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Greener Choices Home >
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Oil, batteries, and tires 9/07
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Recycling and disposal: Oil, batteries, and tires
Motor oil. Used oil contains many toxic ingredients that are generated during engine combustion. Toxics include metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic and cause harm if discarded into landfills or in the environment. Most state, county, or community recycling centers will collect used motor oil. State laws require motor oil to be discarded properly, and most mandate the means of disposal. And many states require or encourage service stations, motor oil retailers, quick lube centers, or auto dealerships to do likewise. You can check Earth 911’s zip-code based, oil recycling directory (click on "used motor oil") for a recycler near you.
Oil filters. Filters also contain toxic ingredients found in used oil. If you are changing your own oil filter, see if your local recycling facility, gas station, auto parts store, quick lube shop or auto dealer will take your used oil filter. You can also check Earth 911’s zip-code based, oil filter recycling directory (click on "used oil filters") for a recycler near you. If you cannot locate one, drain the filter thoroughly, dispose of the used oil properly (see above), wrap it in newspaper, seal it in plastic, and then throw it away.
Car batteries. These contain lead and acids, both of which are toxic. Since most states have laws requiring batteries to be recycled, current recycling rates are over 90 percent. Installers will generally take your old battery when you buy a new one. Some will take used batteries even if they didn’t sell you your new one. To view the battery recycling details for your state, visit the Battery Council International Web site.
Tires. The best thing you can do with old tires is leave them with the retailer when you buy new ones. From there, they are often sold to recyclers. Tires that are not reused or recycled, but instead disposed of in landfill piles, can become breeding grounds for disease-carrying pests. If they’re burned—either by accident, or intentionally—they can produce toxic substances, including several known to cause cancer. For other recycling options, check Earth 911's zip-code based, used tire recycling directory (click on "used tires").
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