Used Oil Recycling Program
Do you change your car’s engine oil yourself? Did you know that engine oil does not wear out? It only gets dirty and can be recycled and reused again for the same purpose.
Used engine oils and oil filters can pollute the environment if they are not recycled or disposed of properly. Recycling used oil keeps it from polluting the soil and water in our local communities.
This webpage is intended to bring important information to our at home mechanics throughout the City. If that is not you, feel free to share this information with friends and family in the community to spread awareness on proper used oil recycling practices.
How to Recycle Used Oil and Filters
When you next change your car’s engine oil, please follow these steps:
- Drain ONLY the motor oil into a clean container.
- Drain motor oil from the used filter into the clean container, then place the used filter into a sealable bag.
- Find your local Certified Collection Center (CCC), a facility certified by the CalRecycle to accept used motor oil and filters.
- Take your used motor oil and used filter to a CCC site during business hours and give it to personnel for verification and proper storage.
- The CCC may pay you 40 cents per gallon upon request.
Please note:
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Some CCCs may limit how many gallons of used oil they can take at a time (usually 5 gallons per person).
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It is recommended to call your local CCC and ask if they can accept your used motor oil and filter.
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Find your local CCC phone number through the Calrecycle website.
Certified Collection Centers (CCC)
Where are the used oil recycling certified collection centers in South Gate?
There are currently five used oil recycling certified collection centers available in the City of South Gate:
Autozone #5487
8215 Long Beach Boulevard
South Gate, CA 90280
(323) 581-4795
Autozone #5488
4060 Firestone Boulevard
South Gate, CA 90280
(323) 567-4430
Central Ford
5645 Firestone Boulevard
South Gate, CA 90280
(562) 927-7888
O'Reilly Auto Parts #3063
9775 S. Otis Street
South Gate, CA 90280
(323) 249-1333
O'Reilly Auto Parts #4339
8532 Long Beach Boulevard
South Gate, CA 90280
(323) 586-0985
CCCs are independently owned and operated. To find other CCC facilities near you, you can call: 1-800-CLEANLA (1-888-253-2652) or visit the website: CalRecycle Search for Certified Collection Centers.
FAQ
Q: What are some DO’s and DON’TS for used oil and used filter recycling?
A: DO:
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Drain your used motor oil into a clean container
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Drain the remaining motor oil in your used filter
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Place your used filter into a sealable bag or container
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Call your local CCC site to confirm they can to accept your used motor oil and used filters
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Take your used motor oil and used filter to your local CCC during open business hours, and give it to personnel to verify and store properly
DON'T:
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Mix other fluids such as antifreeze, solvents, or water into the used motor oil container
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Dump your used motor oil down the drain, into the street, onto the ground, don’t even dump it in the trash
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Drop off your used motor oil and used filter outside a CCC facility or outside of business hours, it is considered illegal dumping and the site personnel cannot properly recycle it
Q: Why should I recycle my used motor oil and used filters?
A: If not recycled or disposed of properly, used motor oil and used filters can contaminate local water supplies. Used oil from one oil change can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water - a years' supply for 50 people!
Q: How much can I be reimbursed?
A: Your local CCC may pay you 40 cents per gallon upon request. Some CCCs may have a limit on how many gallons of used oil they can take at a time (usually 5 gallons per individual). It is recommended to call your local CCC and ask if they have the capacity to take your used motor oil and filter.
Q: What if I accidentally contaminated my motor oil with other hazardous waste?
A: Call your local Household Hazardous Waste manager to find out where you can take the contaminated oil for proper disposal. For Los Angeles County, please call the County Sanitation Hotline at: 1 (800) 238-0173.
Q: How often should I change my motor oil?
A: How often you should change your oil is based on the number of miles driven since your last oil change. Find out how many miles your car can go in-between oil changes here.
Q: Where can I find more information about the Used Oil Recycling Program?
A: You can visit the CalRecycle Website.
The City may also distribute Used Oil Recycling materials at community events, such as: 1) Used Oil Containers, 2) Used Oil Funnels, 3) Shop Towels, 4) Filter Bags. Please keep an eye on the City of South Gate community events calendar
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Facilities and Events
Aside from CCCs, used motor oil is accepted at HHW collection facilities and events.
Los Angeles County has many different HHW collection facilities and will host one-day collection events throughout the year. Aside from CCCs, you could also take your used motor oil and oil filters to these facilities and events. HHW facilities and one-day collection events may take:
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Motor oil and oil filters
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Antifreeze and paint
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Household and car batteries
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Old computers and television sets
For more information on permanent facilities, one-day collection events, and types of HHW accepted at each facility or event, see the Los Angeles County's HHW collection facilities and events site.
You may also call Waste Management regarding Household Hazardous Waste at (800) 963 - 4776.
Visit the County website to view the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events.
For more information, please visit Calrecycle website
