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 17 million gallons of used motor oil have been collected from DIYers. There are nearly 900 sites located throughout South Carolina.

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

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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.

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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 66 collection sites in 43 counties.

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

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Oil/Gasoline Mixtures Collection Program

The Office has worked with local recycling programs to set up collection tanks for gasoline and oil/gasoline mixtures. Ninety-five collection sites have been established in 42 counties.

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

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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.

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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.

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The Proof is in the Numbers

Do-it-yourself (DIY) oil changers in South Carolina recycled 984,437 gallons of used oil in 2010, according to figures released by the Office. Since the used oil recycling program began in 1990, DIYers have recycled more than 17 million gallons of used oil. In addition, DIYers continued to recycle used oil filters and oil bottles in most counties.

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The "Take Action: Recycle Used Motor Oil Classroom Lessons & Activities" 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.

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