Carefully remove the oil drain pan from under the vehicle (take care not to burn yourself with hot oil or spill any on the ground). Using a funnel, pour the used oil into a clean container with a lid that screws on tightly (for example, an empty milk or water jug or the empty oil bottles from the oil just added to the engine). You can also use oil drain pans that double as used oil containers.

When selecting a container to hold used oil, avoid plastic bottles or containers once used for bleach, cleaners, or other automobile fluids such as antifreeze. These containers may contain residues that would contaminate the used oil. Also avoid paint cans and other metal containers or containers used for gasoline.

Additionally, do not mix other lubricants such as brake fluid or transmission fluid or other liquids with the used oil. The recycling center may not accept the used oil if it is contaminated with other liquids.

Take the container of used oil to a designated collection site in your area. Go to www.earth911.org for locations near you that accept used oil and oil filters.