Used Oil

Canadians consume several hundred millions of litres of motor oil every year, and it all has to be disposed of responsibly. That’s why we’re making it a priority to ensure that consumers like you have access to a simple, environmentally friendly way to recycle your used motor oil. Along with our members, we have been instrumental in establishing the following used oil programs in Western Canada and Quebec:

Learn more about the history of Canada's provincial used oil associations and the leading role played by the Canadian Fuels Association and its members here.

Also watch the SOGHU TV campaign to inform Quebecers of the importance of recycling used motor oil.

In 1997, an industry-led stewardship program was introduced in Canada to facilitate the recovery, recycling and reuse of used oil and antifreeze materials. Since then, all materials recovered are recycled and reused; none go to the landfill:

No used oil goes to keep down dust on roads. The used oil is recycled as oil base stock and reprocessed petroleum products. It can also fuel large industrial plants.
All filters collected are crushed and processed at steel recycling mills, and turned into metal products.
Used antifreeze is returned to its original state for reuse.
Plastic containers are crushed, shredded, granulated, washed or pelletized and have various end uses - new plastic oil containers, plastic durable goods or landscaping ties, fencing and even guardrail posts.

Fuel Facts

Sulphur levels in diesel have been reduced by 98 per cent since 2000.

Sulphur levels in gasoline have been reduced by over 97 per cent since 2000.

Smog-forming emissions of a 2005 vehicle (or newer) are 90 percent lower than a comparable 1993 model.

Personal and commercial consumption of transportation fuels account for 28 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. The refining industry that produces our transportation fuels accounts for just 2 per cent of Canada’s GHG emissions.

Since 2002, sulphur oxide emissions from Canadian refineries are down 55 percent, nitrous oxide emissions have decreased by 41 percent and volatile organic compound emissions are down 46 percent.

Environment and Climate Change Canada predicts that by 2030, total Canadian on-road vehicle emissions for nitrous oxide, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter (PM2.5) will drop by 79 percent, 69 percent and 57 percent, respectively, compared to 2005.

Since 1992, environmental upgrades in refineries have resulted in water effluents with lower concentrations of five regulated substances: oil and grease, sulphide, ammonia nitrogen, phenol and total suspended solids.

Our industry has invested $5-billion to reduce sulphur levels in gasoline and diesel.

Since 1990, carbon dioxide emissions from the refining industry have decreased by 11 percent.

Environmental Stewardship

Used oil

Fuel Facts