[Tim_M56]

I've noticed now that there is a new policy for recycling oil at my local Advance Auto. What they do now is to smell it and question that it is oil, because previously someone just dumped chlorine bleach in the oil tank, costing a lot to dispose of it now contaminated.

I want to keep everything clean, this isn't stuff I want leaking out or making a mess in the environment. But it's kind of annoying when there aren't other easier options, even my local Public Works will only take it once every 3-4 months.

[chassis]

I have a liter of brake fluid to get rid of, and will see how the experience goes in the next week or so.

[chicagob5]

Autozone by me is pretty cool, they got a shelf by the registers as soon as you walk in that they ask you to leave it on.

It was interesting that a quick oil change shop wouldn't take it though. I used to work at one a long time ago in my teens and people always dropped off used oil that we had to take in.

[chassis]

Interesting that Advance Auto has a page describing, incompletely, their free oil return service. The page doesn't discuss empty containers and used filters, and does not expressly state that the consumer must do the pouring into the holding tank. A photo shows a smiling AA employee watching a (apparent) consumer pouring the used oil into the tank.

Read the comments at the bottom of the page and you will see that experience varies, corporate policy notwithstanding.


https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/...ycle-motor-oil

AutoZone says "most" AutoZone stores accept used oil. Caveat emptor, sounds like pure frustration to attempt recycling at AutoZone.

https://www.autozone.com/diy/motor-o...to-recycle-oil

O'Reilly's policy is clearer that consumers must retain possession of empty containers. Furthermore they indicate that coolant and brake fluid are not accepted.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/store-se...tery-recycling

I just read my local (county) recycling center page on this topic. They accept all automotive fluids at "events" every 2 or 3 months, at defined times of day. Sounds like a pain but it's an option. Interestingly, latex paint was stated to be non-hazardous and can be disposed of in the standard trash/rubbish removal after the paint has been solidified, e.g. with kitty litter.

[Innovade]

I return my used oil to FCP for a refund.

[chassis]

Great experience today at the local BMW dealer. The parts counter guy gladly and with a smile took back the now-used brake fluid I bought from said dealer last week. No “asking the manager”. It helped that at the same time I bought an oil filter.

[StradaRedlands]

Auto Zone has been great. They always take oil as long as the container isn't full. They won't accept the containers though, so I end up tossing those in their trash bin out front. Never tried brake fluid.

[chassis]

Two recent data points:

Autozone, not in my usual area, counter guy took my 5 qt jug of used oil, dumped it and returned the empty to me. No drama, just business. I threw the empty in the trash barrel outside the store.

My usual Advance Auto - counter attendant sighs, rolls eyes and motions to the back. I dump the oil as usual and throw the empties in the trash barrel in front of the store.

[supra93]

IIRC, since 2006 this is how used oil has been taken back at Autozone.

[LuvMyE92]

Originally Posted by Piper1

... after all we're in a proctologist dream of wall to wall A holes in this world.

LOL, thanks for the imagery.

Originally Posted by supra93

IIRC, since 2006 this is how used oil has been taken back at Autozone.

I don't recall when, but it's been like that here for AZ and AA for a long, long time.

I know I can take my oil to the county disposal sites (where they also take batteries, paint, etc.) but the local stores are closer. They won't take the filters though, and so I triple-wrap those and set them on the curb for regular trash service. Natch I have to call the city first and let them know, at which point I get a lecture/Q-A on why I have so many and are they triple-wrapped?

Once I only wrapped them twice, just to give my finger to the man.

[omasou]

Last time (years ago) when I went to recycle oil at PepBoys it was exactly as the OP described. Pour the used oil in here and if I remember questioned me a bit about "what" I was dumping. Think this was because people are either dumping mixed fluids or pouring the wrong stuff into the wrong bin, e.g. ATF into oil, etc.

[Aaron77]

My typical method is to show up at any local Quick Lube place. I ask if they take used oil, which they always have said yes... Then I proceed to unload gallons and gallons of used oil for them, which they just dump in their collector. This reminds me that I have about 10 gallons to git rid of - It's been a while, so I will try this again very soon.

[Almuliman]

Same at O'Reillys here in the PNW: Walk in with container full of used oil, fill in contact info for compliance, estimate # gallons returned, store person goes somewhere and dumps it, returns container. Done. Easy-peasy.

[GSMCCASH]

Another consideration….
Businesses accepting oil will empty the container for you because if a spill occurs whether from your container or their tank ultimately is their responsibity to perform the cleanup procedures.

I take my used oil to a Monroe service center where they empty mi 5 gallon container.

[Bc2005]

I am not absolutely sure of my memory, but it seems that when I lived in Texas, I was told that any business that sold oil above a certain volume was required to have an oil disposal tank and had to accept used oil. The convenience of the process varied a lot, but all the chain places (auto stores, Walmart, etc) accepted it.

[aschmidt]

So oil and transmission fluid is fine but how about break fluid? O’rielly rejected it any other place will take it?

[chassis]

Originally Posted by aschmidt

So oil and transmission fluid is fine but how about break fluid? O’rielly rejected it any other place will take it?

Local hazardous waste collection site.

[sspade]

I've gotten it all:

• "Sorry tank is full, try the store at 123 ABC Street."
• "Sure, drop them on the cart and Ill take care of it."
• "Sure, let me go dump them and give you the containers back."
• I've also just parked directly by the back/side door thats meant for commercial business and dumped them myself (with and without staff present). Then threw out the empty containers in the onsite trash.

They also regularly ask if the oil is mixed with anything.