About Us
What’s BC Used Oil all about?
The British Columbia Used Oil Management Association (BCUOMA) is a not-for-profit society that operates a province-wide collection and recycling program dedicated to collecting and recycling lubricating oil, oil filters, oil containers, antifreeze and antifreeze containers from both the do-it-yourself market as well as the commercial and industrial markets.
Our goal is to provide British Columbians with an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to dispose of our program materials and keep everyone safe. Each year, approximately 50 million litres of oil and 3 million litres of antifreeze are collected and responsibly managed through our program.
Through close collaboration with our key stakeholders, our Association helps prevent automotive fluids and materials from harming the environment and instead, turns them into something useful. Working together we’re improving the environmental and economic outcomes of everyone. It’s what we call moving forward through balance.
Saving the environment is free
Our vast network of recycling centres are free and open to the public. That means both motor oil and antifreeze related products are accepted for recycling at no cost to you. That’s right—treating the environment with respect is absolutely free, and now, it’s even easier.
To find a location near you, click on Find a Recycling Centre in the top right hand corner of the page. Results will include a map, accepted materials by location and even driving directions so you won’t get lost. Did we mention it’s free?
What Happens to Collected Products?
BCUOMA’s mandate is to ensure the responsible collection and management of the used oil, antifreeze, filters and containers required under the BC Recycling Regulation as well as provide British Columbians with an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to dispose of these materials.
Used oil can be re-refined into new lubricating oil or material inputs for manufacturing or energy products. Additionally, used oil filters contain metal, which is recycled into metal products like rebar, nails, and wire. Used oil and antifreeze containers are recycled and used to manufacture new oil containers, drainage tiles, and parking curbs. Used antifreeze is refined and reused as new automotive antifreeze.
Who funds the program?
An Environmental Handling Fee or EHC funds the recycling program. This fee is not a government tax, but a charge paid by the first seller to help collect used oil, oil filters, oil, and antifreeze containers and used antifreeze from our network of public collection facilities and generators around the province.
Often, this fee is passed down from the retailer to the consumer and will be noted on your receipt or invoice.
FAQ
If you still have questions, we still have answers. Please read through our FAQs below.