Does Walmart Take Used Oil & Filters in 2024? An In-Depth Guide
With over 4,700 Walmart stores in the U.S. that have Auto Care Centers providing oil change services, customers often ask: Does Walmart take used oil and oil filters?
The answer is yes. Walmart stores with Auto Centers accept used motor oil and oil filters at no cost. Proper disposal of used oil is critical to avoiding pollution and protecting the environment.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about returning used oil to Walmart in 2024 and beyond:
Why Proper Disposal of Used Oil is Essential
Used motor oil can contain hazardous substances like lead, magnesium, arsenic and cadmium. Dumping it improperly contaminates ground water supplies.
According to the EPA, improper disposal of used oil causes an estimated 1 gallon of oil to pollute 1 million gallons of fresh water. With 200 million gallons of used oil generated yearly, preventing pollution is essential.
Recycling oil also conserves valuable resources. For example, re-refining used motor oil uses 85% less energy than refining crude oil to lubricant quality.
Walmart‘s used oil disposal program helps prevent pollution and maximize recycling.
Walmart‘s Used Oil Disposal Process and Volumes
At Walmart Auto Care Centers, store associates carefully collect used motor oil brought in by customers. They ensure it is not mixed with any other automotive fluids before transferring it to used oil storage tanks.
The collected oil is then picked up by certified waste management providers to be recycled. Waste Management is one of Walmart‘s major partners for used oil and materials recycling.
Across thousands of Auto Care Centers, Walmart recycles over 6 million quarts of used oil each year. Their extensive collection infrastructure makes proper disposal easy for millions of customers.
Used Oil Policies at Walmart vs. AutoZone
Walmart accepts used motor oil for free without any purchase requirement. The only condition is that the oil is not contaminated.
By comparison, AutoZone also takes used oil but requires a minimum $5 purchase to do so without charging a $2 fee.
Additionally, Walmart allows up to 5 gallons of used oil drop-off per visit, whereas AutoZone only accepts a maximum of 5 quarts per visit.
Clearly, Walmart offers a more customer-friendly used oil collection service.
Types of Used Oil Accepted at Walmart
Walmart‘s Auto Care Centers accept the following for recycling:
- Used motor oil from gasoline engines
- Used motor oil from diesel engines
- Used conventional and synthetic motor oils
- Used motor oil filters
They do not accept other automotive fluids like:
- Transmission fluids
- Brake fluids
- Power steering fluids
- Radiator coolants
- Fuel additives
- Oil mixed with other fluids
This is because their collection process is designed only for recycling used pure motor oil. Other chemicals and fluids require different disposal protocols.
Always ensure to keep used motor oil uncontaminated in a sealed container before bringing it to Walmart.
How To Return Used Oil and Filters to Walmart
Follow these steps when returning used oil to Walmart Auto Care Centers:
Find a Walmart with an Auto Care Center using the store locator tool.
Transport used oil in sealed containers – milk jugs or original containers work.
Keep used oil filters in a plastic bag to avoid leaks.
Take the used oil and filters to the Auto Care Center during business hours.
Inform the staff you have used oil to dispose of. Do not dump it yourself.
Sign the required form and provide contact details.
Staff will inspect and collect the used oil and filters from you.
You can dispose up to 5 gallons of used motor oil per visit.
Easy, convenient, and free – that‘s Walmart‘s used oil disposal service for customers.
How Walmart Handles and Recycles Used Oil
Once collected from customers, Walmart‘s used oil goes through an extensive recycling process:
Oil is screened and filtered to remove debris and solids
Distillation process separates fuels for re-refining and crude oils
Crude oils are further refined into new lubricant products
The fuels extracted are used as industrial fuels for boilers and furnaces
Heavy sludges are processed either off-site or sent for waste-to-energy conversion
This comprehensive process allows all the compounds in used motor oil to be properly handled and recycled.
Creative Ways to Reuse Used Oil at Home
Before recycling your used oil, consider reusing it around the home for these purposes:
Prevent Rust – Coat tools, bolts, surfaces prone to rusting
Protect Wood – Condition wooden handles of rakes, shovels etc.
Lubricate – Oil squeaky door hinges, garage door tracks
Polish Leather – Soften and condition leather boots, gloves, belts
However, avoid using used motor oil on bike chains or parts needing detergent motor oils. Improper use can contaminate the oil and make it unfit for recycling.
Consult a hazardous waste authority if planning to burn used oil for heat or energy. Improperly burned oil releases toxic fumes.
The Bottom Line
Walmart conveniently accepts up to 5 gallons of used motor oil for free recycling at Auto Care Centers nationwide.
Safely disposing used oil prevents pollution while allowing the valuable oil to be re-refined into new products. An estimated 200 million gallons of oil are recycled in the U.S. yearly – and Walmart‘s program makes a sizable contribution.
So next time your car needs an oil change, remember Walmart automotive centers can properly handle the used oil and filter disposal at no extra cost. Their recycling program helps sustain the environment and demonstrates their commitment to "Every Day Low Prices" and customer service.
