The Law: Used oil filters are banned from Vermont landfills. A used filter can contain up to 40% of its capacity in residual oil. Throwing them in the trash is illegal in Vermont and poses a significant risk to groundwater.

🔧 Instructions for DIYers

To properly prepare your filters for recycling:

  1. Drain: Puncture the dome end of the filter and allow it to drain into your waste oil container for at least 24 hours (ideally while the filter is still warm).

  2. Seal: Once drained, place the filter in a leak-proof bag or container.

  3. Recycle: Take the filter to a participating location. Do not put them in your blue recycling bin or your town’s scrap metal pile.

📍 Where to Drop-Off

A. SWAC Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Events Used oil filters (crushed or uncrushed) are accepted at all seasonal HHW collection events.

  • Event Info: For the current schedule of dates and locations, visit the SWAC Home Page.

B. Gleason Road Transfer Station 14 Gleason Rd, Rutland | (802) 775-7209. Residents may drop off oil filters at the HHW Depot during normal operating hours.

  • Note: For out-of-district residents, fees may apply. Check current rates at www.rcswd.com.

C. Local Auto Parts Stores Retailers that sell oil filters often provide a voluntary take-back for used ones. Please call ahead to ensure they have space:

  • NAPA Auto Parts (Allied Auto): 138 State St, Rutland | (802) 775-5505

  • Advanced Auto Parts: 127 Strongs Ave, Rutland | (802) 773-4711

  • O’Reilly Auto Parts: 170 Woodstock Ave, Rutland | (802) 773-1074

🏢 For Businesses & Shops

If you are a commercial garage, you must manage your filters as hazardous waste (VT02 code) unless they are drained.

  • Drained Filters: Once drained of all free-flowing oil, they are exempt from hazardous waste regulation but still must be recycled as scrap metal.

  • Hauler List: For bulk business collection, refer to the VT DEC Waste Management list.