How much do they pay for old oil?

[DiJason]

You can typically earn R2.50 per litre for your used engine oil when selling it to certified collectors or recycling facilities in South Africa. This rate is a benchmark, but the final price can vary based on your location, the quantity you provide, and the current market value of re-refined base oil.

The payment for used oil isn't arbitrary; it's driven by its value as a recyclable commodity. Used motor oil can be re-refined into high-quality lubricating base oil, which is significantly cheaper than producing it from crude oil. According to industry analysis, re-refining used oil requires only about one-third of the energy of virgin oil production. Major collectors and processors set prices like R2.50/L to incentivize proper collection, diverting it from landfills and waterways. The actual price you receive may fluctuate. For instance, selling a small quantity (e.g., 5 litres from a DIY oil change) might yield the standard rate at a drop-off center. In contrast, a commercial garage generating thousands of litres monthly may negotiate a slightly higher rate due to volume.

Scenario	Typical Quantity	Estimated Payment (at ~R2.50/L)	Key Consideration
Individual / DIY	4 - 6 litres	R10 - R15	Payment often processed on-site at drop-off centers.
Small Workshop	200 litres/month	~R500/month	May require registered collection service.
Large Fleet Operator	1000+ litres/month	R2500+/month	Rate often subject to contract and market index.

Beyond the direct payment, the process is designed for convenience. Registered used oil collectors, often licensed under the South African Waste Management Act, provide scheduled pick-up services for businesses or have dedicated drop-off points for individuals. This hassle-free system ensures the oil is handled in an environmentally compliant manner. The environmental contribution is substantial. Illegally dumped used oil contaminates soil and water; one litre can pollute up to a million litres of freshwater. By selling it, you directly fund a circular economy that reduces the need for virgin resource extraction and prevents environmental damage. Always ensure you are transacting with a licensed collector to guarantee proper recycling and secure your payment.

[OLane]

I just changed the oil in my car at home and had about 5 litres of the old stuff to get rid of. I took it to my local auto parts shop that has a used oil tank. They measured it, handed me R12.50 on the spot—simple as that. It’s not a fortune, but it’s better than nothing, and I know it’s not going down the drain. For me, it’s a no-brainer: a little extra cash for doing the right thing. I just call ahead to make sure their tank isn’t full before I go.

[EmersonDella]

Running a small independent garage, we view used oil as a minor revenue stream, not waste. We generate roughly 200 litres a month. A licensed collector picks it up quarterly, and we get paid based on the volume they take, usually around that R2.50 per litre mark. It adds up to a few hundred rand that goes right back into shop supplies. The key for any business is compliance. You must use a licensed service—it keeps you right with the law and ensures the oil is truly recycled. The paperwork they provide is crucial for your waste management records. The payment is a helpful bonus, but the real value is in avoiding massive fines for improper disposal.

[JaceFitz]

The payment is an incentive, but the real win is environmental. That R2.50 per litre represents the cost of keeping a toxic pollutant out of our ecosystem. Used oil is a persistent contaminant. When people pour it on the ground or into drains, it eventually ruins groundwater and soil. The organised collection and recycling system, funded by the value of the re-refined oil, turns a problem into a resource. So when you ask "how much do they pay?", also ask "how much damage does it prevent?" The answer to the second question is: priceless. Supporting this system is a direct investment in a cleaner environment.

[ElizabethLee]

I’ve been in the lubricants distribution business for over a decade. The price paid at the collection point, like R2.50 per litre, is a small part of a larger industrial chain. The collector sells it to a processor who re-refines it. The final product—re-refined base oil—then competes with virgin base oil in the market. The price you get is therefore pegged to global oil prices and demand for recycled product. For a householder, it’s a flat rate. For a large generator like a mining operation, it’s a commercial negotiation. My advice is always to prioritise the collector’s license over chasing an extra few cents. A licensed operator guarantees the environmental outcome, which is the core purpose of the programme. The payment is a thank you, but the integrity of the recycling loop is what makes it sustainable.