Does Advance Auto Parts Take Used Oil in 2024? The Complete Guide
Improperly disposing used motor oil can contaminate up to 1 million gallons of fresh water. So what‘s the right way for DIYers to recycle oil? Advance Auto Parts makes it easy by accepting used oil for free recycling.
Why You Should Recycle Used Oil
According to EPA estimates, over 200 million gallons of used oil are improperly disposed of every year. Dumping oil harms the environment through:
- Water contamination: 1 gallon can pollute 1 million gallons of water
- Soil pollution: Makes soil unsuitable for plants and animals
- Resource waste: New oil has to be used instead of reusing recycled oil
By recycling oil at Advance Auto Parts rather than illegally dumping it, you prevent environmental harm.
State Laws on Used Oil Recycling
Currently, New York and Louisiana have bans on used oil collection by retailers like Advance Auto Parts.
The following states have used oil recycling fees that apply:
| State | Fee Per Gallon |
|---|---|
| California | $0.16 |
| Oregon | $0.05 |
So before taking used oil to Advance Auto Parts stores, always check your state regulations. Everywhere else, it‘s free to drop-off for recycling.
Step-By-Step: Returning Used Oil
Follow this simple process for returning your DIY oil to Advance Auto Parts:
1. Store the used oil properly: Place it in sealed containers like original bottles or approved plastic jugs, away from other fluids.
2. Limit per visit: Take no more than 5 gallons of motor oil per person per day.
3. Confirm with your store: Call your nearest store in advance and take ID proof.
4. Hand over the oil: A store associate will take the used oil and direct you to the disposal area.
5. Recycle the container: If your plastic oil bottle or jug is recyclable, place it in the recycling bin on-site.
It‘s that quick and easy!
What Type of Used Motor Oil Does Advance Auto Parts Accept?
You can drop off any used oil for recycling including:
- Conventional motor oils
- Synthetic blends
- High mileage formulations
- Diesel engine oils
Oil must be free from other fluids like brake cleaner fluid, gasoline, or anti-freeze, or it will be rejected.
Make sure to remove the oil filter as well if possible, before bringing used oil to the store. Drained filters can hold up to 10 oz. of residual contaminated oil.
Does Advance Charge a Fee for Oil Recycling?
No, Advance Auto Parts does not charge any fee when you correctly drop-off used motor oil for their recycling program. This is available as a free service.
Where Does My Recycled Oil Ultimately Go?
Advance Auto Parts responsibly disposes all collected used oil. This oil is typically re-refined back into fresh lubricant stocks or used as an energy source like industrial burner fuel.
Re-refining Used Oil
The most common recycling method is through re-refining, which involves processes like vacuum distillation and hydrotreating to clean the oil.
In fact, every gallon of re-refined base oil is just as good as one gallon of virgin base oil. It goes right back into making new engine oil.
Reusing as Fuel Oil
Used motor oil can also be efficiently reused as fuel to power cement kilns, industrial boilers, etc.
So rest assured, Advance Auto Parts does not dump any collected used oil harmlessly. The oil recycling program gives used oil a second life.
Why Choose Advance Auto Parts for Oil Disposal?
Instead of attempting do-it-yourself disposal options like dumping in the backyard or down the drain, leave it to the experts.
Advance Auto Parts makes used motor oil recycling extremely convenient through their nationwide store network and trained staff.
It takes this hazardous waste source out of the hands of consumers and channels it responsibly through official re-refiners and recyclers. This keeps the ecosystem protected while closing the loop on reusable resources.
So do your part for the environment and prevent health hazards – drop your used DIY oil at Advance Auto Parts today! Their oil recycling program allows everyone to contribute to sustainability.
