Used Oil Collection & Recycling

EPA-compliant used motor oil collection and recycling for automotive and industrial facilities

Scheduled pickup service

EPA and DOT certified

Oil re-refining capabilities

Antifreeze and oil filter disposal

Typical Price Range

$75-$300

per service

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Comprehensive Used Oil Services

Professional collection and recycling of used motor oil, antifreeze, oil filters, and related automotive fluids.

Used Oil Collection: Motor oil, hydraulic oil, transmission fluid, gear oil, compressor oil, industrial lubricants, scheduled and emergency pickup.

Related Services: Antifreeze collection, oil filter disposal, absorbent material pickup, tank pumping, bulk storage solutions.

Industries Served: Auto repair shops, quick lube facilities, fleet maintenance, manufacturing plants, industrial facilities, marinas, schools, government facilities.

Re-Refining: Used oil is cleaned and re-refined into new base oil, blended into new lubricants, conserves petroleum resources, closes the oil lifecycle loop.

Service Pricing & Scheduling

Pricing: Scheduled pickup: $75-$150 per service. Emergency pickup: $100-$300. Tank pumping: $150-$400 depending on size. Volume discounts available.

What Affects Cost: Volume (larger volumes = better rates), frequency (scheduled service cheaper), location, tank vs. drum collection, contamination level.

Scheduling Options: Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly scheduled service. Call-in as-needed pickup. Emergency same-day service. Tank level monitoring available.

Equipment Provided: Bulk oil storage tanks (free loan), 55-gallon drums, pump equipment, spill containment, proper labeling, safety equipment.

EPA Regulations & Compliance

EPA Used Oil Management Standards: Proper storage in labeled tanks/drums, no mixing with other wastes, spill prevention and response, manifests for all shipments, annual reporting requirements, transporter licensing.

DOT Requirements: Proper placarding during transport, driver training and licensing, vehicle inspections, emergency response plans, spill kits onboard.

Generator Responsibilities: Proper storage (covered, labeled, secondary containment), no dumping to sewers/ground, use licensed haulers only, maintain pickup records 3 years, understand "presumption of mixing" rules.

State Requirements: Many states have additional regulations beyond federal EPA standards. Some require generator permits. Tank registration may be required. Inspections by state environmental agencies.

Penalties for Violations: $50,000+ per day per violation. Criminal charges for intentional violations. Cleanup costs for spills. License revocation. Citizen lawsuit liability.

Environmental & Economic Benefits

Environmental Benefits: One gallon used oil re-refined produces same 2.5 quarts base oil as 42 gallons crude oil. Prevents soil and water contamination. One quart oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water. Reduces need for crude oil extraction. Lower carbon footprint than virgin oil production.

Economic Benefits: Re-refined oil costs less than virgin oil. Proper disposal avoids fines ($50,000+). No liability for contamination cleanup. Compliance protects business license. Insurance may require proper disposal. Positive environmental reputation.

Re-Refining Process: Collection and transport. Dehydration (remove water). Filtration (remove solids). Distillation (separate oil from contaminants). Hydrotreatment (remove impurities). Blending into new lubricants. Product quality equals virgin oil.

Recycling Rates: 380 million gallons used oil recycled annually in US. 60-70% of all used oil collected is recycled. Target: 85% collection and recycling rate.

Storage & Handling Best Practices

Proper Storage: Store in closed, labeled containers. Secondary containment (110% capacity). Protected from weather. Away from drains and waterways. Secure from unauthorized access. Absorbent materials nearby.

What NOT to Mix: Never mix antifreeze with oil. No gasoline or solvents. No brake fluid. No water. No PCBs. No hazardous waste. Contaminated oil may not be recyclable.

Spill Prevention: Regular tank inspections. Overfill prevention. Drip pans under connections. Proper valve operation. Employee training. Spill response plan. Emergency contacts posted.

Safety Measures: Protective equipment (gloves, goggles). Adequate ventilation. No smoking near storage. Fire extinguishers accessible. First aid available. Material safety data sheets (MSDS).

Employee Training: Proper handling procedures. Spill response. Emergency contacts. Regulatory requirements. Health and safety. Documentation requirements.

Antifreeze & Other Fluid Collection

Antifreeze Collection: Must be collected separately from oil. Ethylene glycol and propylene glycol accepted. Contaminated antifreeze (oil mixed) handled differently. Recycled into new antifreeze or other products.

Antifreeze Toxicity: Ethylene glycol is toxic (sweet taste attracts animals). 2-3 ounces can kill a dog. Proper disposal prevents poisoning. Never pour down drains.

Oil Filters: Properly drained filters can be recycled. Steel recycled for new steel products. Remaining oil recovered. Crushers compact filters. Some states require filter recycling.

Absorbent Materials: Oil-soaked rags, pads, absorbents collected. Must be properly containerized. Not considered hazardous if properly drained. Some can be laundered and reused.

Other Fluids: Transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, gear oil - collection requirements vary by state. Ask hauler about specific fluids accepted.

What We DON'T Take: Gasoline, paint, solvents, pesticides, unknown liquids - these are hazardous waste requiring different disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does used oil collection cost?

Scheduled pickup: $75-$150 per service. Emergency pickup: $100-$300. Volume discounts available. Some high-volume generators may get FREE pickup or even payment for large quantities of clean oil. Tank pumping: $150-$400 depending on size.

Can I mix antifreeze with used oil?

NO. Never mix antifreeze with oil. This makes the oil unrecyclable and creates a hazardous waste requiring expensive disposal. Store antifreeze separately in labeled containers. Contaminated loads may be rejected or charged premium disposal fees.

How often should I schedule pickup?

Depends on your generation rate. Quick lube shops: weekly or bi-weekly. Smaller repair shops: monthly or as-needed. Industrial facilities: based on tank capacity. Storage tanks should not exceed 80% full. Regular schedule ensures compliance and prevents overflows.

What happens to used oil after collection?

Most used oil (85%+) is re-refined into new base oil for lubricants. Process: dehydration, filtration, distillation, hydrotreatment. Quality equals virgin oil. Some used for industrial fuel. Proper recycling conserves petroleum resources and protects environment.

Do I need a permit to store used oil?

Requirements vary by state. Most generators don't need permits for typical volumes. Large quantity generators (>660 gallons/month) may need permits. Underground storage tanks require permits. Aboveground tanks over certain sizes may require registration. Check with state environmental agency.