Oil Filter Recycling

New Law Requires Wisconsin Residents to Recycle Used Oil Filters

By Tim Kane on 15 February, 2011

A new law bans the landfilling of used automotive oil filters and oil absorbent materials as of January 1, 2011. The ban covers everyone in the state, including residents, businesses, farmers, governmental units.

Each year, Wisconsinites throw away an estimated 187,000 gallons of oil in used oil filters and 1.6 million gallons of oil in oil absorbents. By recycling filters and absorbent material, used oil can be extracted and reused. The steel components of filters can also be recycled.

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A number of options to recycle oil filters and oil absorbent materials are available. In our area, used oil filters can be brought to the Northwest Clean Sweep collections in the summer and early fall. A number of area businesses that sell auto parts and perform oil changes will also take used oil filters. These include: O’Reilly Auto Parts, Wal-Mart Tire & Lube Department, Ashland Honda Toyota, Superior Automotive, Von Holzen Auto and Zifko Tire & Battery. Some local municipalities my also accept old oil filters at their recycling centers. Check with you municipal clerk to find out. For more information, contact Tim Kane at the Bayfield County UW-Extension Office at 715-373-610. You can also email Tim Kane.