Is it OK to dispose of my oil down the rainwater drain?

Question

I've got about 5 litres of waste car oil to dump and I imagine the easiest method is to tip it down the drain and allow it to break down naturally. I was thinking of tipping some sand down afterwards to aid with 'soaking it up'. Failing that I would have to dispose of it on the edge of the local playing fields as there is a secluded area which it wouldn't pose a hazard.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

No - take it to your local council's rubbish tip - they will dispose of it. All of your suggestions will poison the local environment big style.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Hard ruth!

Answer 2

err NO
it'll block the drain

Answer 3

oh you naughty boy - you'll be breaching every environmental law going

Answer 4

neither, take it to your nearist city dump, they will have a section for it.

Answer 5

dump it along the foundation of your house, it will help keep your basement from flooding

Answer 6

Absolutely not. Must be taken to a council amenity tip. Some garages will dispose of it for you .

Answer 7

Never, ever dispose of engine oil yourself. You must take it to the city dump, no other option, sorry.

Answer 8

Wow you must have alot of time on your hands........You would clog the drain. pollute the ground........you need to take it to a recycle place........

Answer 9

can't you take it the Local Council Dump?

they'll take the environmentally damaging dirty oil off you & dispose of it safely.
Just ring your Council & ask for details of their nearest waste dump & the opening times.
DO NOT PUT IT DOWN THE DRAIN!

Answer 10

No, if you get cuaght you could be in for a fine. There are companies who will dispose of it for you. I think that you can also take it to your local council recycling centre and they will take it for free.

Answer 11

NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!

This is an environmental hazard and if you are reported to your local council, you will be given a HEFTY fine.

Contact your local council and get the address of your nearest recycling tip - they have the facilities to dispose of waste oil safely.

Answer 12

It is definitely not o.k. to dispose of used motor oil in this fashion.It takes a little more time and effort but you need to take it to a gas station or used oil collection depot to avoid contaminating the environment and so that the oil can be cleaned up and recycled.

Answer 13

i don't think so, what if it got in water system. take it to recycle center. or gas station that might dispose of it.

Answer 14

That is considered littering hazard material. I believe you have to take it somewhere and have it recycled.

Answer 15

NO!!!
Reseach the guidelines for oil disposal. Or take it to a lube place where they can dispose of it legally.

Answer 16

You can actually use old engine oil to fertilize your lawn. I saw a billboard in Fight Club that said you could.

Answer 17

I like your style.
Go for it.
But make sure and ring the hazardous waste people at your local council first. They will confirm that what you propose is fine and dandy.

Answer 18

if ur serious... which i hope ur not... please be responsible and take your oil to a certified drop off locatio (ie. auto parts store). thanks.

Answer 19

no just your brain down the drain ,,,,, are you arthur pratt

Answer 20

check your local auto parts dealer. In the US they actually accept used motor oil, I don't know about the UK.

And dont' dump it down the drain it wont clog anything up but it will cause problems with the water treatment. If you feel you must simply dump it then you might as well get some use of it - so if you must slowly pour it along an area where you don't want anything to grow. We used to pour it along a mesh fence to keep weeds from growing (now we just take it to the recycler).

Answer 21

Definitely not. Other than being illegal (illegal dumping), and being against environmental policies your city or the state would have (which would probably also be illegal).... rainwater drains are just that.

The excess rain goes in those drains directly to lakes, rivers, etc. Which means if you pour oil down a drain, if you wash your car in your driveway and the soap goes down that drain, ANYTHING other than straight water - creates an environmental problem.

Most people don't know they aren't supposed to wash their cars at home because of this same reason.

Source(s):

http://protectingwater.com/storm-drains.…

http://www.epa.gov/adopt/patch/html/guid…

Answer 22

Absolutely not - In the US, you'll have the local and feds on your trail and you'll be a contributor to pollution of the local and regional water ways. You can take waste oil to a service station, to the store where you purchased the replacement oil, or to a hazardous waste reclamation facility for proper disposal.

I'm sure other countries have similar regulations and procedures for disposal. Here's the EPA info for US folks.

Source(s):

http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/citizens…

Answer 23

No. u can take it 2 your council waste disposal site. they have a big barrel u use 2 dispose your oil

Answer 24

who cares the goverment cares not a jot so why should we

Answer 25

NO! Council dump will take it, but when I have some to get shut of I paint my fence/garage with it, stinks for a while but saves on preservative.