Wintertime Demand for Recycling Motor Oil

Heat Our Hazardous Waste Drop-Off

Residents and businesses brought 298 tons of hazardous waste to Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off last year – and almost half of it was recycled. One particular item is recycled on site – motor oil.

"The motor oil heats our warehouse where we receive, sort and ship out materials to recycling and final disposal centers," says Judi Mendenhall, facility manager. "This fall, we've also started to shred and resell the plastic motor oil containers, as well as anti-freeze."

Do Not Mix
Residents are asked not to mix the motor oil with other hazardous materials. If mixed with other solvents or water, it cannot be burned.

"This is a good rule of thumb for anything residents drop off," Mendenhall says. "Keeping items in original containers provides us with the information we need to determine if the hazardous material is recyclable or just needs safe disposal."

Large Motor Oil Containers
If residents bring containers larger than five gallons, Metro Waste Authority does charge a $10 handling fee per container and an appointment is required.

Year-Round Services
The Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off and hazardous waste services were started to protect Iowa’s ground water and prevent hazardous materials from going down the sink, down storm drains or in the landfill. Residents can drop off up to 75 lbs. of hazardous items for free per visit. A $1/lb. is assessed above 75 lbs.  See the list of accepted and not accepted items or use our best practices to limit the amount you purchase and use in your day-to-day life.

Some Exclusions Do Apply

• Computer waste is free with no limit (working and non-working).
• Electronic waste is $0.50/lb. (working and non-working).
• Latex paint (a non-hazardous material) is charged at $1 per gallon. Learn how to solidify or dry it so you can throw it in the trash.
• Sharps (syringes and needles) must be contained in laundry detergent bottles and taped shut or a $2 fee is assessed (commercial sharps containers can also be used). Sharps can also be thrown in the trash if contained this way. By bringing them to the Metro HazardousWaste Drop-Off, the sharps are sterilized prior todisposal.
• Tires are accepted for $3/tire with a maximum of four tires.

Drop-Off Hours & Location
The Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off is open from 1 to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to Noon the first and third Saturdays of the month. The drop-off is just a half mile north of I-80 off the Adventureland exit on Highway 65.

For more ideas on safe and smart recycling and disposal options, visit us at www.WhereItShouldGo.com or call 515.224.0021.