How to dispose of Oil Filters in California

California rules

Oil filters are banned from landfills. Must be recycled at certified centers.

General steps

1. Ask the receiving collection program for filter-type-specific drainage and packaging instructions. A fixed waiting time alone does not establish compliant hot-draining.
2. Place the drained filter in a sealed plastic bag.
3. Confirm a used-oil or oil-filter collection site accepts your filter before traveling; oil acceptance does not guarantee filter acceptance.
4. Keep filters out of curbside recycling unless your program explicitly accepts them and specifies preparation.
5. Steel oil filters are 100% recyclable — the metal is reclaimed for new steel products.