Customers sometimes ask us what we do with the oil and other fluids we remove from cars in the course of oil changes, repair work and tune-ups.

We recycle them under the auspices of a program developed by the California Integrated Waste Management Board and assisted by Sonoma County. We place the fluids in rugged containers that have been designed to minimize the possibility of spilling or breaking.

When we accumulate enough recyclable fluids, we make a “run” to one of the more than 40 state-approved recycling centers located around Sonoma County and turn them in. From there, a fairly simple cleaning process allows recyclers to remove sludge and particles from motor oil and other lubricants and turn them into fuel oil.  

In the shop, we separately store and handle all rags that come in contact with various automotive fluids. When they’ve outlived their usefulness, we drop them off at a certified recycling center that’s equipped to handle hazardous materials.