Residents across southeastern Manitoba have an opportunity to clean out their garages, protect the environment and receive a little something in return during Oil Recycling Day at the Steinbach Landfill’s Eco Centre.
On June 10, 2026, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., participants who bring used motor oil to the Eco Centre, located at 104 Hanover Rd. E, can receive coupons for free replacement oil. For every four litres of used oil dropped off, residents will receive a coupon for one litre of Co-op 5W-30 Sonic Silver Motor Oil, up to a maximum of five coupons per vehicle. A maximum of 205 litres of used oil will be accepted per vehicle.
According to The City of Steinbach’s Solid Waste Department Manager Brian Davis, the event is designed to encourage residents to be mindful of materials that should never end up in the garbage.
“We want to keep oil and other hazardous materials out of the landfill,” he says. “We don’t want it buried in the ground.”
In addition to used motor oil, residents can bring used oil filters and plastic oil containers for recycling.
Small actions make a big environmental impact
While many people perform their own oil changes at home, used oil often ends up sitting in garages and sheds for months or even years. Davis says Oil Recycling Day provides an easy opportunity to dispose of those materials safely.
Proper recycling helps prevent contaminants from entering the landfill, where they can create long-term environmental challenges. Oil that ends up in household garbage can eventually mix with rainwater that filters through waste, creating contaminated liquid known as leachate that requires ongoing management.
“There are chemicals in these materials that we don’t want in the landfill itself,” Davis explains.
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With its official title as a Class 1 Regional Landfill & Waste DIversion Facility, there are many diversion programs offered through the Steinbach Landfill that help ensure materials such as oil, tires, electronics, metals and household hazardous waste are recycled or processed appropriately rather than buried.
Keeping those materials out of the landfill reduces environmental risks while extending the life of the facility.
The community’s response has grown significantly in recent years. The landfill collected approximately 3,500 litres of used motor oil during Oil Recycling Day in 2024. That total climbed to 9,400 litres in 2025.
Davis credits growing awareness and word-of-mouth promotion for the increase.
“It’s definitely been a big part of this success,” he says.
Easy drop-off process for residents
Landfill Coordinator Cindy Kehler says the process is designed to be quick and straightforward.
When residents arrive on June 10, they can follow signs directly to the oil recycling area near the entrance rather than checking in at the scale office. Staff will be available throughout the day to answer questions, collect basic information and distribute coupons.
“We just need to know how many litres they have, their name, and then also ensure that their oil is in correct containers,” she says.
Kehler notes that used oil should be transported in oil, antifreeze or windshield washer containers. Household containers such as milk jugs or margarine tubs are not accepted.
After checking in, participants can drop off their materials and receive coupons redeemable for new motor oil at participating Co-op locations.
Brian Davis and Cindy Kehler
The June 10 event focuses specifically on used oil recycling, but the Steinbach Landfill offers many other recycling and diversion services year-round.
Residents can bring household hazardous waste such as paint, batteries, aerosols, cleaning products and chemicals for proper disposal. Kehler says these materials must remain in their original, clearly labelled containers.
“We have a specific place for every one of those,” she says. “We need to know what it is so that we can put the chemicals in the correct places and not have reactions.”
The Steinbach Landfill also accepts used oil and tires throughout the year at no charge, making it easy for residents to recycle responsibly whenever it’s convenient.
Davis points out that these diversion programs play an important role in maintaining what he describes as a healthy landfill while helping protect the local environment for future generations.
Anyone seeking additional information about Oil Recycling Day or the Eco Centre can complete the City’s online form by selecting the Solid Waste Department. They can also call 204-346-6532 or visit the Landfill website.
Brian Davis and Cindy Kehler inside the oil depot at the Steinbach Landfill