CONTACT | FAQ'S | SITE MAP Is Used Oil a Hazardous Waste?

Used motor oil, like many other wastes, is only hazardous if disposed improperly. The oil we use today is different than the oil used by our parents and grandparents. Today's oil has more additives that enhance the performance, but they also make the oil more toxic when improperly disposed. In fact, it takes only one gallon of used oil to contaminate one million gallons of water and render it undrinkable. Oil is the largest source of pollution in our nation's waterways. For this reason, the State of California has implemented a used oil recycling program. Through this program you can receive 16 cents per gallon for your used motor oil by taking it to a State Certified Used Oil Collection Center. We now have five Certified Centers in Del Norte County.

Three Steps to Oil Recycling
1. Change Your Oil
After draining the oil from your engine, put it in a clean plastic bottle (such as a milk jug) with a tight lid. You may also purchase a reusable oil drain pan container, available at stores that sell auto parts and hardware stores. To prevent spillage the container should have a spout for pouring.
2. Store It Safely
Do not mix your oil with anything else. To be recyclable your oil must be free of contaminates. Store out of the reach of children and in a sealed container.
3. Recycle It
Take your oil to one of the centers listed below. There may now be a center close to you. To find out call: 465-1100 or 1-800-CLEANUP.

Certified Oil Recycling Locations
	Del Norte County Transfer Station & Resource Recovery Park
	Corner of Elk Valley Rd. & State Street 1700 State Street, Crescent City 465-1100, open M-F 8am-5pm, Weekends 9am-5pm closed major holidays
	Marty's Auto Repair
	1032 Northcrest Drive, Crescent City 465-LUBE, M-F 9am-5:30pm Sat 9am-5pm
	Kragen Auto Parts
	905 Northcrest Drive, Crescent City 465-6540, M-Sat 8am-7pm Sunday 9am-5pm
	American Towing & Service Center
	233 E Washington Blvd., Crescent City 464-4400, M-F 8am-5:00pm
	Skaggs Auto & Smog
	299 Hwy 101 South, Crescent City 465-6626, M-F 8am-5pm
	Atlas Auto Repair
	16875 Hwy 101 S., Klamath 482-4901, M-F 9am-5pm

Please do not use paint cans, metal containers, or plastic bottles that once held bleach, cleaners, gasoline, antifreeze or solvents. Their residue will contaminate the used oil. A few ounces of chlorinated solvents, such as carburetor or brake cleaner, can render an entire 500 gallon tank of used oil a non-recyclable hazardous waste. Solvents, antifreeze, gasoline, and water contaminate used oil and result in very costly disposal fees.

Did You Know?

It takes just one quart of oil to create an oil slick one acre in size. It would take only 2.5 gallons of oil to create a slick over the entire commercial boat harbor in Crescent City. Films of oil over surface water prevent the replenishment of dissolved oxygen, impair photosynthetic processes, and block sunlight. Used motor oil does not just float on top of the water, it actually mixes with it. This is a problem because used motor oil contains heavy metals like chromium. Heavy metals are persistent in the environment (they don't break down), bioaccumulate (once released into the environment, they concentrate in creatures that eat other creatures, like people), and metals are teratogenic (they can cause mutations, birth defects and cancer). Toxic effects of used oil on freshwater fish have been found at concentrations as low as 1 Part per million (ppm) in marine life forms.

Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority
1700 State Street Crescent City, CA 95531
dnswma@recycledelnorte.ca.gov
707-465-1100 707-465-1300 FAX