Every time you get an oil change, fresh motor oil goes in, and the old, dark, used-up oil comes out. Most drivers don’t think much about what happens after that, but it’s a question worth asking. Where exactly does all that used oil go? Is it just thrown away, burned off, or recycled?
In reality, used motor oil follows a surprisingly detailed journey after it leaves your car. And what happens next makes a big impact on the environment, public health, and even the products you use every day. Here’s a look at how it works and why proper disposal matters.
Used Motor Oil Is a Contaminant If Handled Improperly
Motor oil does a tough job while it’s inside your engine. It picks up dirt, metal particles, and chemical byproducts from combustion. By the time it’s drained, it’s full of impurities and no longer lubricates the way it should. That’s why simply dumping used oil down a drain or on the ground is extremely harmful and very illegal.
Improperly discarded oil can contaminate soil and groundwater, poison aquatic life, and pollute local waterways. Just one gallon of oil can taint over a million gallons of drinking water. That’s why responsible handling and recycling are a top priority for repair shops like Three Suns Auto Care.
How Used Oil Is Collected at Professional Shops
When you bring your car to a licensed repair shop, the used oil is drained and stored in sealed containers that meet strict environmental regulations. These tanks are regularly picked up by certified waste haulers who specialize in transporting hazardous materials.
Filters are also collected along with the oil. Oil filters trap a surprising amount of sludge and metal shavings, and they’re processed separately to remove and recycle both the oil and the filter casing.
Once collected, the oil is sent to specialized processing facilities where it’s cleaned and repurposed.
Used Oil Is Often Recycled or Re-Refined
Contrary to what many people believe, used oil isn’t always discarded. In fact, a large percentage is recycled or re-refined. At recycling facilities, the oil is treated to remove water, dirt, and fuel residues. From there, it can be turned into heating oil, industrial lubricants, or even new motor oil through a refining process similar to that used for crude oil.
Re-refined oil meets the same performance standards as brand-new oil. It goes through rigorous filtration, distillation, and chemical treatment to restore its original properties. The process conserves natural resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions and energy use.
Some Used Oil Is Used as Industrial Fuel
Oil that can’t be re-refined is sometimes used as fuel in industrial settings like cement kilns, manufacturing plants, or power generators. In these controlled environments, the oil is burned at high temperatures, and emissions systems are in place to minimize environmental impact.
While this isn’t the first choice for reuse, it’s still better than disposal. Burning waste oil for energy helps reduce reliance on virgin fossil fuels and gives the material a second life.
What You Can Do as a Driver
Choosing a repair shop that follows proper disposal and recycling practices makes a difference. When you bring your vehicle to Three Suns Auto Care, you’re not just getting an oil change but also participating in a process that supports sustainability and protects the environment.
If you ever change your own oil, be sure to collect and store it properly in a sealed container and take it to a certified recycling location. Many auto parts stores and service centers accept used oil and filters at no charge. Never pour it down a drain, into the trash, or onto the ground. Doing so poses serious health and environmental risks.
Three Suns Auto Care – Responsible Service Starts With Clean Practices in Media, PA
At Three Suns Auto Care in Media, we believe maintenance should be good for your car without hurting the planet. We partner with licensed recyclers and ensure that every drop of used oil is handled with care, from the moment it leaves your engine to its next life as a recycled product.
Book your next oil change with confidence, knowing you’re supporting safe, eco-friendly service every step of the way.
