Do-It-Yourself oil changes are a fantastic way to save considerable amounts of money. Knowing the fluids put back in are of the same high-quality drivers demand of other aftermarket components is a great way to keep your car running tip-top.
The home mechanic needs to know what to do with dirty oil and fluid. By now, everyone should know that you NEVER throw used oil in the trash or recycling bin. Don't even think about dumping that old oil filter in there. And it is only a matter of time before the authorities will want a word if you are putting used fluids in cat litter, then dumping them in the trash.
Oil barrels will eventually leak, causing damage to the Earth and creating a big mess.The Problem with Dumping Used Oil
I recently moved into a very old house on a substantial piece of land in the heart of California's agricultural empire known as the Central Valley. This is where nearly all the grapes, oranges, almonds, peaches, and strawberries -to name only a few crops- come from in the world. This property was once used for growing raisin grapes and juice oranges, but that was some time before the second World War.
Storing used oil in open containers is dangerous. Take used oil to appropriate recycling centers rather than leave it sitting around in the shop.Unfortunately for anyone like me with hopes of planting some of my favorite crops, the property has also been used to repair countless hundreds of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Someone even used a bedroom to tear down motorcycle engines. Instead of doing things the kinda right way, filling old oil drums for later disposal, at least some of the former tenants simply dug a hole and dumped.
Not only is that bad for the Earth, but it also sucks when you go to plant something only to find used, dirty oil underground that is going to poison plants and end up in anything you eat grown on the property. That is not safe and gross.
Use appropriate collection devices when changing the oil to prevent making a big mess.It isn't just on the land that used fluids damage. Federal regulators state that 40% of the contamination in our nation's harbors and waterways is from improperly disposed fluids. One gallon of oil can contaminate one million gallons of groundwater.
Used motor oil isn't the only harmful chemical your car has. Coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, bearing, and axle grease are all toxic. Even car batteries and used tires contribute to pollution.
How can Old Fluids be Recycled?
Today's at-home mechanic has lots of options for disposing of used chemicals. Most auto repair shops have collection facilities that are free to use. Autozone accepts used batteries at all of their locations, and about 95% accept used motor oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. Call first.
Take used automotive fluids to approved collection sites, like Autozone or Jiffy Lube.Coolant is another story. Autozone does not accept used coolant. Most recycling centers want nothing to do with this hazardous waste. Many counties offer free collection programs. A great option is to contact Jiffy Lube and ask nicely. Most of the time, the locations will accept used antifreeze.
Many counties offer programs to collect used tires. If your county does not have this service available, try contacting a local tire shop. It might cost a few dollars to recycle those old tires, but that is a lot better for the Earth than leaving them stacked in the yard until they eventually disintegrate.
How To Get Used Oil to The Recycling Center
Reuse the container from the new oil to easily transport used lubricant to a recycling location.Having the ability to recycle oil and other nasty chemicals is great, but how do you get it there? Here is a little tip that has always worked great. I use an oversize drain pan for draining fluids that can be easily poured into another container. After finishing an oil change, I simply drain the used oil back into the container the new oil came from. Then, I do not have to deal with bringing my grubby, dirty oil container back and forth to the recycling center. This tip works for all manner of fluids.