---
title: "Keeping Used Oil Alive: The Importance of Recycling Oil"
description: Collecting your used oil and putting it through a re-refining process is a sustainable choice that can lead to future cost savings.
---

[Keller-Heartt News Blog](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs)

# [Keeping Used Oil Alive: The Importance of Recycling Oil](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/keeping-used-oil-alive-the-importance-of-recycling-oil)

 Written by [Brian McGrath](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/author/brian-mcgrath) | Apr 26, 2024 12:00:00 PM

Used oil isn’t waste; it’s a valuable resource! There are many economic and environmental benefits to recycling your oil. 

The Re-Refining Process: Giving Oil a Second Life

Re-refining is a multistep process that transforms used oil back into a high-quality base stock for new lubricants. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the steps:

1. **Collection:** Used oil is collected from [automotive](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/automotive-products) and [industrial](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/industrial-products) industries.
2. **Pre-treatment:** Contaminants like dirt, water, and coolants are removed through [filtration and settling processes](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/oil-sampling).
3. **Distillation:** The oil is heated and separated into its various components through vacuum distillation.
4. **Hydrotreating:** A chemical process removes unwanted elements like sulfur and oxygen, leaving a clean base stock.
5. **Blending:** Additives are mixed with the re-refined base stock to create new oil with [specific performance characteristics](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/cross-reference-guide-for-popular-motor-oil-brands).

This process significantly reduces the environmental impact compared to virgin oil production, which involves drilling, refining, and transporting crude oil.

### Environmental Impact of NOT Re-Refining

Used oil is a slow decomposer and a major source of pollution when improperly disposed of. Here’s how it can harm our environment:

- **Contaminated Water:** Just one gallon of used oil can contaminate up to 250,000 gallons of fresh water. Leaks or improper disposal can seep into soil and reach groundwater sources.
- **Soil Damage:** Oil spills can smother soil, hindering plant growth and harming vital ecosystems.
- **Air Pollution:** Burning used oil releases harmful pollutants like hydrocarbons and heavy metals into the air we breathe. 

### Take Action: Be Part of the Solution

Re-refining used oil is a simple yet significant way to protect our planet. Here’s what you can do:

1. **Change Your Oil Responsibly:** Take your car to a repair shop that collects used oil for recycling.
2. **Dispose of Used Oil Properly After Do-It-Yourself Oil Changes:** If you decide to change the oil yourself, store your used oil in a labeled, leak-proof container (like the original oil container) until you can take it to a recycling center. **Never pour it down the drain or mix it with regular waste!**
3. **Find a Recycling Center:** Most auto parts stores and repair shops accept used oil for recycling. You can also search online for recycling centers near you using the website of the [American Petroleum Institute](https://www.api.org/) (API).

By making this small change, you’re contributing to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future. Re-refining cuts down on the need to extract and refine virgin crude oil, a finite resource with fluctuating prices. This translates to greater energy security and potentially lower costs for consumers. Remember that re-refining used oil isn’t just good for the planet; it’s [good for your wallet](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/advantages-of-buying-truegard-fluids)too!

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