Skip to content
New: info for your city – offices, bulky waste and property-tax rates
Topicdrill – Germany explained simply

Germany explained simply – moving, offices & paperwork in English

Where does it go? · Schadstoffe

Disposing of: Used engine oil

Anyone who sells engine oil must take back the same amount of used oil free of charge (Altölverordnung) – including DIY stores and petrol stations. Keep the receipt from buying the oil. Alternatively: hazardous-waste collection.

Never pour it down the drain or onto the ground – even small amounts contaminate large volumes of groundwater.

01 Where it goes

  1. 01 · RECOMMENDEDReturn to a shopMany retailers must take old products back, often when you buy a new one.
  2. 02 Hazardous-waste collectionNever in household waste – take it to the hazardous-waste collection.

02 Tips

  • Bring the oil in its original bottle or a sealed canister.
  • Oil filters and oily rags also go to the hazardous-waste collection.

03 Good to know

Electrical appliances

Electrical items never go in household waste. Large retailers must take back small appliances for free, and larger ones when you buy a similar new device. Alternatively: the recycling centre.

ElektroG § 17

Paint, varnish, chemicals

Hazardous waste such as solvents, paint, varnish or pesticides goes to the hazardous-waste collection (Schadstoffmobil). Dried-out emulsion paint may go in general waste in many places.

Give things a second life

Furniture and appliances that still work are welcome at social department stores, swap groups or classified ads – it saves fees and resources.

05 Disposing of Used engine oil in your city

? FAQ: Used engine oil

Q01Where do I take Used engine oil in Germany?

Anyone who sells engine oil must take back the same amount of used oil free of charge (Altölverordnung) – including DIY stores and petrol stations. Keep the receipt from buying the oil. Alternatively: hazardous-waste collection.

Q02Does disposing of Used engine oil cost anything?

It depends on your city: many offer free bulky-waste pickups or free drop-off at the recycling centre up to a certain amount. Check your city page for the exact fees.

Q03Can Used engine oil go in household waste?

No – it counts as hazardous waste and must go to the hazardous-waste collection.