Everything You Need to Know About Recycling Used Oil

February 16, 2021

Automotive shops that specialize in oil changes are bound to have a ton of used oil on hand. Most people probably know that oil can’t be dumped down the drain or even into a trash can, but they might not know what should be done with the used oil or what happens once it leaves the shop.

This post from your reliable waste oil pickup service in New Orleans, LA will cover everything there is to know about why we recycle oil and what happens once we pick it up.

The benefits of recycling used oil

If recycling oil instead of throwing it out didn’t have some pretty big benefits, we’d be out of business! These are the top reasons to call recycling experts for pickup instead of throwing old oil out:

  • Motor oil doesn’t wear out: Every vehicle needs an oil change every few thousand miles to perform its best. But that’s not because the oil gets old or wears out—it’s because the oil gets dirty. Once we haul away your old oil, it’s refined and reprocessed into high-quality lubrication oil that can be used in a variety of industries.
  • Reduces pollution: Used oil that gets dumped into trash cans or down the drain is a major pollutant. The substance harms local wildlife and plants, and it can even make humans sick if it gets into the groundwater. When a licensed oil recycling service hauls away the oil, it eliminates the possibility of the liquid causing any environmental damage.
  • Saves energy and resources: Recycling used motor oil is a much cheaper and more energy-efficient process than making new products from virgin crude oil. In fact, one gallon of recycled motor oil provides 2.5 quarts of lubricating oil, which would otherwise require 42 gallons of crude oil to produce.

How to handle used oil

Before you call a reliable waste oil pickup service in New Orleans, LA, you’ll need to store it in your workshop or garage for a few days, weeks or even months. Follow these tips to ensure your oil is properly stored and your shop is safe:

  • Choose a suitable storage container: Each garage should have a dedicated container for any used oil that is properly labeled and free from rust or dents. To ensure the used oil can be recycled, make sure other liquids aren’t poured into the receptacle.
  • Watch out for spills: Spilled oil is a leading cause of injuries in auto shops. To help prevent any slips and falls, be sure to clean up oil spills as soon as you see them. Additionally, make sure all employees know how to safely transfer oil into the used oil receptacles.

We’re your go-to team for handling used oil!

For reliable waste oil pickup service in New Orleans, LA, look no further than Safeway Used Oil and Grease. With more than two decades of experience and an EPA license, you can rest easy knowing we’ll safely dispose of your old oil. Give us a call today to schedule pickup or to learn more about how you can make the most out of your used oil.

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Safeway Used Oil and Grease