Grime To DimeHow to Dispose of Motor Oil in Howard County
The short answer: Motor oil is 100% recyclable and accepted FREE at all major auto parts stores. Never pour it down the drain or put it in the trash—it's illegal and devastating to the environment.
🛢️ Quick Reference
- Motor Oil: Free at AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto, Alpha Ridge
- Oil Filters: Drain 24 hours, bag, same locations
- Transmission Fluid: Same as motor oil—keep separate
- Antifreeze: Alpha Ridge only—toxic to animals
- Brake Fluid: Alpha Ridge hazardous waste
Never Pour Down Drains!
One gallon of motor oil can contaminate one million gallons of drinking water. Dumping oil is illegal in Maryland and can result in fines up to $25,000. Oil that enters storm drains flows directly to local streams and the Chesapeake Bay.
Automotive Fluids & Disposal Rules
Motor Oil
Used engine oil from cars, trucks, motorcycles
✓ Free recycling everywhereOil Filters
Spin-on and cartridge filters
✓ Drain & bag firstTransmission Fluid
ATF, gear oil, differential fluid
⚠️ Keep separate from motor oilAntifreeze
Engine coolant (green, orange, pink)
🚫 Alpha Ridge only — toxicBrake Fluid
DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5
🚫 Hazardous wasteGasoline
Old or contaminated fuel
🚫 Alpha Ridge onlyDon't Mix Fluids!
Keep motor oil separate from antifreeze, brake fluid, and gasoline. Mixed fluids are harder to recycle and may be rejected at collection points. Use separate containers for each type.
Where to Recycle Motor Oil in Howard County
AutoZone
Accepts used motor oil and oil filters for free. Up to 5 gallons per day.
O'Reilly Auto Parts
Free oil recycling at the counter. Call ahead to confirm filter policy at your location.
Advance Auto Parts
Accepts used motor oil during regular store hours. Great for DIY oil changers.
Jiffy Lube
Most locations accept used motor oil even if you didn't get service there. Call to confirm.
Alpha Ridge Landfill
Accepts ALL automotive fluids including antifreeze and brake fluid. Free for Howard County residents.
Why Recycling Matters
Used motor oil doesn't wear out—it just gets dirty. Re-refining used oil takes only one-third the energy of refining crude oil. One gallon of used oil produces 2.5 quarts of new motor oil, compared to 42 gallons of crude oil needed to make the same amount.
How to Prepare Motor Oil for Recycling
- Drain oil into a clean container — Use the original oil jug, an approved oil drain pan, or any leak-proof container with a secure lid. Avoid using food containers.
- Keep it pure — Don't mix motor oil with antifreeze, brake fluid, gasoline, or solvents. Contaminated oil may be rejected.
- Drain oil filters separately — Punch a hole in the top of the filter and let it drain into your oil container for 24 hours. Then place the drained filter in a sealed plastic bag.
- Secure for transport — Place containers in a plastic bin or cardboard box in your trunk. Put towels underneath to catch any drips.
- Drop off at collection point — Take to any auto parts store or Alpha Ridge during business hours. Most accept up to 5 gallons per visit.
Pro Tip
Save your empty oil bottles after each oil change. When it's time to drain, pour the used oil back into those same bottles. They're designed for oil and won't leak like milk jugs.
Other Automotive Fluids
Transmission Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF), gear oil, and differential fluid can be recycled at the same locations as motor oil. Keep it in a separate container from engine oil if possible—some recyclers prefer them separated.
Antifreeze / Coolant
Antifreeze is highly toxic to animals—its sweet taste attracts pets. Never pour it on the ground or down drains. Alpha Ridge Landfill accepts antifreeze for free. Some service stations may also accept it—call ahead to confirm.
Oil Filters
Used oil filters contain residual oil and should be recycled, not trashed. Drain for 24 hours, seal in a plastic bag, and take to any auto parts store or Alpha Ridge.
Old Gasoline
Stale or contaminated gasoline should be taken to Alpha Ridge Landfill. Never pour old gas down drains or on the ground. For small amounts, you can often mix old gas with fresh fuel in your car (up to 1:4 ratio).
What Each Location Accepts
| Location | Motor Oil | Oil Filters | Trans. Fluid | Antifreeze | Brake Fluid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AutoZone | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| O'Reilly | ✓ Yes | Call | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Advance Auto | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Jiffy Lube | ✓ Yes | Call | Call | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Alpha Ridge | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning Out a Garage or Shop?
If you've got containers of old oil, fluids, and other automotive junk piling up, we can help. We handle full garage cleanouts and ensure everything gets disposed of properly—including hazardous materials.
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