Used oil filter collection
A used oil filter might look like scrap metal, but it still holds engine oil. That’s why used oil filters are classed as hazardous waste and can’t go in general waste or a mixed scrap skip. See waste oil disposal and our guide on how to dispose of engine oil.
BL Oils collects used oil filters from garages, workshops, fleet depots and farms, usually on the same visit as your waste oil. One collection and one set of paperwork keeps everything tidy. Read our guide on how to dispose of used oil filters.
Storing filters until collection
- Let filters drain into your waste oil container before you bin them
- Keep them in a lidded, leak-proof container, separate from other waste
- Store the container under cover and away from drains
- Don’t put filters in general waste, recycling or scrap metal skips
Who we collect filters from
Any business that services engines: car and van garages, dealership workshops, HGV and bus workshops, car breakers and ATFs, plant hire yards, agricultural workshops and in-house fleet maintenance teams. We can also collect filters from council depots and household waste recycling centres; see council and public sector waste oil collection.
Oil and filters, one collection
Most of our customers produce both, so it makes sense to collect them together. We can also take antifreeze, brake fluid and oily rags on the same visit (garage waste collection). Tell us roughly how many filters you build up between collections when you ask for a quote, and we’ll plan the visit around it.
Oil and fuel filters we collect
- Spin-on engine oil filters from cars, vans, HGVs, buses, plant and tractors
- Oil filter cartridges and elements
- Diesel and petrol fuel filters, which still hold fuel and go the same way
- Hydraulic and transmission filters from plant, forklifts and machinery
Your legal duty
Used oil and fuel filters are hazardous waste. As the business that produces them, you have a duty of care: they must go to an authorised waste carrier, and each collection needs a hazardous waste consignment note. GOV.UK says to keep these records for 3 years. BL Oils is an Environment Agency upper-tier waste carrier and dealer (CBDU69834), fully licensed for this kind of waste management. See is waste oil hazardous waste? and consignment notes explained.
What to expect on collection day
We collect your filter container along with your waste oil, check what’s in it, and leave you the paperwork. Keep the container somewhere we can reach easily, with the lid on, and let us know if anything else is mixed in.
Used filters: FAQs
Can used oil filters go in the scrap metal skip?
No. Used oil filters still hold oil, so they’re hazardous waste. Keep them separate in a lidded container for collection by a licensed carrier.
Are drained or crushed filters still hazardous?
Draining or crushing removes some oil, but the filter is still normally treated as hazardous waste. Keep them in a lidded container until we collect.
Do you take fuel filters as well as oil filters?
Yes. We collect diesel and petrol fuel filters, hydraulic filters and oil filters, ideally kept together in their own lidded container.
Can you collect filters without waste oil?
Most customers have both, so we usually collect them on the same visit. If you only have filters, tell us roughly how many and we’ll advise.
BL Oils is based in Doncaster and collects across all of Yorkshire, plus Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Call or WhatsApp 07785 921493 (answered 24/7) or ask for a free quote.