Used motor oil is one of the easier hazardous items to get rid of in BC, because a province-wide program takes it back for free. It is also one of the items that can never go in a garbage bin, a skip or a regular landfill load. Here is how the program works and where to take it.
The BC Used Oil Recycling program
The Recycling Council of British Columbia explains that used motor oil, oil filters and oil containers are accepted through the BC Used Oil Recycling program, which is managed by Interchange Recycling. You can drop them off at collection depots across the province, including participating repair shops, car dealerships and retailers.
The collection facilities accept residential amounts, about 10 to 15 litres per visit, at no charge. RCBC advises contacting a facility ahead of time before you go.
Used antifreeze and antifreeze containers have their own return program, also run by Interchange Recycling. They can be dropped off for free at participating retailers and automotive shops.
Find a drop-off near you
Interchange Recycling has a locator on its website where you can search by city or postal code. If there is no location close to home, the site offers a few other options: a mobile pick up service for some addresses, a search with a wider radius, or storing the oil safely until a new location opens. The Interchange page says some conditions apply and lists a phone number for details.
If you have a larger volume of used oil and antifreeze, RCBC says amounts above household sizes are eligible for pick up through Interchange Recycling. Contact the program through its website.
Richmond residents have another option
The City of Richmond Recycling Depot at 5555 Lynas Lane accepts motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze and empty automotive containers. The City sets limits of 20 litres of motor oil and 6 oil filters, and it takes empty containers only. The depot phone is 604-276-4010.
A few practical points
- Follow the program's instructions on containers before you go, and call the facility if you are unsure what it accepts.
- Cooking oil is a different program. Our oil and grease page covers cooking oil and how it is collected.
- Used oil never goes into a bin, even a junk bin. The same goes for fuel and propane. Our guide to propane tanks, fuel and old BBQs explains the options.
When you are clearing a garage or shed with more than oil, the leftover junk can go in a bin. Set the oil, antifreeze and filters aside first and take them to a return point. We drop it off, you fill it, and we haul it off when you are done.
FAQ
Can I put used motor oil in a garbage bin? No. Used motor oil is accepted through the BC Used Oil Recycling program at depots, repair shops and retailers.
How much oil can I drop off? RCBC says collection facilities accept residential amounts of about 10 to 15 litres per visit, free of charge. Call ahead.
Where do I take antifreeze? Interchange Recycling runs the antifreeze program. It can be dropped off for free at participating retailers and automotive shops.
Can I take used oil to the Richmond depot? Yes. The City lists motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze and empty automotive containers as accepted, with limits of 20 litres of oil and 6 filters.
What about used cooking oil? Cooking oil is separate. Richmond's depot takes cooking oil in sealed containers, and RCBC explains small amounts can go in the green cart or garbage in some cities.