Recycling used motor oil and oil filters is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect our waterways and oceans from pollution. In the United States, 40% of pollution in waterways is a result of used engine oil. Not only is this oil pollution widespread, but it is also dangerous! It only takes one gallon of used oil to contaminate one million gallons of drinking water with toxic contaminants like arsenic, lead, cadmium, zinc, barium and chromium.

The good news? Used motor oil and oil filters don’t have to be thrown in the trash; they can be recycled into new and valuable products. If all used motor oil was recycled every year in the United States, it would save 1.3 million barrels of oil per day, a potentially important contribution to American fuel independence. Similarly, if all used oil filters were recycled annually in the United States, 160,000 tons of steel would be recovered. This is enough to construct 16 more Petco Park stadiums! 

Used motor oil is considered a hazardous waste and should not be put in the trash, poured down a sink, poured down storm drains, or poured on dirt areas. Both used motor oil and used oil filters should be delivered to a collection center for recycling. Provided below is a list of certified collection centers in El Monte. All of the listed locations accept both used motor oil and used filters for recycling. There is a five gallon limit per trip. Business waste will not be accepted.