Used motor oil is a major source of water pollution, so it is good news that the U.S. EPA estimates that over 380 million gallons of used oil is recycled each year. This equates to over 50 percent of all motor oil purchased annually. Currently, used motor oil can be re-used or recycled one of three ways – reconditioning, reprocessing or re-refining. Reconditioning—filters oil and removes insoluble impurities so the oil can be used over and over. Although the cleaning process does not always bring the oil back to its original quality, cleaning, when combined with replenishment of key additives, does extend its useful life. Did you know? | You only need 1 gallon of used motor oil to produce 2.5 quarts of lubricating oil. You need 42 gallons of crude oil to produce the same 2.5 quarts of lubricating oil. The used oil from one oil change can contaminate 1 million gallons of fresh water—a year’s supply for 50 people. - U.S. EPA |
Reprocessing—removes some water and particles so that the oil can be burned for fuel to generate heat or electricity for commercial buildings and operations. Refining—treats used motor oil to remove impurities so that it can be used as base stock for new lubricating oil. If you need to dispose of used motor oil, follow the steps below: - Store used oil in a plastic container that is clean and clearly labeled, “Used Oil.”
- Never use containers that held household chemicals, such as bleach.
- Call the City’s household hazardous waste (HHW) line at 240-314-8568 to arrange for a free pick up.
Never pour used oil into a storm drain as it flows directly into neighborhood streams and impacts water quality. Dumping anything into storm drains is illegal. Additional resources: 
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