Used Motor Oil & Filters

Recycling Used Motor Oil and Filters

Did you know that used motor oil never wears out? Used motor oil just gets dirty and can be recycled, cleaned, and used again. Motor oil poured onto the ground, into storm drains, or tossed into a trash can (even in a sealed container) can contaminate and pollute the soil, groundwater, streams, and rivers. Download our Used Motor Oil Brochure.

Did You Know?

• The oil from a single oil change (1 gallon) can ruin the taste of a million gallons of drinking water.
• Oil dumped on land reduces soil productivity.
• If the United States recycled all the oil filters old annually, the USA would recover about 160,000 tons of steel, or enough steel to make 16 new stadiums the size of Atlanta's Turner Stadium.

Visit CalRecycle's website for more fun facts like the ones you just read.

3,000 Miles May Be Too Early to Change Your Oil

This old standard no longer applies to most vehicles. Many vehicles, even older models, can be driven up to 5,000, 7,500, 10,000, and even 15,000 miles before needing an oil change. Changing your oil less often may save you time and money in service costs and will do our natural environment a big favor without hurting your vehicle or compromising auto performance. Check your vehicle owner’s manual or visit Check Your Number to find out how often you need to change your motor oil.

Free Motor Oil and Filter Collection Kits  

Do you change your own motor oil? If so, call (530) 225-5789 for a free collection kit that makes transporting your used oil and filters to the recycling center easy. You must be a Shasta County resident.

Used Oil Certified Collection Centers 

CalRecycle-Certified Collection Centers accept used motor oil and used motor oil filters from the public for free during normal business hours. Be sure to ask about your 40 cents per gallon reimbursement.

Note: Call the City of Redding at (530) 224-6209 or visit the City of Redding website for oil & filter recycling locations in Redding.