Recycling & Safe Disposal of Automotive Equipment, Cars, and Tires in Macon County, IL

Automobiles

Automobiles with titles may be:

Antifreeze

Antifreeze is periodically collected at one-day collection events at household hazardous waste collections.

Automotive/Car Batteries

car batteryLead-acid batteries, commonly referred to as automotive batteries, are banned from Illinois landfills (Public Act 86-723).  Most automotive parts stores and automotive service providers that sell automotive batteries will accept lead-acid batteries for recycling, regardless if a new battery is purchased.

Advance Auto Parts
1112 E. Eldorado St., Decatur – 217-423-9181

Auto Zone
3050 Brett Ave., Decatur – 217-876-8317
1434 E. Eldorado St., Decatur – 217-362-0222
1215 N. University Ave., Decatur – 217-425-2908

Billingsley Amoco
1725 S. Franklin St., Decatur  – 217-428-5421

Rexx Battery
1330 E. Eldorado St., Decatur – 217-422-0281

O’Reilly Auto Parts
1938 E. Eldorado St., Decatur – 217-428-1340
2315 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur – 217-875-2973

License Plates

Illinois License PlateLicense plates may be dropped off for recycling at:

Department of Motor Vehicles Office
3149 N. Woodford St., Decatur – 217-875-1650
Open Tuesday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to noon

Oils & Lubricants (motor oil/transmission)

Used, liquid oil may not be placed with any waste that is intended for collection and disposal at a landfill.  This restriction does not apply to properly drained oil filters, oily rags or absorbents used to clean-up spills.  Motor oil is accepted free of charge for recycling by most automotive parts stores.

Advance Auto Parts
1112 E. Eldorado St., Decatur – 217-423-9181

Auto Zone
3050 Brett Ave., Decatur – 217-876-8317
1434 E. Eldorado St., Decatur – 217-362-0222
1215 N. University Ave., Decatur – 217-425-2908

O’Reilly Auto Parts (all locations)
1938 E. Eldorado St., Decatur – 217-428-1340
2315 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur – 217-875-2973

Tires

old tire
Improperly stored tires create favorable conditions for mosquito breeding.

Used and waste tire management practices include the following as defined by Illinois regulations:

  • Residential households may have up to 12 properly stored, used tires on site while agricultural operators may properly store up to 20 used tires.
  • Storage practices should ensure that all tires are segregated from other materials, are drained of water and stored so as not to collect water.
  • Waste tires are banned from Illinois landfills.
  • Retailers are required to accept used tires from customers buying new tires and may charge a disposal fee.
  • Loads of 20 tires or more must be transported by a state-registered and placarded hauler.

Recommended management practices for used tires include:

  • When purchasing new tires, leave the used tires with the retailer.  Retailers may charge a disposal fee but are required to accept the old tires when customers purchase new tires.
  • If new tires are not being purchased and less than 20 tires need to be disposed of, inquire with local tire retailers about fees and acceptance of waste tires.  Locally, most tire service providers, except for a number of the “big box” stores and car dealers, accept used tires for a disposal fee regardless of whether new tires are purchased or not.
  • For disposal of 20 tires or more, contact a state-registered tire hauler.