Even a quarter-gallon of used motor oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water. Never pour it down a drain, into the ground, or into your trash. The good news: used oil is one of the easiest hazardous materials to recycle, with multiple free options.
Disposal Options
1. Curbside Collection
Many cities in Alameda County offer free curbside pickup for used motor oil. See the curbside pickup table below for your city's hauler and contact information, or search the RE:Source Guide for details.
2. Certified Collection Centers
California maintains a network of certified used oil collection centers — typically auto parts stores, service stations, and recycling centers. These facilities accept up to 5 gallons per visit and may pay residents up to $0.40 per gallon (businesses: $0.16 per gallon). Use the CalRecycle Certified Center search to find a location near you.
3. HHW Facilities
All four Alameda County HHW drop-off facilities accept used motor oil for free. Staff can also save your emptied containers for pickup later the same day.
How to Prepare Used Oil
- Drain oil into a clean pan or container
- Let oil filters drain for at least 24 hours — filters can hold up to a quart of oil
- Transfer to a sealed container — reuse the original oil container or any sturdy, leak-proof container with a lid
- Bag drained oil filters separately in a sealed plastic bag
- Well-drained oil containers (empty bottles) can go in your recycling cart
Do Not Mix Oil With Anything
Oil contaminated with antifreeze, solvents, gasoline, or water cannot be recycled and must go to an HHW facility for hazardous waste disposal. Keep used oil clean and separate.
For Boaters
Used oil from boats requires proper disposal too. The San Francisco Bay Clean Boating Map provides pumpout station locations and bilge care resources. You can also visit CA State Parks — Clean Boating for additional information, or search the RE:Source Guide for marine flares, boat batteries, and other boating waste disposal options.
Curbside Pickup by City
| Jurisdiction | Service Provider | Contact | Pickup Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda | ACI | 510-483-1400 | Homes & apartments |
| Albany | Waste Management | 510-613-8710 | Homes only |
| Berkeley | City of Berkeley | 510-981-7270 | Drop-off only |
| Castro Valley | ACI | 510-483-1400 | Homes |
| Dublin | Amador Valley Industries | 925-479-9545 | Homes |
| Emeryville | Waste Management | 510-613-8710 | Homes |
| Fremont | Republic Services | 510-657-3500 | Homes |
| Hayward | Tri-CED | 510-471-3850 | Homes |
| Livermore | Livermore Sanitation | 925-449-7300 | Homes |
| Newark | Republic Services | 510-657-3500 | Homes |
| Oakland | California Waste Solutions | 510-625-5263 | Homes & apartments |
| Piedmont | Richmond Sanitary Service | 800-320-8077 | Drop-off only |
| Pleasanton | Pleasanton Garbage Service | 925-846-2042 | Drop-off only |
| San Leandro | ACI | 510-357-7282 | Homes |
| San Lorenzo | Waste Management | 510-613-8710 | Homes & apartments |
| Union City | Tri-CED | 510-471-3850 | Homes |
| Unincorporated | Waste Management | 510-613-8710 | Motor oil only (no filters) |
Questions?
- HHW Facilities: Drop-off locations
- CalRecycle: Find a certified collection center
- RE:Source Guide: resource.stopwaste.org