Used Oil Recycling

City of Arcata Used Oil Recycling Program 

The City of Arcata is dedicated to reducing the improper disposal of used motor oil. Used motor oil, like any other household hazardous waste, can harm the environment if it is not recycled or disposed of properly. If thrown in the trash or poured on the ground, used motor oil can seep into the groundwater we drink. If used motor oil is poured on the street, it will go down a storm drain and into the Humboldt Bay.

Currently, the City of Arcata has one certified collection center (CCC). Other certified collections centers can be found in nearby cities. These centers will accept your used motor oil and pay you 40 cents per gallon.

To assist you in recycling used motor oil, Arcata residents are eligible to receive a free oil recycling drain pan. Visit the Environmental Services Department at Arcata City Hall during normal business hours. 

This program is funded by a grant from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery 

Certified Collection Centers 

Certified Collection Centers have storage tanks on site to collect and safely dispose of your used oil and filters. However, certified center managers will not accept used motor oil that has been contaminated with other fluids such as antifreeze, solvents, gasoline, or water. So please, don't mix your used oil with anything.  

The table below lists certified collection centers in the City of Arcata and in other nearby cities. Always call ahead to check availability and business hours of a used oil collection center. Do not drop off used oil during non-business hours. On behalf of the City of Arcata and Humboldt Bay, thank you for recycling your used oil and filters!