Warning: Handle Used Oil Disposal with Care

Every vehicle and motorcycle requires lubricating oil to lubricate, cool, and protect the engine. However, used oil is a toxic substance that has a significant impact on the environment. So how should we handle used automotive and motorcycle oil? Let's explore these issues with Huynh Chau in the following article!

Image compiled by Huynh Chau

See also:

• Everything you need to know about automotive engine coolant
• The relationship between lubricating oil and the environment: don't ignore the consequences your vehicle is causing!
• 4 types of lubricating oil every car owner needs to know

Used automotive and motorcycle oil can harm the environment if not disposed of properly

1. Harmful effects of improper engine oil disposal

Used lubricating oil contains many harmful chemicals, contaminants, and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, etc. If spilled directly into soil, ditches, water sources, etc., the pollutants in the waste oil will infiltrate the environment, harming plants, animals, and human health.

Some harmful effects of used automotive oil include poisoning, disrupting the food chain of animal species, and damaging the central nervous system, lungs, liver, and intestines if humans accidentally absorb it, etc.

In fact, numerous studies and reports have proven the dangers of waste oil to the environment. For example, according to the "British and Columbia Used Oil Management Association" (BCUOMA), a single drop of used lubricating oil can contaminate millions of water droplets.

Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that the amount of waste oil from each automotive oil change can contaminate 1 million gallons of water (enough to supply 50 people for a year).

Used lubricating oil can contaminate soil and water and harm living organisms

Many people think that simply throwing waste oil into the trash is sufficient. However, in reality, doing so still risks unwanted consequences. When taken to a landfill, lubricating oil can seep into the soil, contaminating groundwater sources and endangering many animal and plant species, and even communities living near the area.

2. Can engine oil be recycled?

Automotive lubricating oil can be completely recycled. This is the best way to prevent improper oil disposal and environmental pollution.

Typically, waste oil is collected and refined