oil is easy. You can save money and protect your engine by performing your own oil change. Check out the best oil changing tips from these experts:

Autozone: http://www.autozone.com/landing/page.jsp?name=how_to_change_your_oil

Pep Boys: https://www.pepboys.com/accessories/car_care/oils_filters/diy_change_oil

Used oil can contain contaminants such as lead, magnesium, copper, zinc, chromium, arsenic, chlorides, cadmium, and chlorinated compounds. Oil poured down drains or onto the ground can work its way into our ground and surface waters that will cause pollution.

Yes, used oil is very recyclable. It can be re-refined or processed into fuel oil.

Be proud to be OC by recycling your used motor oil and filters:

  1. Drain your used oil into a clean container
  2. Do not mix any other materials, including water, with used oil.

Take your Used Oil to a household hazardous waste collection facility or a used oil collection site. To find the collection center nearest you, call 1-800-CLEANUP. To see a database of certified used oil collection centers, visit: https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/UsedOil/CertifiedCenters/

For other questions about recycling used oil, please email: OCUsedOil@ochca.com

Since 1987 it has been illegal to dispose of used oil in sewers, drainage systems, or in the trash. In 1991 the California State Legislature passed the Oil Recycling Enhancement Act to address the significant threat to California’s environment.

As a result, The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) provides grant funding to support local government programs promoting used oil recycling. All Certified Centers will accept uncontaminated used oil from the public absolutely FREE.

Where to take your used oil after doing an oil change:

Take your used oil to one of the many CalRecycle Certified Used Oil Collection Centers throughout Orange County. All Certified Centers will accept uncontaminated used oil from the public absolutely FREE during normal business hours. 

To recycle your used oil: Be sure to drain your oil into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. And don't forget to bring your used oil filters in for recycling, too. Many Certified Centers now accept used filters. Many centers can be found in local auto parts stores and service centers such as AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Pep Boys, Jiffy Lube, Valvoline Instant Oil Change, or one of over 200 other businesses in Orange County ready to serve you. 

No I.D. or paperwork is required to participate. Now that you know how easy it is to recycle your used oil and filters, please take advantage of this free program. 

 

Spanish Version

Cómo Reciclar Aceite de Motor Usado

Spanish Version

Aceite de Motor Abandonado

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State of California
County of Orange

The Bilge Pad Exchange Program

The County of Orange coordinates a FREE Bilge Pad Exchange Program for the local boating community. As a boater, you may experience the ocean through sportfishing, sightseeing, pleasure cruising or in other ways. No matter what activities you enjoy while on the water, the ocean is always best when it is pollution-free!

Boats can release oil & fuel into the water every time the bilge pump comes on. The goal of this program is to protect our ocean and coastline from the harmful effects of petroleum by minimizing the discharge of these pollutants.

When used properly, bilge pads can greatly reduce the amount of petroleum products in the bilge water. Free oil absorbent bilge pads are available to boaters in Huntington, Newport and Dana Point Harbors at the fuel docks, launch ramps and participating marina company offices. Used bilge pads can be returned to these same Bilge Pad Exchange locations for proper disposal.

This program is made possible through partnerships between the County of Orange, CalRecycle, the harbor cities, and the essential local businesses that provide bilge pad collection and distribution locations.

For more information, please check it out here!