Motor Oil Containers (Empty) Hazardous Waste Recycling Bin If drip dried and with the lid back on, you may place your empty motor oil containers in your recycling cart. Otherwise, if your motor oil container is partially full or full, treat as hazardous waste, and dispose at a hazardous waste facility. Do Not Reuse Empties Putting other chemicals or products in an empty motor oil bottle is dangerous. You can inadvertently create toxic byproducts when the chemicals mix with the motor oil residue. Did You Know? What Happens to Recycled Motor Oil Used motor oil can be cleaned and recycled, which helps keep it out of waterways. Recycled oil is then used to make heating oil, asphalt and other petroleum-based products. It is usually not recycled and resold as motor oil.