Purpose
The purpose of the used oil and filter recycling program is to educate and motivate residents and businesses in the opportunities provided with a countywide network of used oil collection sites by making it convenient to recycle used oil and filters. As a result, this will increase the recycling of used oil and filters, decrease the demand for crude oil and raise the demand for re-refined motor oil.
Facts about Used Oil
- Used oil is considered a hazardous waste in California.
- It's against the law to use new or used motor oil as weed killer or dust control.
- Oil never wears out it just gets dirty. Most vehicles can run over 5,000 miles or more between oil changes. Consult your owner's manual or click here to check your number.
- It's illegal to bury used oil in the ground, burn used oil, or dump it in the trash, storm drain or sewer.
- Each year, 200 million gallons of oil is dumped into our waterways, sewers, and landfills by people changing their own motor oil. This is equivalent to the 2010 BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico!
- It takes only 1 gallon of used oil to produce the same amount of motor oil as 42 gallons of crude oil -- while requiring only 1/3 of the energy.
- For every 1 gallon of used oil recovered, 2.5 quarts of re-refined oil can be produced!
- In 2015, 31,000 gallons of oil was recycled in Fresno County. If this oil had been poured into our waterways, this is enough oil to pollute Huntington Lake.
- Don't mix used oil with other fluids such as antifreeze, solvents, transmission fluid, gasoline, water or debris. This makes the oil more toxic and non-recyclable.
Don't Forget the Filter!
Most Certified Collection Centers (CCCs) are able to take in used oil filters when you drop off your used motor oil. Each filter contains 10 ounces of oil that needs to be drained and recycled. Plus, filters are made with a steel case that can be reused. Most facilities will be able to help with the punching and draining of the oil, however you can drain it yourself into the oil container. For more information, click here(PDF, 110KB) to read the California Department of Toxic Substances Control notice on draining used oil filters. Last year, the County of Fresno and the cities of Clovis, Coalinga, Firebaugh, Fowler, Huron, Kerman, Kingsburg, Mendota, Orange Cove, Parlier, Reedley, San Joaquin, Sanger and Selma recycled 2 tons of steel from oil filters. So keep up the good work and recycle your filters, too!
Certified Collection Centers
Certified Collection Centers are available across all the cities and unincorporated Fresno County. They have storage tanks on site to collect and safely dispose of your used oil and filters. Some locations pay $0.40 per gallon up to 5 gallons for your used oil. Always call ahead to check availability and business hours of a used oil collection center. Remember, never drop off used oil during non-business hours. On behalf of the County of Fresno and the cities, thank you for recycling your used oil!
(PDF, 744KB)For a list of Certified Collection Centers in Fresno County.(PDF, 149KB)
Para obtener una lista de centros de recogida Certificados en el Condado de Fresno.
For a list of Certified Collection Centers around California.
Encuentre un Centro Certificado de Reciclaje Cerca de Usted!
Additional information can be found by calling 1-800-CLEANUP (253-2687) or visiting Earth911.com
Funding
The used oil and filter recycling program is funded through grants provided by the California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). These grants fund the recruitment, coordination, promotion and maintenance of the Certified Collection Centers (CCCs) and promote public outreach and education for used motor oil and oil filter recycling programs. For additional information, contact the County of Fresno at (559) 600-4259.
If you need to report illegal dumping of motor oil, please call 1 (800) 69TOXIC (698-6342). Please call the Resources Division at (559) 600-4259 if you have any questions or need information about Recycling. You can also email staff at recycling@fresnocountyca.gov.