Pouring motor oil into a car
Pouring motor oil into a car

How to safely recycle automotive fluids

Disposing of automotive fluids can be complicated but the golden rule is simple: nothing can be dumped and almost everything can be recycled.

Because the volume of various waste materials from repair and service materials is so high on a national scale, it’s practical and economic to collect, reprocess and recycle almost all of them.

What to do with automotive fluids

Notable examples of automotive fluids include:


  • crankcase oil

  • gasoline or diesel fuel

  • transmission fluid

  • brake and power steering fluid

  • antifreeze

All of these can be readily reprocessed and recycled by environmental service providers who offer a complete range of service. This includes providing appropriately labelled containers for each type of fluid, picking them up and pumping them out, all on a regular schedule. These services are available at no charge because most of the fluids can be resold after processing.

Related articles:

Contacting local providers for consulting services is worth considering as well. They know all of the local and provincial requirements for handling, storage, labelling, documentation and worker training. While there are similarities across all regions, they may vary based on the location and the size of the facility.

What to do with other contaminants

These need to be dealt with as well, for legal and practical reasons:


  • used oil filters

  • used transmission filters

  • fuel filters from vehicles or service station pumps

  • empty containers

As with used fluids, service providers collect these items and pick them up regularly – often at no charge.

Auto service facilities will inevitably generate some contaminated waste like wiping rags, spilled fluid and sludge that builds up in auto parts. All of these need to be collected and disposed of or recycled properly.

This blog is provided for information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and will not be responsible for any loss arising out of reliance on the information.

Related Topics

Young woman browsing a rack of clothing

What is retail insurance?

Your shop and your products certainly aren’t designed to cause damage or injury, but accidents happen, and when they do, they can bring expensive proceedings

Get a quote
Close

    Contact Us

      Contact Us