Is used DIESEL engine oil different from used GAS engine oil?

[Indestro]

I am in the United States and recently dropped off some used motor oil at a well known national auto parts chain store. I have done this several times in the past at the same place with no issues.

But this time, they asked me if it was from a diesel engine vehicle (before they even saw the oil or container holding the used oil). Why would they ask that? Is used oil from a diesel engine recycled differently than used oil from a gas engine?

Indestro

 

[bdcardinal]

It all goes in the same waste container. Maybe they were concerned you were bringing in a ton of oil.

 

[xspeedy]

My local shop where I drop off old oil said ATF goes in the same waste drum as motor oil. I think any petroleum based fluids go in.

 

[JohnnyG]

They were likely more concerned about the fuel dilution from a gas engine. I can see them being concerned with a lower flash point, which MIGHT cause the hauler to placard hazardous.
And yes, the question could been phrased differently, but we're not talking PHD's here.

By the same token, someone might want to use it in a used oil heater. Fuel dilution could present issues there as well.

 

[Indestro]

And yes, the question could been phrased differently, but we're not talking PHD's here.

Good point. By the way, I politely asked the worker (a young guy) why he asked. He said, "It's just a little bit different." I have no idea what that's supposed to mean. But I decided he doesn't really know what he's talking about. Maybe he heard a coworker ask a similar question before, and he was just trying to repeat it.

Indestro

 

[oil pan 4]

There's soot in diesel oil.
PCMO oil has some gasoline in it, especially in cool climates.

 

[Indestro]

There's soot in diesel oil.
PCMO oil has some gasoline in it, especially in cool climates.

Why would that change how they are collected for recycling?

Indestro

 

[kschachn]

Why would that change how they are collected for recycling?

It doesn’t. The whole thing makes zero sense from a collection and recycling standpoint. You said they asked but were they going to deny your used oil based on a response?

There’s loads of “junk” in used oil regardless of the engine type.

 

[oil pan 4]

Why would that change how they are collected for recycling?

Indestro

It shouldn't.
I've never heard of anyone having to separate their gas and diesel oil for recycling.

 

[Indestro]

It doesn’t. The whole thing makes zero sense from a collection and recycling standpoint. You said they asked but were they going to deny your used oil based on a response?

Yes, I got the feeling they were going to deny it, or put it in a different area or container for used oil. He was pretty stern when he asked.

I didn't want to make a big deal about it and create any friction. I just wanted to get rid of the used oil.

Indestro

 

[carl2591]

SO what did you tell him.. gas or diesel?? interesting for sure... what is a well know place.. autozoo, orildeys,, advance moto.. etc? I drop off oil all over the place in all the different "well known" place nad have not seen or heard of that..

I am in the United States and recently dropped off some used motor oil at a well known national auto parts chain store. I have done this several times in the past at the same place with no issues.

But this time, they asked me if it was from a diesel engine vehicle (before they even saw the oil or container holding the used oil). Why would they ask that? Is used oil from a diesel engine recycled differently than used oil from a gas engine?

Indestro

 

[Indestro]

SO what did you tell him.. gas or diesel?? interesting for sure... what is a well know place.. autozoo, orildeys,, advance moto.. etc? I drop off oil all over the place in all the different "well known" place nad have not seen or heard of that..

I told them it was not diesel (which was true).

Indestro