Used Motor Oil and Used Oil Filters RECYCLING 

Recycling is the only legal way to get rid of used motor oil!

Do you change your own motor oil?

El Cerrito Recycling offers free curbside pick-up for used motor oil and used oil filters!

Pick-up is by appointment only.

We only accept the Used Motor Oil Kit container that we provide for curbside pickup.  All filters must be bagged. Please call us at 510-215-4350 to schedule an appointment. This pick-up service is available for residents only.

Maximum set-out: 2 containers (no more than 6 quarts each) and 2 oil filters.  Pickup occurs on a Thursday.

Steps to PREPARE your motor oil for curside recycling:

Step 1: Drain motor oil into the city provided drain pan. Drain your oil filter into the same drain pan for at least 24 hours since it can hold up to a quart of oil!  Seal your drained filter in a plastic bag.

Step 2:  Call to schedule your used motor oil curbside pickup (follow the above instructions).  Let us know if you need a replacement drain pan for a future oil change.

Step 3:  Place your full drain pan and bagged filter at the curb the night before or the day of pickup before 7 am.

STEPS TO PREPARE YOUR MOTOR OIL FOR RECYCLING center drop-off:

If you prefer to bring your used oil to the Recycling + Environmental Resource Center:

Step 1:  Look for the used motor oil collection zone.

Step 2:  Pour the used motor oil into the motor oil barrel until the container is empty. Let it sit a few minutes to completely drain.

Step 3:  Put the drained filter in the adjacent yellow container for filter recycling.  (Instructions for draining are included above.)

Step 4:  Take the empty container home to reuse for your next oil change or recycle it with us if it is a # 1 or # 2 plastic. 

Look for signs or ask for help from either office staff or yard staff.

If you prefer, you can drop-off the container and filter at a CERTIFIED OIL COLLECTION CENTER (see below list):