Oil filter recycling legislation now in effect

Effective Feb. 4, retailers selling oil filters in Iowa are required to accept used oil filters from customers or post notice of the nearest location where used oil filters are accepted for recycling.

According to the law, businesses that generate used oil filters or accept used oil filters from customers are not allowed to dispose of the filters in the regular trash and must source separate the filters for recycling.

"Recycling used oil filters provides a number of benefits to Iowans. Several ounces of used oil can remain in used oil filters even after being properly drained," said Tom Anderson, DNR environmental specialist.

Recovering used oil removes it from the environment where it could possibly contaminate water and land resources. Recycling steel from oil filters conserves natural resources and assists with Iowa's energy independence goals.

"Many businesses have been recycling their used oil filters for some time. This new law will capture thousands of additional gallons of used oil and several of tons of steel for recycling," said Anderson.

A copy of the rules can be viewed on the DNR Web site at www.iowadnr.gov/waste/hhm/hhmretailers.h....