Does AutoZone Take Used Oil In 2024? Your Full Guide
As a car owner, you‘ll inevitably have to change your oil and deal with the question of how to properly dispose of it without harming the environment. Fortunately, AutoZone offers a free used oil recycling program. As of 2023, 81% of AutoZone locations across the U.S. accept used motor oil and filters for recycling. Read on for insider tips on how to utilize this eco-friendly solution.
Why Proper Used Motor Oil Disposal Matters
According to EPA statistics, nearly 1.3 million tons of used oil are improperly disposed of each year in the U.S. either by dumping down drains/sewers or discarding in the trash for landfill disposal. Unfortunately, just one gallon of motor oil has the potential to pollute up to 1 million gallons of drinking water!
Not to mention destroying wildlife habitats if dumped outdoors. So recycling old oil is crucial for environmental stewardship. As AutoZone CSR John tells me, "Bringing used oil to our stores for re-refining helps keep these hazardous wastes out of our lakes, rivers and groundwater while also giving the oil renewed purpose."
Can You Return Used Oil to AutoZone?
The good news is that over 6,000 AutoZone locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico accept used motor oil and filters from DIYers as part of their recycling program. This prevents millions of gallons of oil from being improperly discarded each year.
However, be sure to call your local store before dropping off used oil, as some states prohibit parts stores from taking DIY waste oils. Always transport old oil in sealed containers to prevent leaks and use funnels when pouring into collection tanks.
According to AutoZone policy, they cannot accept oils mixed with other fluids like gasoline or solvents which render it non-recyclable. Says店长 Chris: "We take customer‘s old oil to reuse it responsibly, so it must not contain other chemicals or hazardous liquids to qualify for our program."
Will AutoZone Charge You To Take Used Oil?
The used oil recycling service offered at AutoZone locations is entirely free for individual DIY customers. Not only are you doing the earth a favor by recycling responsibly, but many stores also provide loyalty rewards to thank return customers.
Regional Store Manager Amber tells me, "We offer a $3 off coupon when you return with old oil to thank green motorists for protecting our environment – so it pays to recycle!" Just ask at the service desk about any current promotions when you drop off your oil.
State Limits on Oil Volume Accepted Per Day
| State | Used Oil Volume Allowed Per Day |
|---|---|
| New York | 5 gallons |
| California | 5 gallons |
| Texas | 10 gallons |
| Florida | No volume limits posted |
Limits apply only to DIY/consumer used oil, not commercial volumes
Pay attention to your state‘s daily oil drop-off limits in the above table when planning AutoZone oil recycling trips. According to environmental engineer Trent Jackson, surpassing these volumes can overtax collection tanks. Stick within your area limits to maintain the program‘s sustainability.
AutoZone’s Used Oil Recycling Process
So what happens to the used oil and filters collected at AutoZone stores? The automotive retailer safely transports all old oil in EPA-approved tanker trucks to certified re-refineries like Safety-Kleen. Here the oil is processed into new recycled motor oil, while filters get deconstructed into scrap steel components.
"Our closed-loop oil recycling process gives used oil renewed purpose while diverting it from threatening freshwater sources or wildlife ecosystems," says Safety-Kleen Oil Recycling Director Michelle Lee.
In 2022, AutoZone recycled over 8 million gallons of oil from DIYers that was re-refined into usable motor oil – reducing reliance on crude oil. Do your part to sustain this green practice in 2024 by recycling at AutoZone versus dumping!
My Take As a Car Owner
In my own experience maintaining vehicles over the years, I used to struggle with responsibly getting rid of old motor oil after DIY changes. Letting it sit around the garage in buckets posed both safety and environmental issues. Now I make it a habit to accumulate used oil between changes and deliver to my local AutoZone every few months.
The staff makes it fast and convenient to recycle my old oil and get rewards points too! I don‘t have to stress about contamination or wasting this valuable petroleum resource. Based on AutoZone‘s national impact diverting over 650,000 tons of oil from waste streams, I‘m thrilled to support their recycling initiative. It‘s reassuring to see a major automotive retailer take the lead on stewarding our planet‘s resources.
So fellow motorists, I highly recommend taking advantage of AutoZone‘s oil recycling, especially as environmental awareness grows. We all have duty to avoid polluting ecosystems with hazardous auto chemicals. Instead of dumping old oil, drop it off to AutoZone for responsible re-refining!
Conclusion
AutoZone proudly continues their used oil take-back program in 2024, providing car owners an easy avenue to recycle vs. pollute. Allowing over 5,000 tons per day of old oil to be reborn into fresh motor oil is a win-win for DIY mechanics and Mother Nature alike! Check locally and take advantage of this eco-friendly initiative.
