Used Oil Materials Recycling Program

In 1997, Alberta introduced its used oil material recycling program, and in October 2018, ARMA assumed the management of the program. From the backyard mechanic to businesses or municipalities with large fleets of vehicles, every drop of used oil, every container, and every filter captured in the recycling program helps keep our landfills and waterways safe from contamination. In 2023-2024, Albertans recovered 90.3 million litres of used oil, collected 4.48 million kg. of oil filters, and 2.31 million kg. of oil containers.

High-quality used lubricating oil, such as automotive oil, is re-refined into new lubricating oil. Lower-quality used oil is processed into a fuel that can be used by pulp mills, cement plants, asphalt plants, and other industrial applications. Oil filters are crushed (with the residual oil captured) and processed by a metal recycler for manufacturing into construction materials such as rebar and pipe. Plastic oil containers are pelletized and used for products such as new containers, guardrails, fence posts, and railway ties.

This program is integral to protecting Alberta’s environment, as oil substances and materials can cause significant damage to land and water if inappropriately discarded.

Albertans pay environmental fees when purchasing new lubricating oil and oil filters, ranging from $0.06 to $1.25, to support the associated costs of recycling used oil materials. In 2023, ARMA, alongside stakeholders, implemented an environmental fee adjustment to ensure the program's long-term sustainability.

To learn more about the environmental fee for each material, review our comprehensive list of products, definitions, and fees.