What Do You Do With Your Waste Oil?

[wdchyd]

We burned just about 3k gallons in our shop, in the dead of winter we are working in short sleeves with free heat.

 

[Oaktree]

There are collection events in different parts of the State each month for oil and other toxic waste. I have collected about 50 gallons of waste oil on my property that's been waiting for me to load it up and take it to the nearest transfer station.

When I lived in the southern (more populated) part of the state my town used to have a hazardous waste day once a year. Don't think they took oil (though the transfer station did), but they took other liquids like stale gas, paint thinner, etc. Supposedly they do this up here but it doesn't seem to be very well publicized, and is an hour's drive away.

While on the subject, what do you guys do with old antifreeze? I've asked around and always just got shrugs. Hate to just dump it on the ground.

 

[KennyG]

While on the subject, what do you guys do with old antifreeze? I've asked around and always just got shrugs. Hate to just dump it on the ground.

This can be somewhat controversial, but my understanding is that, in small quantities, antifreeze is not considered a hazardous material by the EPA. It should not be dumped on the ground because of the possible short term impact on wildlife, but, long term it is biodegradable.

In most places it can be diluted with water and put down the municipal drain. Don't put it in a septic system because it may mess up the biological balance.

 

[Rebeldad1]

For us the local fire station has a waste oil tank.

 

[Rebeldad1]

You can call a local recycler. For over 250 gallons someone may pick it up possibly for free. Also advertize it on Craigslist.

 

[KJSBX]

I take mine to Autozone, they also take the old oil filters.

 

[Lowrider2120]

I asked the county water folks about antifreeze that says biodegradable on the container whether I can just dump it. Quick answer... it will breakdown to harmless ingredients in 20 years or so. If you dump it you will be fined and go to jail and have a boyfriend named Bubba. Turn it into the recycle center and avoid those problems...easy answer for me.

 

[RjCorazza]

Curiously, why not? When I do an oil change I just pour the used oil back into the jugs the new oil came in. The drop-off places don't want the empties, and really neither do I.
As for auto parts stores, most of the ones around here are stand-alone, ie-don't do any sort of service work, but there is an O'Reillys that does do tires, oil changes, etc. That's where I bring mine. I suppose legally the others have to but I've never asked.

My waste oil goes from the drain pan into 5 gallon wide mouth containers with convenient handles. I don't seem to collect enough large containers that I'm willing to part with to use.
It's no matter for me, as the county I live in has a very convenient waste oil tank that I can dump 5 gallons in a matter of seconds. I do the same with antifreeze.

 

[CaptFerd]

Put an ad in the market place anywhere you can post. Someone is looking for your oil but you have to find him. Get rid of a lot that way. Had an oil furnace myself and it would go through 10 gal a day.

 

[Chris from Ontario]

I fill up my five gallon plastic pails with lids and when they're full take them to the local recycling center (dump). They give me the same amount of pails that are empty and then they pour them into a big tank.
I don't even have to get my hands dirty.