South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

South Carolina has one of the nation's most comprehensive used motor oil recycling programs targeting do-it-yourselfers (DIYer – an individual who changes oil in a personal vehicle).

Since the program began in 1990, more than 14 milion gallons of used motor oil have been collected from DIYers. There are more than 800 sites located throughout South Carolina.

For the ninth consecutive calendar year, more than 1 million gallons of used motor oil were collected for recycling in 2007.

In South Carolina, used motor oil must be recycled. It’s the law.

Back to Top

Used Motor Oil, Oil Filter and Oil Bottle Collection Sites

All South Carolina counties have collection sites for used motor oil recycling. In addition, most counties also accept used motor oil filters and motor oil bottles for recycling.

Select the county where you live for a list of recycling sites and what is collected in your area.

Back to Top

Farmer Oil Collection Program

This program is designed to assist farmers generating 25 gallons of used motor oil per month or less. The Office has worked with local recycling programs to set up 61 collection sites in 40 counties.

Select the county where you live for a list of recycling sites and what is collected in your area.

Back to Top

Oil/Gasoline Mixtures Collection Program

The Office has worked with local recycling programs to set up collection tanks for gasoline and oil/gasoline mixtures. Eighty-one collection sites have been established in 41 counties.

Select the county where you live for a list of recycling sites and what is collected in your area.

Back to Top

What is accepted in oil collection tanks?

The following petroleum products are ACCEPTED in used motor oil, farmer oil and oil/gasoline mixture collection tanks.

Back to Top

What is NOT accepted in oil collection tanks?

The following liquids are NOT ACCEPTED in used motor oil, farmer oil and oil/gasoline mixture collection tanks.

Back to Top

The Proof is in the Numbers

Do-it-yourself (DIY) oil changers in South Carolina recycled 1,000,527 gallons of used oil in 2007. This marks the ninth consecutive year that more than 1 million gallons were collected, according to figures released by the Office. Since the used oil recycling program began in 1990, DIYers have recycled more than 14 million gallons of used oil. In addition, DIYers continued to recycle used oil filters and oil bottles in most counties.

Back to Top

The "Take Action: Recycle Used Motor Oil Tool Kit" is designed for teachers to introduce used motor oil recycling into the classroom.

For schools that have received a grant through the Office's Recycling Education Grant Program, any of the activities or lessons provided in this tool kit can be used to meet the used motor oil awareness requirement.

For information about other environmental education resources, see the Teachers & Students page.

Back to Top