How and Where to Recycle Oil on the East End

Do you recycle your oil?

So often we think of recyclables in terms of glass, cardboard, aluminum, etc. But oil - cooking, motor, etc - is surprisingly recyclable, too! 

And that’s a good thing because used oil can contain such contaminants as lead, magnesium, copper, zinc, chromium, arsenic, chlorides, cadmium, and chlorinated compounds. Oil poured down drains or onto the ground can work its way into our ground and surface waters and cause serious pollution. Just one gallon of used oil can foul a million gallons of drinking water! Federal reports indicate that used motor oil accounts for more than 40% of the total oil pollution of our nation’s harbors and waterways.

To recycle your used oil, first drain your used oil into a clean plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep it clean. Do not mix any other materials, including water, with used oil.

Then take your used oil to a household hazardous waste collection facility, a used oil collection site, or a retail establishment like an automotive supply store. Here are a few options available to you here on the East End:

East Hampton: Hold onto your oil and take advantage of two S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) days each year. Learn about the S.T.O.P. program HERE so you’re ready for the next scheduled day.

Riverhead: The next S.T.O.P. day in Riverhead is in October. So store your oil in a safe place for a few more months before dropping it off at the Town Highway yard. Learn more HERE.

Shelter Island: On the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can recycle automotive fluids and more at the HAZMAT area at the Recycling Center. Check HERE for more information on the requirements to dispose of your recyclables.

Southampton: Used oil is accepted at the Sag Harbor, Hamptons Bays, and Westhampton facilities. View their hours and the entire list of accepted materials HERE.

Southold: You can dispose of up to 10 gallons of used oil at the landfill. Check HERE for the full list of what is accepted at the landfill.

Thank you for your help in protecting the nature of the place you love!