Motor Oil Containers (Empty) Trash Though made of plastic, empty motor oil containers are not allowed in the recycling containers. Please make sure they are drip-dry empty before placing in the trash. 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.