Disposing of used oil can be a headache. We are accustomed to simply tossing our trash into a can and having it whisked away by the garbage truck every week. But it's important to dispose of toxic materials appropriately, since these harmful substances can cause tremendous problems if not handled properly. A single oil change on an average-sized vehicle produces enough toxic waste to contaminate one million gallons of drinking water.
Take the oil containers to your local auto service station. Most places that perform oil changes will accept your used containers, as will some auto parts stores.
Contact the State Department of Environmental Quality or a Department of Environmental Protection. If no lube stations in your area will accept your oily containers, your state's environmental agencies will provide you with guidance. These institutions will be able to direct you to the nearest facility that will accept your waste, and there may even be a way to get the containers picked up curbside from your house.
Go to the Earth911.com website, which has a search engine that helps you locate a recycling/disposal facility in your area. It may seem like a hassle to get rid of your containers the right way, but it's worth it in the long run.
If you choose to wash out your oil containers and then throw them away with your regular trash, do not dispose of the oily water in a drain or trash can. Handle oily water the same as you would handle regular oil, by taking it to a proper disposal facility.
