How to Recycle Automotive Fluids

Looking to recycle automotive fluids? Some car fluids like transmission fluid, power steering fluid, gear oil, motor oil and antifreeze can be processed and recycled into new fluids. Keeping your used auto fluids out of the landfill, or avoiding pouring them down a drain, preserves local water and soil health. However, fuel and other flammable liquids are considered hazardous and, therefore, must be stored and disposed of properly, but many of them can be recycled. To find a location to recycle automotive fluids like transmission fluid, antifreeze, and motor oil, add your ZIP Code to this Earth911 recycling search.

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Frequent Automotive Fluids Recycling Questions

I changed my own fluids. Can I throw them in the trash?

No. Many state and local governments classify used motor oil and other auto fluids as hazardous waste and require proper disposal.

Every gallon of used motor oil that is improperly discarded can contaminate 1 million gallons of drinking water, according to the EPA. Because motor oil never wears out, but rather gets dirty, it can be recycled, re-refined and resold. The

Where can used auto fluids be taken for recycling?

Many auto parts stores accept use motor oil, transmission and other auto fluids for recycling or disposal, but some have stricter requirements than others regarding handling of the fluids. Unfortunately, individual stores do not consistently follow corporate guidelines, so be sure to call ahead to confirm they will take what you want to recycle.

After draining fluids from your vehicle, place each fluid in a container — do not mix them — for transportation. Some collection points accept used oil in original motor oil bottles or even household containers with secure lids, while others require the use of sealed specialty containers, also available at most auto parts stores. You can use our Recycling Search to find locations near you that accept brake, transmission, and power steering fluids.

If your motor oil, transmission, brake, and power steering fluid, or antifreeze has been contaminated with any other fluids most locations will not accept it for recycling. If this has happened to you, you should reach out to your city or county household hazardous waste (HHW) location to see if they will dispose of it properly. Find a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) location near you.

Editor’s Note: This article was first published on June 5, 2016, and was most recently updated in March 2024.