How to dispose of used motor oil safely in South Africa
South African motorists, workshops, small businesses, and industrial operators have more convenient disposal options than ever, thanks to the ROSE Foundation.
The ROSE Foundation offers a national network of accredited collectors, drop-off points, and trusted partners that make responsible oil disposal easier for every South African.
This is important since used motor oil is an extremely dangerous everyday pollutant.
Just one litre can contaminate up to one million litres of clean water – a serious concern in a country where water scarcity is already a daily reality.
Dumping used oil into drains, onto the ground, or into waste bins causes long-term damage to rivers, soil, groundwater, and communities.
Proper disposal is not only the right thing to do – it’s required by law, and the ROSE Foundation makes this simple.
Making safe disposal simple
The ROSE Foundation has developed a national infrastructure to ensure that anyone – from a DIY mechanic to a large engineering firm – can dispose of oil responsibly.
It does this through a wide variety of services, including the following:
1. Accredited collectors
ROSE works with licensed collectors across South Africa who are trained and certified to handle hazardous used oil.
These collectors provide on-site pickups for workshops, trucking fleets, service centres, and industrial facilities, ensuring that the oil is safely transported to approved processors.
2. Public drop-off points
Through partnerships with industry leaders like AutoZone, ROSE has helped establish nationwide drop-off points where motorists can take their used oil at no cost.
Whether you’ve serviced your car at home or run a small mechanic business, these sites offer a convenient way to dispose of used oil safely.
3. Certificates of safe disposal
Every collection conducted through a ROSE-accredited collector is documented.
Businesses receive official certificates confirming that their oil has been handled in line with environmental regulations – essential for compliance and reporting.
4. National education and awareness
ROSE invests heavily in educating the public and industry on the dangers of irresponsible disposal.
This includes community campaigns, training initiatives, and collaboration with the government to strengthen environmental protection.
Simple steps for motorists and businesses
- Never dump used motor oil down a drain, onto soil, or into general waste.
- Store used oil in a clean, sealed container.
- Keep it separate from other liquids.
- Take it to your nearest ROSE Foundation-accredited drop-off point or contact an accredited collector.
Once collected or dropped off, used oil is transported to approved processors who clean, treat, and recycle it.
A small action – like dropping off a few litres of used oil – prevents serious environmental harm and ensures that valuable resources are recovered responsibly.
Dispose responsibly. Protect South Africa’s future.
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