Help & Support

Frequently Asked Questions:

OIL AND OIL FILTER PROGRAM

Q) I am a Delaware resident and changed the oil in my vehicle.  Where can I dispose of the used oil and oil filters?

A) DSWA provides containers for the collection of used motor oil and oil filters at several of its Drop-Off Centers. Because these containers are not available at all centers, please call the Citizens’ Response Line at 1-800-404-7080 for a complete list.

Q) I own a repair business, which collects many used oil filters.  How can I dispose of them?

A) There are several companies, which can provide a pick-up of oil filters from businesses.  DSWA does have a program for collecting used oil filters from businesses. 

Q) How does the oil filter collection program work?

A) For businesses interested in having their oil filters picked up by DSWA, they will receive three, 55 gallon barrels for used oil filters.  DSWA will then charge $25 per pick-up for the oil filters.  For information on how to become a member of this program, call the Citizens’ Response Line at 1-800-404-7080. 

Q) Why should we recycle used motor oil?

A) Used oil contains contaminants such as arsenic, cadmium, benzene, lead, magnesium, zinc, and chlorinated compounds, which may be harmful to the environment, and it is a very good source of energy. We waste energy when we discard used oil into the environment.

Q) What happens to the used oil filters once they are collected by DSWA?

A) DSWA collects used oil filters from more than 600 repair shops, service stations, and Drop-Off Centers statewide and transports them to the Delaware Recycling Center (DRC). There, a mechanical press called "The Kruncher" squeezes out 99% of the residual oil and molds up to 10 filters into a 10-pound, 3.5" x 4" briquette of very marketable steel.

Q) I have a barrel of motor oil from my business.  Will DSWA collect the motor oil?

A) No, DSWA does not collect used motor oil from any businesses. DSWA recommends businesses contact a company such as Guardian, Inc. and International Petroleum Corporation.

Q) Will DSWA accept used oil filters from other vehicles such as farm equipment?

A) Yes, DSWA is able to accept oil filters from things such as farm equipment.

Q) I have mixed my used motor oil with transmission fluid, will DSWA still accept it?

A) DSWA cannot accept used motor oil mixed with other components within its Motor Oil Recycling Program. To dispose of a mixture, residents can bring it to a DSWA Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event.  A list of these events can be found under the Household Hazardous Waste section of the website.

Q) What else can go in the used oil container?

A) Hydraulic and diesel oil are accepted. However, we cannot accept gasoline or gas and oil mixtures.  To dispose of items such as gasoline, residents can bring it to a DSWA Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event.  A list of these events can be found under the Household Hazardous Waste section of the website.

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