Used Motor Oil and Filters Illegal in Garbage/Recycling & Drains Hazardous Waste Special Instructions Blue Line Transfer Residents of San Mateo County can take used motor oil and filters to a free drop-off location. For a map of locations and more information, please visit the San Mateo County Health website. Residents of single-family homes in South San Francisco, Millbrae and Brisbane can also have used motor oil and filters collected curbside. Simply place used motor oil and filters next to your recycling cart on your regular collection day. Oil must be contained in original container or other labeled jug with screw-top lid. Plastic laundry detergent (Tide for example) and bleach jugs work well. Jugs must be 5-quart or smaller. Used oil filters must be sealed inside a clear zip-top bag. Limit of 5 containers of oil and 5 filters per collection day. For businesses: Arrange for recycling through a hazardous waste hauler or drop-off facility. More info on the county website. Don't Dump in Trash or Down Drain Used motor oil is a major contaminant of waterways, so never dump down the drain or in the trash. Filters also leak toxic materials into waterways, which are slow to break down in the environment. Never Mix with Other Chemicals Service stations will not accept motor oil that has been contaminated with other products like antifreeze. Don’t mix your motor oil with anything else. Did You Know? What Happens to Recycled Motor Oil Used motor oil can be cleaned and recycled, which helps keep it out of waterways. Recycled oil is then used to make heating oil, asphalt and other petroleum-based products. It is usually not recycled and resold as motor oil.