Lyla Lindsey
Motor oil, also known as engine oil, is highly toxic to the environment and can cause serious ecological damage if disposed of improperly. In Australia, it is illegal to dispose of motor oil by throwing it away in the garbage or dumping it in landfills. This is because motor oil can contaminate soil and water, impacting the health of wildlife, plants, and the planet. Therefore, it is essential to dispose of motor oil in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Australians have a variety of options for motor oil disposal, including taking it to a designated collection point, a local oil recycling centre, or a used oil facility. Some auto stores also offer free engine oil recycling services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Disposing of car oil | Do not throw car oil in the garbage bin or dump it somewhere. It is considered hazardous waste and can negatively impact the environment. |
| How to dispose of car oil | Pour the used motor oil into an empty oil container and take it to your local used oil facility for recycling. |
| Where to dispose of car oil | Disposal can be done at waste management facilities, local auto part suppliers, curbside recycling services, local council or shire-run facilities, and participating Supercheap Auto stores. |
| Containers for disposal | Use the original oil container or a clean plastic container. Bottles are to be no bigger than 10L and limited to household quantities. Soft plastic bottles are not suitable. |
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What You'll Learn
Why you shouldn't throw motor oil away
Motor oil, or sump oil, should never be thrown away as it is considered hazardous waste and can cause enormous environmental damage. It is a valuable and finite resource that can be recycled and reused, but when disposed of incorrectly, it can contaminate soil and water, posing serious threats to ecosystems and public health.
Used motor oil picks up hazardous contaminants when used in engines, including lead, dioxins, benzene, and polycyclic aromatics. When motor oil is dumped onto the ground or into water, these contaminants are released into the environment. Oil will sit on the water's surface, blocking sunlight and oxygen from reaching the plants and animals that depend on them. Just one litre of motor oil can contaminate one million litres of water.
Motor oil should also not be poured down drains or thrown into garbage cans, as standard garbage services do not have the means to handle hazardous waste. Leaving used motor oil sitting in your garage is also a potential fire hazard, and there can be serious repercussions if you dispose of your motor oil illegally, including substantial financial penalties in some places.
Instead of throwing motor oil away, it should be taken to a designated collection point so it can be cleaned and reused. Many retailers offer oil recycling services, and there are also local facilities that will help dispose of or repurpose used motor oil. By recycling motor oil, we can reduce the need for new oil production and contribute to a more sustainable economy.
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How to store motor oil before disposal
Motor oil is considered hazardous waste in Australia due to the devastating environmental impact it can have if disposed of improperly. It is important to store used motor oil correctly before disposal to prevent environmental contamination and pollution. Here are some detailed and direct instructions on how to store motor oil before disposal:
Firstly, it is important to use a well-sealed, leak-proof container that is free from other household products. Make sure the container is not made of soft plastic, such as a drink bottle or milk bottle, as these are not suitable for carrying and transporting waste oils. The best choice is often the original oil container, but a clean, sturdy metal or hard plastic bottle will also work. Remember to let the oil cool before pouring it into the container and always keep the container sealed tightly.
Secondly, never mix waste oils, solvents, or other hazardous household products together. Used motor oil should be kept separate from other vehicle fluids, such as water, as combining oils can make appropriate disposal difficult. Recycling facilities will not accept used motor oil that has been contaminated with other substances.
Thirdly, store the container in a safe and secure location, such as a garage or shed, away from pets and children. Keep the container in a cool, dry place to prevent any potential fire hazards.
Finally, clearly mark the container to avoid accidental ingestion or misuse. It is important to note that you should not use food bottles or containers that resemble food bottles for storing used motor oil. Properly stored used motor oil can be recycled and repurposed into valuable products, such as lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, or industrial burner fuel.
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Where to find motor oil disposal services
Motor oil, or 'sump oil', is considered hazardous waste and should not be put in recycling or garbage bins at home. It should be taken to a designated collection point so it can be cleaned and reused.
There are several motor oil disposal services in Australia, including:
- Supercheap Auto — offers a free engine oil recycling service at selected stores. They accept used engine oil in sealed containers, such as the original bottle or a purpose-made oil drain container. Bottles should be no bigger than 10L and are limited to four bottles per customer.
- Cleanaway — provides expert waste and used oil disposal and management services, including comprehensive waste oil management and used oil collection services. They have facilities to process waste oil in every mainland state and territory in Australia and are the largest oil recycler in the country.
- Local council facilities — many council facilities, such as waste management centres, landfill sites, and transfer stations, accept used motor oil. Some local councils also offer household chemical clean-out programs that can be utilised for oil disposal.
- Local petrol stations — some local petrol stations may accept used motor oil, and certain facilities will take oil filters, old oil-soaked rags, and oil containers for disposal.
It is important to properly dispose of motor oil to prevent environmental contamination and conserve valuable resources. Motor oil can contaminate soil, waterways, and groundwater, posing serious threats to ecosystems and public health.
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The environmental impact of improper disposal
Improper disposal of car oil can have detrimental effects on the environment. Oil is a hazardous material and a persistent pollutant that can spread over large areas, affecting ecosystems and the environment as a whole. One of the most common improper disposal methods is pouring oil down drains or directly into the soil. This can lead to sewage system clogs and backups, resulting in raw sewage spilling into waterways and causing water pollution. Even a small amount of oil can contaminate a large volume of water; it takes only one litre of oil to contaminate one million litres of water.
Oil spilled into water bodies creates a layer on the surface that blocks sunlight and oxygen from reaching aquatic life. This directly impacts the survival of fish, aquatic mammals, frogs, and other animals that depend on oxygen from the water. Oil contamination also affects marine plants and disrupts the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, leading to a decline in fish populations and recreational fisheries. The toxic compounds in oil can bioaccumulate in the food chain, posing health risks to humans who consume contaminated seafood.
Improper disposal of oil on land can also contaminate the soil, affecting terrestrial ecosystems. Oil can disrupt soil microbiota, hindering plant growth and agricultural productivity. Additionally, improperly disposed oil can find its way into groundwater, further impacting water sources and ecosystems.
Improperly disposed oil that is burned releases harmful pollutants into the air, including carbon monoxide and particulate matter. These pollutants can have severe impacts on human health and contribute to climate change. Furthermore, leaving used oil in open areas, such as garages, poses a potential fire hazard.
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Recycling and reusing motor oil
Motor oil, or 'sump oil', is considered hazardous waste and should not be put in recycling or garbage bins at home. Incorrect disposal of motor oil can contaminate soil, waterways, and groundwater, posing serious threats to ecosystems and public health. It can also be a fire hazard if left sitting in a garage. As a result, it is important to recycle and reuse motor oil.
Recycling motor oil helps to conserve valuable resources and prevent environmental contamination. In 2001, Australia introduced a national recycling scheme for used oil, and the amount of oil collected and recycled has since risen to more than 320 million litres of base lubricating oil every year.
Used motor oil can be taken to designated collection points, such as local used oil facilities, where it is cleaned and reused. Many council facilities, including transfer stations, waste management centres, and landfill sites, accept used motor oil. Some facilities also take oil filters, oily rags, and plastic oil containers. Additionally, local petrol stations and automotive stores may offer oil recycling services.
When changing motor oil, it is important to drain the oil into an empty oil container designed for this purpose, such as the original bottle or a purpose-made oil drain container. Soft plastic bottles, such as drink or milk bottles, are not suitable for transporting waste oils.
By re-refining and processing used motor oil, it can be turned into high-quality lubricants, industrial burner fuel, hydraulic oil, or incorporated into other products. This reduces the need for new oil production and contributes to a more sustainable economy.
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Frequently asked questions
Car oil is highly toxic to the environment. If it is directly exposed to the outside environment, it can contaminate soil, water, and infrastructure. It only takes one litre of oil to contaminate one million litres of water.
Used motor oil should not be put in your recycling or garbage bins at home. Instead, take it to a designated collection point so it can be cleaned and reused. You can find a drop-off point near you by searching for local oil recycling centres or used oil facilities.
Oil filters can be taken to a local used oil facility, which will usually be located at the landfill, waste transfer station, or works depot. Some used oil facilities will also take your oil filters, oily rags, and plastic oil containers.
You should always keep your empty containers when doing an oil change. These are designed to hold engine oil and seal well. Bottles should be no bigger than 10L and limited to household quantities. Soft plastic bottles like drink bottles and milk bottles are not suitable for carrying and transporting waste oils.
The oil is recycled and reused. It can be re-refined into high-quality lubricants, industrial burner fuel, hydraulic oil, or incorporated into other products.
