Recycle Used Oil and Antifreeze

Last updated on August 9, 2018

What can I recycle?

Used Oil and Antifreeze
Any automotive antifreeze, petroleum or synthetic crankcase oil, engine oil, hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid, gear oil, heat transfer fluid or other fluid used for lubricating purposes in machinery or equipment.

Oil Filters
Any spin-on or element oil filter used in hydraulic, transmission or internal combustion engine applications including diesel fuel filters; with the exception of gasoline fuel filters.

Oil and Antifreeze Containers
Any plastic container with a capacity of less than 30 litres that is manufactured to hold oil or antifreeze.

Why should I recycle?

By recycling your used oil and antifreeze, you divert hazardous waste from the province’s water streams and landfills and help the environment; you also reduce the need for raw materials to manufacture new products.

BC Used Oil Management Association (BCUOMA) is responsible for implementing the collection and recycling system for used oil, antifreeze, oil filters and plastic oil and antifreeze containers across the province.

Where can I recycle?

There are 520 depots to drop off “do-it-yourself” used oil and 339 depots for used antifreeze across B.C. To find a location near you, visit: Used oil recycling.

What happens to it?

  • Used Oil: Re-refined into new lubricating oil and used as a fuel in pulp mills, cement plants and asphalt plants.
  • Used Antifreeze: Reprocessed to produce new automotive antifreeze.
  • Oil Filters: Reused for metal products (rebar, nails, wire).
  • Plastic Oil and Antifreeze Containers: New oil containers, flower pots, pipe, guardrails, patio furniture.
Product Stewardship

Visit the Recycling Council of British Columbia (RCBC) for stewardship programs and updates.

Check the BC Recycling Handbook for a guide on what can be recycled under BC's Product Stewardship Programs.

Find a Drop off Location

Visit Recycling Council of B.C. or call:

BC Toll-Free: 1-800-667-4321
Lower Mainland: 604-RECYCLE (604-732-9253)

Stewardship Program

Program website

Annual reports and stewardship plans as provided to the Province are posted for convenience.

Contact information

Recycling Council of BC
BC Toll Free: 1-800-667-4321
Lower Mainland: 1-604-732-9253
Visit RCBC.ca