Are you searching to dispose of motor oil for free? Recycling your used motor oil is not only an environmentally responsible choice, but it can also save you money in the long run. 72% of Americans change their car’s oil within the recommended interval.
Walmart, one of the largest retailers in the United States, has made it easy for customers to recycle their used motor oil. Walmart offers a prompt and efficient oil and oil filter change service, with online requests typically processed within one hour and available for pickup at your local store, even if a pickup time has been previously scheduled.
Furthermore, Walmart has recently implemented a commendable environmental initiative in which its Car Care Centers will now accept used oil and oil filters at no charge. This program permits the safe and eco-friendly disposal of up to five gallons of uncontaminated motor oil per day, furthering Walmart’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of used oil. Let’s check how to recycle motor oil at Walmart and take the first step towards a more sustainable future.
How To Return Used Oil To Walmart?
If you’re wondering how to return your used motor oil to Walmart, follow these simple steps:
- First, ensure that your used oil is contained in a sturdy, sealable container such as a five-gallon bucket with a lid, a clean plastic milk jug with a screw top, or a designated plastic oil container. You can easily purchase these containers, which are produced by companies like FloTool, through Advance Auto Parts for approximately $12.
- Next, take your used oil to any Walmart location that has a Walmart Auto Care Center. To find a location near you, visit Walmart’s website and click on the store locator option.
- Upon arrival, simply speak with any employee at the Auto Care Center and let them know that you have oil to recycle. The employee will then take your used oil from you, and you’ll be free to go. It’s that easy!
It’s important to note that Walmart does not offer compensation for recycled motor oil. However, by recycling your used oil through Walmart, you can help reduce environmental pollution and promote a more sustainable future.
Walmart Motor Oil Recycle Fees
In 2023, Walmart offers free motor oil recycling at its Auto Care Centers. All you need to do is arrive at any Walmart Auto Care Center with your uncontaminated oil, meaning it’s not mixed with other fluids, and Walmart will recycle it for you at no cost.
Interestingly, most oil recyclers earn revenue for the oil they recycle. Therefore, when you return your used engine oil to Walmart, you are actually providing them with a valuable service.
If you happen to reside in California, you may even be able to profit from recycling your oil through a certified used oil collection center. Most of these centers offer a payout of $0.40 per gallon for recycled oil, providing an added incentive to recycle your motor oil in an environmentally responsible way.
Places That Accept Used Oil And Oil Filters Beside Walmart
Numerous auto care centers and auto parts suppliers accept recycled oil, including but not limited to:
- AutoZone
- O’Reilly Auto Parts
- Jiffy Lube
If these retailers are not available in your area, you can contact your county’s waste management department to find out where to dispose of your oil properly. Additionally, if you are a Washington State resident, you can reach out to 1-800-RECYCLE (1-800-732-9253) for assistance.
Another option is to bring your used oil to a local mechanic or auto shop and inquire if they would be willing to recycle it for you.
For further guidance and information, RecycleOil.org, operated by the American Petroleum Institute, provides useful resources and support.
DIY Oil Disposal Tips
For those who change their own motor oil, it’s important to dispose of the used oil responsibly. Motor oil cannot be naturally recycled or disposed of at home and must be taken to a designated collection point, such as Walmart or a hazardous waste recycling facility. Here are some tips to follow:
- Collect your used oil in an oil pan, then transfer it to a sturdy, sealable container without spilling any on the ground.
- Make sure your containers are free of any holes or cracks and have proper lids or caps that seal.
- Place a heavy-duty tarp beneath your work area to reduce the risk of spills.
- Do not attempt to dispose of oil at home, as it is unsafe and illegal. Take your used oil to a designated recycling center or collection point.
- Drain your oil filter by puncturing the dome and draining the excess oil into your oil pan. Place the drained filter into a heavy-duty, sealable plastic bag and bring it with you when you dispose of your oil.
What Else Can You Do With Used Oil?
1. Cleaning and softening leather goods:
Applying a thin layer of used motor oil to leather shoes, and stretching them out for up to 15 minutes before wiping away the oil, can result in a clean and shiny appearance.
2. Emergency heating
Used motor oil can be burned to generate heat, making it a useful resource for keeping warm in freezing conditions without power.
3. Protecting garden and lawn tools:
Wooden garden tools, such as rakes, tend to decompose and splinter over time. Applying a thin coating of used motor oil can help protect the wood from such deterioration. Similarly, coating bolts with motor oil can help prevent rusting and increase their durability.
4. Lubricating household equipment
Since motor oil is a lubricant, it can be applied to door and grill hinges and other household surfaces that require lubrication. It is important to note that motor oil should not be used to lubricate chains, such as those on bicycles and chainsaws, as they require a different type of lubricating oil.
FAQs
What Types of Oil Walmart accepts?
Walmart’s Auto Care Centers are equipped to recycle and dispose of all types of motor oil, regardless of the brand or origin. However, it’s important to note that Walmart does not accept non-motor lubricants such as brake fluid, power steering fluid, or radiator fluid. To ensure that your motor oil is eligible for recycling, it must be free of these fluids.
Is there any charge For Accepting Used Oil & Oil Filters At Walmart?
As of 2023, Walmart does not charge a fee for the disposal of used motor oil and oil filters at their Auto Care Centers. Customers can bring in their uncontaminated oil and oil filters to be recycled for free.
Why Must Motor Oil Be Recycled?
Motor oil must be recycled because it does not biodegrade or decompose over time, instead, it becomes increasingly contaminated and harmful to the environment, including humans, wildlife, and plants. Recycling used motor oil helps to conserve a finite and valuable resource.
Re-refining used oil requires less energy than refining crude oil to create new oil, which means that fewer natural resources are used in the process, contributing to the overall conservation of non-renewable resources. Recycling used motor oil is an important step in reducing the negative impact of human activities on the environment and preserving natural resources for future generations.
What Does Walmart Do with Old Oil?
After collecting the used motor oil, Walmart sends it to a recycling facility where it is re-refined into new lubricants, fuel oil, and other products. This process uses less energy than refining new oil from crude, which helps reduce carbon emissions and preserve natural resources. In this way, Walmart’s recycling program promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility.