# Motor Oil Recycling: Why Used Oil Should Never Be Dumped - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/04/motor-oil-recycling-used-oil/ - Published: 2013-04-30T16:05:38-04:00 - Author: greenguruguides **motor oil recycling** keeps a reusable petroleum resource out of soil, drains and waterways. Used oil can be re-refined into new lubricants, processed into fuel or used as a refinery feedstock instead of being discarded. ## Used Motor Oil Should Be Recycled, Not Dumped **_Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Motor Oil and Filters to Conserve More, Waste Less and Protect the Environment_** **WICHITA, Kan. (April 17, 2013)** Across the country, Americans are asking important questions about the Earth and sustainability; most start with “How.” How do we conserve more, waste less and protect our environment? When it involves motor oil and filters, Universal Lubricants®, manufacturer and distributor of the Eco Ultra® line of sustainable lubricants, has the answer and this Earth Day the company asking motorists to make motor oil recycling a national movement. “If every do-it-yourself vehicle owner recycled their used motor oil and filters, the benefits to our planet would be monumental,” said Edward Genovese, Universal Lubricants’ senior vice president of industrial services. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than 40 percent of our nation’s oil pollution comes from the improper disposal of used motor oil by do- it-yourselfers. The American Petroleum Institute states that more than 600 million gallons of motor oil is purchased in the U.S. each year, and about half of all motor oil sold is to “do-it-yourself” car owners. Since 95 percent of auto shops and aftermarket parts stores already recycle used motor oil, Universal Lubricants is working to educate everyday motorists on how they can make a huge impact on our environmental footprint. “Most people don’t realize the role that recycling used motor oil plays in the health of our planet,” Genovese said. “Improperly disposing of one gallon of used oil can contaminate up to one million gallons of drinking water. And throwing aused oil filter in the garbage adds unnecessary steel and bulk to our landfills, where residual oil stuck in filters can leach into groundwater. “Yet, recycling just two gallons of used motor oil can power an average home for an entire day, protect our landfills, prevent groundwater pollution and reduce our [dependency on foreign oil](https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/05/us-dependence-on-foreign-oil-growing-experts/). And recycling a used oil filter allows companieswith oil filter processors, like the ones Universal Lubricants operates in Monee, Ill. and Dallas, Texas, to shred or crush the filter, extract the trapped oil for re-refining and recycle the steel or paper to make other products — effectively [closing the loop on oil](https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/05/dow-closes-down-46-on-surging-oil-prices/) filter disposal.” Independent studies show that oils produced from re-refined base stock reduce engine wear, which leads to fewer oil changes, reduced oil consumption and better gas mileage. Universal Lubricants’ Eco Ultra® Synthetic Blend Motor Oil has turned a previously nonrenewable resource into a renewable one. If all 308 million Americans got an Eco Ultra oil change, we could prevent 616 million barrels of crude oil from being extracted from the Earth. Now that’s environmental stewardship. Environmentally conscious automotive business owners across the country are doing their part. Roger Scholfield, president of Scholfield Honda in Wichita, Kan., said,“ Consumers like choices and many, when offered an environmental alternative, will not only choose that product but will pay a premium for it. The re-refined oil we purchase from Universal Lubricants supports our environmental mission to reduce, reuse and recycle. We sold nearly 5,000 gallons in the last 12 months. That’s good for our business, good for our clients and great for the environment.” The Car Care Council estimates that this year 50 percent of auto parts stores and repair shops will recycle used oil filters, keeping 160,000 tons of steel out of landfills. “Imagine the impact if everyone recycled their motor oil and filters,” said Genovese.“ Can we make this a national movement?” Sources: Eco Ultra products [http://www.universallubes.com](http://www.universallubes.com) Universal Lubricants® _[http://www.universallubes.com](http://www.universallubes.com)_ ## Recycling Used Oil Protects Water EPA says used motor oil can contain metals and other contaminants and should be handled carefully. The agency also notes that used oil from a single oil change can contaminate up to one million gallons of fresh water if managed improperly. For more recycling coverage, see our [Green Living Guy recycling TV segment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/05/recycling-green-living-guy-tv-segment/). ## Conclusion Motor oil recycling is a simple step with a large environmental benefit. Keep used oil in a leak-proof container, avoid mixing it with other chemicals and take it to a collection site or qualified service facility. Source: [U.S. EPA — Managing, Reusing and Recycling Used Oil](https://www.epa.gov/recycle/managing-reusing-and-recycling-used-oil). ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4841837f2a0756d69aeaa2877e5646549fc845ec2f0ffc2804839152c38ba332? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenguruguides The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman, is recognized as a green living guru and electric car expert. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides, green business and electric vehicles. 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