Common hazardous ingredients
Petroleum hydrocarbons. Used motor oil can contain polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, chromium, lead and other metals.
Potential hazards
Flammable; toxic. Can be absorbed through skin contact. Long-term health effects from toxic heavy metals such as lead. Environmental pollution of surface or groundwater when disposed of by pouring down a storm drain, into a drainage ditch or on the ground.
Use
Wear nitrile gloves. Drain used crankcase oil into a metal or plastic catch pan. Avoid using absorbent “easy-change” boxes, since oil cannot be recycled once in these boxes. Remove old oil filter, turn upside down and drain overnight into oil catch pan. Do not mix carburetor cleaner, solvents, antifreeze, brake fluid, degreaser or gasoline with used motor oil.
Storage
Store away from children, pets and sources of flames.
Disposal
Used oil: In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, if you live in a home ranging in size from a single-family residence to a four-plex, you can set out motor oil at the curb in a well-rinsed, transparent, non-breakable container with a screw-on lid (milk jugs work well). No containers larger than 1 gallon.
If you have containers larger than 1 gallon, or if you live in an apartment building with more than four units, search Metro's online database for recycling options near you.
Elsewhere in Oregon, call your garbage hauler, recycling center, local government solid waste department or your regional DEQ office.
Oil filters: Contact your local scrap metal recycler to see who will accept your well-drained oil filter or take to a hazardous waste facility or collection event.
Alternatives
Purchase re-refined oil or have your oil changed at a service station that has its oil recycled.