The use of motor oil can’t be avoided when it comes to small gas engines. Flowing between all of the intricate engine parts, oil is the lubricant that keeps everything moving smoothly. But over time the oil inside of your lawn mower’s engine collects grime, darkens, and eventually wears out. When this happens you have to drain the old oil and put some new stuff in. This process isn’t too complicated, and usually, the most annoying part is figuring out how to dispose of the old lawn mower oil. Since motor oil is toxic and messy, it isn’t much fun to have to deal with. However, getting rid of old oil can be really easy if you know the right way to do it.
How to Dispose of Lawn Mower Oil (The Short Version)
When it comes to how to dispose of lawn mower oil, or oil of any kind really, you will have to find a business or service that will collect and recycle the used oil. Websites like www.Earth911.com are great tools to find nearby places that accept old oil. As is the case with other toxic waste, disposing of motor oil incorrectly can result in fines or even jail time.
Why You Might Need to Dispose of Lawn Mower Oil
There are a good number of reasons why your mower might cause you to be doing some used oil disposal. Whether it’s just time for your regularly scheduled maintenance, or you’ve run into some issues that require new oil, the old stuff has got to be dealt with correctly. Usually, when forced to figure out how to dispose of lawn mower oil, these things are to blame:
- You just changed your lawn mower’s oil.
- Oil got into the lawn mower’s gas tank.
- There’s been some old oil laying around that you’re trying to get rid of.
- The lawn mower’s air filter is soaked in oil.
Even if this is the first time you’re recycling oil, it probably won’t be the last. Figuring out a quick and inexpensive way to dispose of motor oil will definitely prove to be useful.
Where to Dispose of Old Lawn Mower Oil (4 Options)
Regardless of why you’ve got some old oil on your hands, you’re going to need to get rid of it somehow. This is when figuring out where to dispose of motor oil for free comes in handy. I would go as far to say that almost everybody lives relatively nearby somewhere that will take used motor oil, but not all places that accept used oil will take it for free. I would recommend searching for a place that will take oil free of charge before paying to recycle it. The best places to recycle oil are: auto parts stores, car mechanic shops, transfer stations, and with certain garbage collectors.
1. Auto Parts Stores
I’ve picked this as my #1 option for a reason. Ever since I can remember, I’ve gone to the local auto parts store to recycle my oil. I can’t say that every auto parts store takes used oil or that they will recycle it for free, but a ton of them do. As I mentioned before, there is a website called www.Earth911.com that can help you figure out where to recycle all kinds of stuff. All you need to do in this case is type in “motor oil” and your zip code.
The store I’ve always relied on is Napa Auto Parts but I’ve heard that Auto Zone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and a handful of other stores will often accept oil free of charge. Because of this, I would check in with your local auto parts supplier first before considering the other options.
2. Car Mechanic Shops/Service Stations
Like auto parts retailers, some car mechanics and service stations will take your used oil. However, I can’t say whether they recycle oil for free or not. Obviously, places that specialize in oil changes will have an oil recycling system, but I don’t know what the policy is for non-paying customers.
If you don’t have an auto parts shop nearby check in with a local mechanic’s shop. You might be surprised by who is willing to dispose of your oil safely for you. Plus, even if your mechanic won’t take your oil, they’ll definitely know somebody or someplace nearby that will.
3. Transfer Stations
Dropping your used oil off at a transfer station is a reliable option, but will definitely cost you something. Charging rates for pretty much everything imaginable, you can bet that the county transfer station will have a price set for used oil. Still, they typically accept up to five gallons of oil at a time and likely won’t charge an excessive amount.
4. Garbage Collection Services
Although I’ve never used this method, I know that some garbage collection companies offer oil recycling. Being able to drop used oil at the curb and have it picked up for you is definitely convenient, but usually comes at a price. On top of this, if you go for a curbside pickup option, you need to make sure the oil is packaged in accordance with the company’s safety policies.
If you already have garbage collection services this could be a great option. Some companies even offer oil pickup for free. Though you probably have to pay a bit more for that kind of service, it’s worth checking to see if you might already have it. Your city might even offer curbside oil recycling services. However, if you have to pay, I would probably recommend taking the oil somewhere yourself to save a few bucks.
Is It Illegal to Throw Away Motor Oil Any Old Way?
Got some old oil sitting around that you’re tired of and found yourself wondering, is it illegal to throw away motor oil? It is against the law everywhere in the United States to dispose of motor oil incorrectly.
Motor oil is extremely toxic and is a pollutant that’s not easy to clean up. Dumping, tossing, or throwing away oil the wrong way will eventually lead to groundwater contamination and can result in big fines or even criminal charges. It’s easy and in your best interest to do the right thing and recycle your used oil responsibly.
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