B.C. First Nations group receives used motor oil recycling upgrade with Interchange Recycling partnership

Interchange Recycling has entered into a partnership with the Lil'wat Nation Public Works Yard in Mount Currie and Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation recycling collection facility on Gilford Island on the coast of British Columbia. The partnership will provide essential infrastructure upgrades to support the responsible collection and management of used oil, antifreeze, filters, and containers in the community.

Interchange Recycling is changing the face of motor oil recycling in B.C. 

The not-for-profit organization collects and recycles used motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze, and automotive containers throughout B.C., with over 280 facilities available across the province. These key upgrades will improve local access, with both sites receiving 10-foot containers equipped with built-in spill containment for safe used-oil recycling infrastructure.

"In conjunction with the First Nations Recycling Initiative, Interchange Recycling is working with Indigenous communities across B.C. to identify recycling needs and provide infrastructure improvements to enable better management of used motor oil, antifreeze, filters and automotive containers," said Jenn Robson, director of operations, Interchange Recycling. "Providing these resources helps support the efforts of communities who are working hard to be the stewards of their land, and protect the land and waterways."

"Preserving our land and waters is a top priority for the Lil'wat Nation, and having improved infrastructure at our Public Works Yard makes responsible disposal simple and accessible for our community," said Brian Jones, site supervisor, Lil'wat Nation. 

"Partnering with Interchange Recycling gives our residents the tools they need to safely dispose of automotive fluids and keep these materials out of our environment," he continued. 

"As a remote coastal community, safeguarding our forests and waterways from contamination is critical," says Graham Scow, operations & maintenance manager, Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation. "This new spill-proof facility allows residents to recycle products correctly, supporting our ongoing commitment to land and marine stewardship in Health Bay."

Repurposing materials doesn't end at the oil

In 2025, Interchange Recycling collected over 49 million litres of used oil in B.C., and awarded 13 infrastructure grants. When collected properly at dedicated public collection sites, used motor oil can be recovered and reused by re-refining it into new lubricating oil, or used as an input for manufacturing and energy products, and antifreeze is refined and reused as new automotive antifreeze. Oil filters are processed for their metal content, which is recycled into products like rebar, nails, and wire, while used oil and antifreeze containers are turned into new containers, drainage tiles, and parking curbs. 

Interchange Recycling would like to acknowledge that its head office in Victoria is located on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, and Coast Salish people.