Arcata Offers Some Zero Waste Oil Change Tips

This is a press release from the City of Arcata:

Myke Waddy [Public domain]

The City of Arcata is encouraging community members who own or operate vehicles to change motor oil with zero waste principles in mind.

Motor oil, by volume, is one of California’s largest hazardous waste streams, with approximately 115 million gallons of motor oil being sold each year. Used motor oil is considered extremely hazardous waste as it is insoluble and contains heavy metals and toxic chemicals.

It is estimated that 30 percent of used motor oil in California goes uncollected each year, which causes serious environmental problems by making its way into creeks, streams and oceans via storm drains. In addition, one gallon of used motor oil can foul the taste of 1 million gallons of drinking water.

In order to prevent pollution in Humboldt Bay and in local creeks and streams, the Environmental Services Department has some tips regarding the proper disposal of used motor oil.

1. Beware of the 3,000-mile myth. Most vehicles do not need an oil change every 3,000 miles. Automakers nowadays are regularly recommending oil changes at 5,000, 7,500 or even 10,00 miles based on driving conditions. Unnecessary oil changes generate millions of gallons of waste oil each year, so remember to check the recommended oil change interval in the vehicle’s owner’s manual for proper guidelines. If the owner’s manual is unavailable, visit www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/UsedOil/ChangeInterval/ to check manufacturer-recommended oil change intervals for most vehicles.

2. Changing motor oil and vehicle fluids can be easily done at home without compromising the environment. Remember to drain auto fluid into a drain pan and use a funnel when pouring fluids. Place absorbent material, such as an old towel or absorbent pad, under the drain pan to catch any drips, and do not pour used motor oil in the street or in the trash. Please recycle used motor oil and used oil filters. With proof of residency, like a recent water bill or rental agreement, Arcata residents can pick up a free motor oil recycling container at the Environmental Services Office, located at 736 F Street.

3. Dispose of waste oil at a Certified Collection Center (CCC). Certified Collection Centers have storage tanks on site to collect and safely dispose of used oil and oil filters, and will pay 40 cents per gallon of oil collected. Please note that a CCC will not accept used motor oil that has been contaminated with other fluids such as antifreeze, solvents, gasoline or water, so please do not mix used oil with other vehicle fluids. Franklin’s Service, located at 1903 Heindon Road, is Arcata’s only CCC, and they can be reached at (707) 822-1975. For a list of Certified Collection Centers in greater Humboldt County, please visit cityofarcata.org.

For more helpful zero waste tips, visit cityofarcata.org or call the Environmental Services Department at 707-822-8184.

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12 Comments
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Perspective
Guest
Perspective
4 years ago

“Certified Collection Centers have storage tanks on site to collect and safely dispose of used oil and oil filters, and will pay 40 cents per gallon of oil collected.”

This center pays .40 a gallon for used oil?? Typo?

Skee
Guest
Skee
4 years ago
Reply to  Perspective

I took some to auto zone in Eureka a couple months ago and got $2.40 back.

Perspective
Guest
Perspective
4 years ago
Reply to  Skee

Good to hear. Usually I get charged to dump oil.

Susan Nolan
Guest
Susan Nolan
4 years ago
Reply to  Perspective

Not a typo: https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/usedoil/recycle
It’s important to recycle the filters too: https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/usedoil/filters but there may be a dispolsal charge for them.
The dump in McKinleyville accepts both.

Willie Caos-mayham
Guest
4 years ago

🕯🌳Good morning Oliver that was pretty informed news,thank you. 👍🏽🇺🇸🖖

Craig
Guest
Craig
4 years ago

What!?!? No more using for it for weed, brush, and dust control like back in the day? Today, I take all my used oil to Eureka Recycling Center, and give it to them for free.

dgale
Guest
dgale
4 years ago

O’Reillys in McKinleyville takes used oil and filters as well

yeah
Guest
yeah
4 years ago
Reply to  dgale

All autoparts stores accept used oil and filters.

Perspective
Guest
Perspective
4 years ago
Reply to  yeah

They’re supposed to, but not always. Some claim the collection is full so they don’t have to deal with it. I was told this by an auto parts s store employee.

More CCC’s needed
Guest
More CCC’s needed
4 years ago

Where is the CCC for So. Hum.? Supervisor Fennell?

Cha right
Guest
Cha right
4 years ago

Arcata is sooooo concerned about this they have one place to bring the hazardous waste? How about city hall!

thetallone
Guest
thetallone
4 years ago

It’s almost impossible to change the oil in a Honda generator without spilling some. You need one of these screw-on extension things.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=honda+generator+funnel
They should, by law, come with the generator.