Finish the Job Right: Used Oil and Filter Recycling in San Francisco

Doing your own oil change is a great way to protect your engine. Whether you’ve got a Yamaha, a Suzuki, a BMW or any other motorcycle, finish the job right by recycling your used oil and filter. Both motor oil and the steel in oil filters can be cleaned and used over and over again if they’re recycled.

See the key steps in this video:

Get in gear.
The first step is prep. Set up with an oil drain pan, gloves, rags, filter wrench, funnel, cardboard, fresh oil, a filter, and crush washer. Fully drain the used oil AND filter – ideally overnight to catch all the oil. A used oil filter can hold up to a quart of oil! Use a funnel to pour all the oil into a clean, leak-proof plastic container with a screw-on cap. Place the empty oil filter in a sealed plastic bag. Be sure to keep the oil clean – don’t mix it with any other substances so that it can be recycled again and again. If it does get contaminated, make sure to take it to your local Household Hazardous (HHW) Facility (see below).

Take it on the road.
San Francisco has more than 20 drop-off locations where residents can take their used motor oil and filters for free, including auto parts stores, repair shops and recycling yards. San Francisco Environment created a map of all the used motor oil and filter recycling collection centers, so you can easily find the closest center to drop-off your used oil and filters. Most sites accept up to five gallons of used motor oil. Always call the drop-off location first to verify hours and limitations.

Mixed up?
Not sure if your oil is mixed with other materials, or have other Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) such as batteries, antifreeze, or brake fluid to get rid of as well? You can drop it off at Recology’s HHW Collection Facility or schedule a free pickup by calling (415)330-1405. Learn more about the Household Hazardous Waste Program here.

For more useful info on motorcycles, DIY oil changing, or where to recycle oil and filter in a different California city or county – check out our other Riders Recycle blog posts or drop-off locations page! Riders Recycle is funded by CalRecycle.

Get in Gear: Used Oil & Filter Recycling in San Francisco

You’re almost done with the oil and filter change on your bike, but what do you do with your used oil and filter? Whether you’ve got a Yamaha V-Star 650 Cruiser, a Dry-Sump Suzuki DR350 Enduro, a BMW R1150RT or any other ride, the job isn’t done until you’ve recycled your used oil AND filter.

Oil and filter change class at Moto Guild in San Francisco.

Where to recycle your used oil and filter depends on where you live. We’re focusing on San Francisco for this post, but the options are similar no matter where you live in California (find details for your city or county here).

Pick up free oil and oil filter drain containers like the ones above at a Riders Recycle event near you.

Get in gear.
The first step is prep. Fully drain the oil AND filter – ideally overnight to catch all the oil. Residents can pick up free oil and filter drainer containers like the ones in the picture above at upcoming Riders Recycle events in San Francisco. Use a funnel to pour all the oil into a clean, sturdy, leak-proof plastic container with a screw-on cap. Place the empty oil filter in a sealed plastic bag. Be sure to keep the oil clean – don’t mix it with any other substances so that it can be recycled again and again. If it does get contaminated, you’ll need to take it to your local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Facility (read more below).

Local resident drops off used oil and filter at a collection center.

Take it on the road.
San Francisco has more than 20 drop-off locations where residents can take their used motor oil and filters for free, including auto parts stores, repair shops and recycling yards. San Francisco Environment created a map of all the used motor oil and filter recycling collection centers, so you can easily find the closest center to drop-off your used oil and filters. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and limitations, and make sure to give materials to a staff member. 

Mixed up?
Not sure if your oil is mixed with other materials? If you have mixed materials, more than five gallons of used motor oil, or other hazardous waste such as batteries, paint and brake fluid, you can schedule a free pick-up by calling (415) 330-1405. Visit the San Francisco Recology HHW website for more details.

Used oil and filter sealed and ready for recycling.

For more useful info on motorcycles, DIY oil changing, and to pick up free oil and filter recycling gear – check out our other Riders Recycle blog posts and upcoming events!