I was wondering what I should do to properly dispose of used oil filters? I usually let them drain for a few days and then throw them in the garbage. I don't really like doing this, but I don't know what else to do! Most auto parts stores except your used oil, but not used filters. Most garages and gas stations don't want to except peoples used oil filters, because they need to pay for disposal.

In my neck of the woods, the county supplies dumpsters for garbage disposal, along w/that is a tank for oil and a container for the filters.

I know auto parts stores take oil- they have to here, but I think they also take filters. This might vary from state to state. Anyone know for sure?

 

Hi,

http://www.ehow.com/how_2170049_dispose-oil-filter.html

 

at the shop we have an air powered oil filter crusher. It crushes them and we throw them in the scrap metal dumpster

 

The county where I live has a regional collection center that takes used oil and filters at no charge.

 

The county supplies dumpsters for garbage disposal, along w/that is a tank for oil and a container for the filters

Every State, and County work differently. It's annoying though that when you are trying to be responsible with used filters, there doesn't seem to be anyway to do that. I'll have to check around some more I guess.

 

I ussually cut mine open for inspection , then dispose of the metal peices in the recycle bin or scrap steel container , and the filters I let drain somemore then put them in the trash .most places crush them to get as much oil out of them and put them in a barrel to sell to the steel mills

 

Every State, and County work differently. It's annoying though that when you are trying to be responsible with used filters, there doesn't seem to be anyway to do that. I'll have to check around some more I guess.

First thing I would try, is calling your parts store and ask if they accept used filters. They WILL be obligated to accept used motor oil, I do believe.

This is from HERE:

Federal Guidelines for Used Oil Filters

While most used oil filters were just thrown in the trash a short time ago, today we know they’re
recyclable. Some states have banned used oil filters from the landfill while others have placed
restrictions on how they can be discarded. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA ) requires used oil filters be drained of all free-flowing oil before they are discarded or recycled. Most states follow federal requirements for used oil filter Disposal. Currently, U.S. manufactured oil filters
are exempt from hazardous waste regulation if the oil filter is:
• punctured through the dome end or anti-drain
back valve and hot-drained; or
• hot-drained and crushed; or
• hot-drained and dismantled; or
• hot-drained using an equivalent method to remove used oil.
What is hot-draining?
Hot-draining is defined as draining the oil filter at or near-engine operating temperature but above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
In other words, remove the filter from the engine while it is still warm, then puncture or crush and drain the filter. The EPA recommends hot-draining for a minimum of 12 hours, although specific state requirements may vary. Most of the oil is removed from the filter during hot draining.
WARNING: Use caution when hot-draining filters to avoid being burned. Protective equipment such as safety glasses and gloves should be worn to prevent injury.
Finding Specific State Information
To find out the specific requirements for generators, collectors and processors for your state, call the
Used Filter Recycling Hotline at 1-800-99-FILTER (993-4583). The Used Filter Recycling Hotline is sponsored by the Filter Manufacturers Council and administered by the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Environmental
Institute. Callers to the hotline receive an easy-to-read summary of their state’s filter management requirements; a list of companies in their area that transport, process and recycle used oil filters; and a brochure entitled “How to Choose a Filter
Management Service.”

 

I called that number, but of course nobody was there to pickup! I'll have to look online or something.

 

Of course!!

Maybe you'll have better luck HERE.

 

Hi, I guess noone bothered to read the link.

#

Federal guidelines call for used oil filters to be either "hot drained" or else crushed and drained before disposal. Some states have more restrictive requirements. Commercial oil changing outlets such as Jiffy Lube and Pep Boys are required by law to recycle waste oil and oil filters. The larger outlets will usually accept and dispose of both your old oil and oil filters, free of charge.
#
Step 3

If permitted in your state, you can "hot drain" your own filters as follows. First, change your oil and filter after a 10 minute drive so that the engine is warmed up. Hot oil thins out and will drain faster and more thoroughly.
#
Step 4
Punctured Filter

Punctured Filter

Drain most of the oil out of the filter by dumping it into your oil collection jug, using a funnel. Then lay the filter on its side and puncture a hole in it about a quarter of an inch from the bottom (see photo) using a hammer and large nail or awl. Then place the filter in a funnel over the jug in a protected area and let it drain for twelve hours, to meet federal standards

 

I'll take the vehicle I'm going to change the oil of to the auto parts store to get a new filter and some oil, which is a 10 minute drive to and from. By then the oil will be nice and warm/hot. Drain the oil and pull the filter. For a couple of dollars you can get a cookie rack from Wally World to place your filter on so it can drain.

Then I'll put the used oil in a 5 gallon bucket, cap it and take it to the auto store where they'll dispose of the oil, or let you pour it into their recycling container yourself. I normally do a couple vehicles at a time which a 5 gallon bucket can easily hold.

The drained oil filter goes in the new box, into the plastic bag I carried the new oil and filter out the parts store with, and into the garbage.

 

The drained oil filter goes in the new box, into the plastic bag I carried the new oil and filter out the parts store with, and into the garbage.

I might be mistaken, but maybe this is the step the OP wishes to avoid. Tossing it into the g-bage, I mean.

 

i "hot drain" mine in the burn barrel then recycle the steel shell.

 

Dried in a burning barrel

I'm with you PG

 

Most municipalities don't have a place to recycle your Used Oil Filters. Commercial outlets are required to recycle, but not except filters from people. At least I don't think.

 

I punch a hole in them, and let them drain for several days. Then put them in the garbage. I really do not bother with a plastic bag, because by the time the garbage is crushed in your neighborhood garbage truck, and many more times before it's final resting place, I am pretty sure the bag has been ripped up.

 

I've never heard of any special way to dispose of them here. I've always let them drain in my drain pan until the next time I need the pan then i throw the old filter in the new box and throw it away.

 

Let's be honest you should be able to Recycle your Used Oil Filters. Even if you've punched a hole in it, and let it drain for a few days, your not going to get all the oil out of it. Oil really shouldn't be getting into the Environment! The metals can be recycled from the Oil Filter.

 

Some of the oil change places may take it for a few bucks... Or a big batch of homemade brownies Some states may require them to take them. Seems like a place my daughter used in college charged $1 fee for the filter.