Motor Oil Container: Recycling Bin or General Waste?

An empty motor oil container looks like a typical plastic bottle, which makes many people wonder: should this go in the recycling bin or in general waste?

In the Netherlands, the answer is usually clear. A properly emptied motor oil container can be placed in the recycling bin in most municipalities.

The situation becomes more complicated once you cross the border.

In the Netherlands: Usually recyclable

Across nearly all Dutch municipalities, a properly emptied motor oil container is accepted with recycling bin. That’s because Dutch recycling facilities are generally equipped to handle lightly contaminated plastic packaging.

Abroad: Often general waste

Outside the Netherlands, things are very different. In many other countries, motor oil containers are not considered recyclable due to the oil residue that often remains inside. Waste processing plants in those regions are less equipped to handle contamination and typically treat these containers as non-recyclable waste.

If you’re traveling to countries like Belgium, France, or Germany, don’t assume the same rules apply as they do at home.

The solution: Scan before you toss

Because rules vary between countries—and sometimes even between cities—it’s difficult to guess what’s correct. That’s exactly why we built the EcoScan app.

With EcoScan, you simply scan the product and see immediately which bin it belongs in, based on your current location.

It helps prevent mistakes and makes recycling easier, whether you’re at home or abroad.

In short

• In the Netherlands, an empty motor oil container usually goes with PMD recycling
• It must be properly emptied before disposal
• In many other countries, it should go in general waste
• Rules vary by country and sometimes even by city
• EcoScan shows you exactly what to do, wherever you are

Want to be sure whether your motor oil container is recyclable?
Scan the product with EcoScan and get a clear, location-based answer in seconds.