Fluid Disposal - Where to go?

[Wings06j]

With all the recommendations to do a lot of fluid related services yourself where do you all take the fluids to dispose of them and what do you store them in? I feel like it would be weird to roll up to a random mechanics shop and ask for them to get rid of quarts of transmission fluid, brake fluid, and oil and not have bought anything from them. But I haven't seen a giant collection tank outside of autozone or anywhere like that. Can I bring it to the dealership service center? Never seen anyone walk in there either. I'm not at all opposed to doing my own maintenance (especially once the warrantee expires), but I want to make sure I have the cradle-to-grave process understood before I start. As dumb as it is, this is honestly the biggest barrier to me doing more of my own work.

I'm getting ready to do 2,000 miles towing on my truck. It's only at 20k currently but hasn't had any fluids, other than oil, replaced since I got it 4 years ago. So I know i'm overdue brake fluid and I'm considering transmission fluid with all the issues i've heard of. Might delay that to after the drive or pay the dealer for the first one though just so I don't get stranded halfway if I screw it up.

*Edit: Sounds like oil is fairly simple. Is brake fluid treated the same?

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[got3fords]

I am pretty sure any Autozone, Advance Auto etc. takes used fluid. I used to take it to Advance, they had a large container in the back. I would also bet a small shop would take it as they probably get rid of theirs in bulk and wouldn't mind a little extra. Also check your local dump or recycling center.

 

[Grumpaw]

As posted, Auto Zone, Advance, O'Reilly's, and Wal Mart Auto, and any oil change outlets will accept used oil/trans fluid. A lot of independent garages also have to accept used oil.
Our local dump has special oil recycling bulk containers to dump oil in....check yours.
Check your local county for who recycles fluids....many mandate businesses take used oil to prevent persons from just dumping it into the ground which finds its way to the water table.

 

[Joeiconic]

My county has a recycling center that accepts used oil for a nominal fee. I feel better paying a small fee than rolling into a business that I don't use and asking them to take it. They probably make money off it some how, but still….

 

[Msfitoy]

All my automotive fluids go into old 5 quart oil containers and drop off at Autozone...they just ask if I need my container back or not...easy...

 

[Blue Streak]

I take mine to O'riellys no questions asked. A friend had a neighbor that was a street rodder. Did his own oil changes. Drilled a hole in his garage floor and poured it in said it took care of the termites. He passed, house sold, new buyers inspection found active termites. Bad idea don't do it.

 

[5thranger]

With all the recommendations to do a lot of fluid related services yourself where do you all take the fluids to dispose of them and what do you store them in? I feel like it would be weird to roll up to a random mechanics shop and ask for them to get rid of quarts of transmission fluid, brake fluid, and oil and not have bought anything from them. But I haven't seen a giant collection tank outside of autozone or anywhere like that. Can I bring it to the dealership service center? Never seen anyone walk in there either. I'm not at all opposed to doing my own maintenance (especially once the warrantee expires), but I want to make sure I have the cradle-to-grave process understood before I start. As dumb as it is, this is honestly the biggest barrier to me doing more of my own work.

I'm getting ready to do 2,000 miles towing on my truck. It's only at 20k currently but hasn't had any fluids, other than oil, replaced since I got it 4 years ago. So I know i'm overdue brake fluid and I'm considering transmission fluid with all the issues i've heard of. Might delay that to after the drive or pay the dealer for the first one though just so I don't get stranded halfway if I screw it up.

Any of the parts store accept. Many repair facilities now use waste oil heating systems, so they use what they are draining out of vehicles and will take what you give them, only problem is it has to be motor oil and transmission fluid, no coolant.

 

[tygr2007]

Go to the beach.

 

[Dr_Strangelove]

My city dump (Las Vegas) will take oil any given day but if you check their schedule they have special "HazMat" days where you can bring stuff like gasoline and other liquids that places like Autozone won't take. I've had to use it once for leftover house paint. It's actually a separate truck that comes and parks on their property.

I tried taking some oil once to Autozone from an older sports car that was running rich and they wouldn't take it because it smelled like gas!

Before you go there - no issues with the Ranger oil LOL.

The reason why they ask you to come to the counter at Autozone, at least in Nevada, is because they ask you to fill out a line in a ledger they keep for who is dropping what off. That's all there is to it!

 

[airline tech]

Ditto on drop off locations- but I use the empty 5 quarts and also use empty Laundry Detergents as well for storage.

 

[got3fords]

I take mine to O'riellys no questions asked. A friend had a neighbor that was a street rodder. Did his own oil changes. Drilled a hole in his garage floor and poured it in said it took care of the termites. He passed, house sold, new buyers inspection found active termites. Bad idea don't do it.

That reminds me of the old bathroom medicine cabinets with the razor blade disposal slot in the back. I wonder how many remodels ended up with having to discard a ton of old razor blades.
P.S. I still shave with a 1965 Gillette safety razor. I am not old, just enjoy the super cheap blades.

 

[got3fords]

Any of the parts store accept. Many repair facilities now use waste oil heating systems, so they use what they are draining out of vehicles and will take what you give them, only problem is it has to be motor oil and transmission fluid, no coolant.

The tractor dealership I used to work for burned waste oil in the heater to heat the shop.

 

[Dereku]

Clearly donate them to the Diddy defense fund. He likes all the lubricants.

 

[Canadian Ranger]

Some car washes burn used oil in their water heaters. They'll take it.

 

[Dgc333]

In Massachusetts businesses are required by law to take used oil if they sell oil. I bring mine to Walmart because it is the simplest place to go. I have had businesses like AutoZone not want to take it if you didn't buy the oil from them.

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