A man has a simple tip about recycling waste from routine car maintenance. It's something most drivers probably don't think about. User @silverrunner07, who says he’s owned a Toyota 4Runner for more than a decade, posted a video after taking used motor oil to O’Reilly Auto Parts for recycling. While he was there, he says he learned something that caught his attention. "After you finish that oil change, you know, we all know we can bring the oil to be recycled, but what about these?" @silverrunner07 says, pointing to a set of used oil filters. He says he looked into it and found that some O’Reilly locations also take used oil filters, though he recommends calling ahead because not every store accepts them. "Some people say, ‘Why bother?’" @silverrunner07 says in the video. "But, for me, I’m going to do what I can control." "I did my part," he adds. Where Can I Recycle My Old Oil Filters? If you’re changing your own oil, you’ve got more options than you might think when it comes to getting rid of the filter. Many auto parts stores will take them. Places like O’Reilly, AutoZone, and Advance Auto Parts often accept used oil filters, though not every location does. It’s probably a good idea to call ahead to make sure it does before you make the trip. Local repair shops and quick oil change spots can be another option. Some will take used filters and old oil, especially if they already handle on-site recycling. There are also city-run drop-off locations in many areas. In Austin, Texas, for example, the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center accepts used oil filters, though you may need an appointment. Nearby cities and counties often run similar programs. Before dropping off a filter, it helps to prep it a bit. Most places ask that you drain it first so there’s no excess oil left inside. Letting it sit for a day usually does the trick. Some people also seal it in a bag or container to avoid leaks during transport. Recycling the filter matters more than it might seem. Even after an oil change, filters can hold leftover oil and metal that shouldn’t end up in a landfill. When they’re recycled, the steel can be reused, and the remaining oil can be recovered and refined again. It’s a small step, but one that actually makes a difference, especially at scale. Why Do People Recycle Oil Filters? As @silverrunner07’s video continued to gain traction online, more viewers weighed in with their thoughts and tips. At least one commenter was caught off guard by how many filters he appeared to have. "Your truck got 8 oil filters??" they wrote. Others said they shared a similar mindset about recycling and doing what they can. "Exactly my attitude," one commenter wrote. "I do what I can to keep Mother Earth healthy." "I drop off the oil filters at the same place I drop off the oil," another user added. "Excellent," a third person chimed in. Still, not everyone was on board with the approach. A handful of commenters pushed back on the idea, even if they seemed to be joking. "I just pour it in the ditch," one person wrote. "There’s a freshwater natural spring I drop them off at," another commenter added. Motor1 has reached out to @silverrunner07 via a direct message on TikTok. We’ll be sure to update this story if he responds. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team