SWAN - Solid Waste Alaska Network

Used oil is any petroleum-based or synthetic oil product that has been used. When you use oil, things like dirt, metal scrapings, water, or chemicals, can get mixed in. After time, the oil no longer performs well. Eventually, this used oil must be replaced with new or cleaned oil to do the job correctly..

Storing Used Oil
Used oil must be managed and stored properly. If it is dumped on the ground, or if it leaks from containers, it can contaminate land, streams, rivers or groundwater. It can be carried almost anywhere by rain or snow-melt. Did you know that one gallon of used oil can ruin 1 million gallons of water and create an eight-acre slick on the surface of the water?
Click on the drum below to get information about storing used oil and other hazardous wastes.

Recycling used oil is a way to prevent contamination of our environment. One way to recycle is with a used oil burner. Using the burner provides free heat. Used oil can also be cleaned up and re-used with a waste oil–to-energy converter (also called a “waste oil blender”).
Click below to find out about two great ways to recycle your used oil onsite: