Residential recycling and disposal search tool

Motor oil

How to safely dispose of motor oil and oil filters

Use extra caution

Be careful when handling and preparing this item for disposal. Read the special instructions below for details.

Motor oil

Motor oil

Oil filters

How to dispose

There are two ways to dispose of motor oil and oil filters.

Household hazardous waste drop-off location

  • Take to a household hazardous waste drop-off location

Safely dispose of packaged motor oil, empty containers and filters for free at a household hazardous waste drop-off location (designated fire hall).

  • If you want to keep your container, you must empty your oil at a City Eco Centre. This option is not available at fire hall locations.

City Eco Centre

  • Take to a City Eco Centre

Safely dispose of motor oil, packaged motor oil, empty containers and oil filters for free at a City Eco Centre – if you bring with other garbage, charges will apply.

Special instructions

  • You can bring up to 20 litres of household hazardous waste per visit.
  • Use the original container if you have it. If not, use a strong container that won't leak. 
    • Make sure the container is clean to prevent any chemical reactions and can safely hold the material without breaking down.
    • Close it tightly and clearly label what's inside.
    • Maximum container size is 20 litres. 
  • Never flush chemicals down your toilet, sink or drain as they harm the environment and may damage the pipes in your home.
  • Do not put motor oil, containers or filters in your blue, green or black carts.

Why do I need the original container?

Use the original packaging whenever possible as it’s designed to safely contain the material and includes critical safety information.

Map of household hazardous waste drop-off locations

For businesses

If you are a business with this item, please see our Business Waste resources.

For businesses with used motor oil, oil filters and other automotive chemicals, visit the Alberta Recycling Management Authority.

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