Used Oil Disposal & Recycling Services
Professional Used Oil Collection for Businesses Nationwide
Used oil is one of the most common waste materials generated by businesses. While used oil is regulated by the EPA, it's not classified as hazardous waste if managed properly—and it can often be recycled at low or no cost. Hazardous Waste Disposal has been helping businesses safely dispose of and recycle used oil since 1992.
Call (800) 582-4833 for used oil disposal services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
Types of Used Oil We Handle
Motor Oil
The most common type of used oil.
What we handle:
Conventional motor oil
Synthetic motor oil
Diesel engine oil
Two-stroke engine oil
Marine engine oil
Recycling: Clean used motor oil can be re-refined into new oil or burned as fuel.
Hydraulic Oil
Used in hydraulic systems and equipment.
What we handle:
Hydraulic fluid from equipment
Heavy machinery hydraulic oil
Industrial hydraulic systems
Construction equipment fluids
Recycling: Clean hydraulic oil is recyclable.
Transmission Fluid
Automatic and manual transmission fluids.
What we handle:
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Manual transmission fluid
CVT fluid
Power steering fluid
Recycling: Can be recycled when not contaminated.
Gear Oil & Differential Fluid
Lubricants for gears and differentials.
What we handle:
Automotive gear oil
Industrial gear lubricants
Differential fluid
Transfer case fluid
Recycling: Recyclable when properly managed.
Compressor Oil
Oil from air compressors and industrial compressors.
What we handle:
Air compressor oil
Refrigeration compressor oil
Industrial compressor lubricants
Recycling: Can be recycled if not contaminated.
Metalworking Fluids
Cutting oils and machining fluids.
What we handle:
Cutting oil
Grinding fluids
Machining coolants
Metalworking lubricants
Note: May contain water or other contaminants requiring special handling.
Turbine Oil
Oil from turbines and generators.
What we handle:
Steam turbine oil
Gas turbine oil
Wind turbine oil
Generator lubricants
Recycling: Often high-quality oil suitable for recycling.
Transformer Oil
Dielectric oil from electrical transformers.
What we handle:
Transformer insulating oil
PCB-free transformer oil
Switchgear oil
Special handling: Must test for PCBs before disposal.
Used Oil vs. Hazardous Waste
When Used Oil Is NOT Hazardous Waste
Used oil is regulated under 40 CFR Part 279, NOT as hazardous waste, if:
It meets the definition of used oil
It's not mixed with hazardous waste
It doesn't exhibit hazardous characteristics
It's managed according to used oil regulations
Benefits:
Less regulatory burden
Lower disposal costs
Often FREE or low-cost recycling
Simplified paperwork
When Used Oil BECOMES Hazardous Waste
Used oil is hazardous waste if:
Mixed with hazardous waste (even a small amount)
Contains significant contaminants (solvents, antifreeze, etc.)
Exhibits hazardous characteristics (ignitability, reactivity, etc.)
Fails TCLP testing for toxic metals
Consequences:
Must be managed as hazardous waste
Requires manifests and EPA ID
Higher disposal costs
Stricter regulations apply
Key Rule: Never mix used oil with solvents, antifreeze, or hazardous waste!
Used Oil Regulations
EPA Used Oil Management Standards (40 CFR 279)
Requirements for used oil generators:
Store used oil in proper tanks or containers
Label containers "Used Oil"
Prevent releases to the environment
Keep used oil separate from hazardous waste
Use proper transporters and facilities
Good news: No EPA ID number required for used oil alone (unless also generating hazardous waste)
Storage Requirements
Containers must be:
In good condition (no leaks or severe rust)
Clearly labeled "Used Oil"
Kept closed except when adding/removing oil
Compatible with used oil
Storage areas must:
Have secondary containment for tanks
Prevent releases to soil or water
Be accessible for inspections
Keep incompatible materials separated
Mixing Prohibition
Never mix used oil with:
Antifreeze or coolants
Brake fluid or cleaners
Solvents or degreasers
Gasoline or diesel fuel (beyond incidental)
Any hazardous waste
Why: Mixing makes oil non-recyclable and converts it to hazardous waste, dramatically increasing disposal costs.
State-Specific Rules
Some states have additional used oil requirements:
California: Stricter testing and management standards
Massachusetts: Prohibited waste ban for used oil
New York: Enhanced used oil recycling requirements
Check your state environmental agency for specifics
Our Used Oil Services
Regular Scheduled Pickup
For businesses that generate used oil consistently:
Weekly, monthly, or quarterly service
Consistent scheduling
Cost-effective recycling
Proper documentation
Perfect for:
Auto repair shops
Fleet maintenance facilities
Manufacturing plants
Equipment rental companies
Cost: Often FREE or very low cost for clean used oil
One-Time Collection
For occasional needs:
Annual cleanouts
Equipment decommissioning
Facility closures
Tank cleanouts
Common scenarios:
Shop relocations
Equipment replacement
Seasonal operations ending
Business sales
Bulk Tank Services
For high-volume generators:
Install collection tank on-site
Regular automated pickup
Minimize handling
Reduce storage needs
Available tank sizes:
250-gallon tanks
500-gallon tanks
1,000-gallon tanks
Custom sizes available
Used Oil Filter Collection
We also handle used oil filters:
Collection containers provided
Regular pickup with used oil
Proper recycling or disposal
Documentation included
Requirements: Filters must be drained (hot-drained for 12+ hours or crushed)
Used Oil Recycling Benefits
Environmental Benefits
Recycling used oil protects the environment:
One gallon of used oil can contaminate 1 million gallons of water
Recycling reduces need for virgin oil
Prevents soil and water contamination
Reduces energy consumption
Impact: Recycling 2 gallons of used oil produces enough energy to run the average household for 24 hours.
Economic Benefits
Recycling saves money:
Often FREE collection for clean oil
Much lower cost than disposal
May receive payment for large quantities
Reduces waste management expenses
Typical costs:
Clean used oil: $0-$2 per gallon (often FREE)
Contaminated oil: $3-$8 per gallon
Hazardous waste oil: $10-$20+ per gallon
Recycling Methods
Re-refining:
Removes contaminants
Produces base oil for new lubricants
Highest-quality recycling option
Used oil becomes new oil
Fuel blending:
Burned in industrial boilers or kilns
Energy recovery
Common for slightly contaminated oil
Must meet fuel specifications
Processing:
Used as raw material in other products
Asphalt production
Industrial applications
Recycled into new products
Industries That Generate Used Oil
Auto Repair Shops
Oil generated:
Motor oil from oil changes
Transmission fluid
Gear oil
Hydraulic fluid from lifts
Typical volume: 100-500 gallons per month
Fleet Maintenance
Oil generated:
Engine oil from trucks and buses
Hydraulic fluid
Transmission fluid
Gear oil
Typical volume: 500-5,000+ gallons per month
Manufacturing Facilities
Oil generated:
Machine lubricants
Hydraulic systems
Compressor oil
Metalworking fluids
Typical volume: 100-2,000 gallons per month
Equipment Rental Companies
Oil generated:
Equipment maintenance oil
Hydraulic fluid from rental equipment
Engine oil from generators and pumps
Typical volume: 50-500 gallons per month
Marine Operations
Oil generated:
Marine engine oil
Hydraulic systems
Transmission oil
Generator oil
Typical volume: Varies by fleet size
Agricultural Operations
Oil generated:
Tractor and equipment oil
Hydraulic fluid
Gear oil from machinery
Typical volume: 50-500 gallons seasonally
Used Oil Disposal Costs
Free or Low-Cost Recycling
Clean used oil (not mixed with anything):
Often completely FREE
May receive small payment for large quantities
Pickup included at no charge
Environmentally responsible
Requirements for free recycling:
No water contamination
No antifreeze mixed in
No solvents or hazardous waste
Stored properly
Minimum quantity (typically 50-100 gallons)
Contaminated Oil Disposal
Oil mixed with water or other materials:
$2-$8 per gallon
Depends on contamination level
May require testing
Higher handling costs
Common contaminants:
Water (reduces recyclability)
Antifreeze (makes disposal more expensive)
Solvents (converts to hazardous waste)
Dirt and debris
Hazardous Waste Oil
Oil mixed with hazardous waste:
$10-$20+ per gallon
Full hazardous waste regulations apply
Manifests required
Highest disposal cost
Avoid this: Keep used oil separate from all other materials!
Additional Services
Other potential costs:
Tank rental: $50-$150 per month
Oil filter disposal: $0.50-$2 per filter
Emergency pickup: Premium charges apply
Testing/characterization: $200-$800
Call (800) 582-4833 for accurate pricing
How to Keep Used Oil Recyclable
1. Never Mix with Other Materials
Keep separate from:
Antifreeze and coolants
Brake fluid
Solvents and degreasers
Gasoline (beyond trace amounts)
Any hazardous chemicals
Why: Even small amounts of contamination can make oil non-recyclable.
2. Use Proper Storage
Best practices:
Use dedicated used oil containers only
Keep containers sealed when not in use
Inspect containers regularly for leaks
Keep out of weather if possible
Provide secondary containment
3. Drain Oil Properly
When changing oil:
Allow complete draining
Let filters drain properly
Catch all used oil
Don't spill on ground
4. Store in Compatible Containers
Use containers that:
Are made for petroleum products
Have no previous chemical contamination
Are in good condition
Have tight-fitting lids
Are properly labeled
5. Schedule Regular Pickup
Don't let oil sit too long:
Reduces contamination risk
Prevents container degradation
Maintains storage space
Ensures compliance
Used Oil Storage Best Practices
Container Selection
Recommended containers:
Steel drums (55-gallon standard)
Poly drums (for smaller quantities)
Above-ground storage tanks (high volume)
Portable oil drain stations
Avoid:
Previously used chemical containers
Damaged or rusting containers
Containers without lids
Unapproved materials
Labeling Requirements
All containers must be labeled:
"Used Oil" in clear lettering
Date oil first added (recommended)
Type of oil if known (optional)
Not required for used oil:
"Hazardous Waste" label
Accumulation dates
EPA waste codes
Secondary Containment
For tanks and large volumes:
Containment must hold 110% of tank capacity
Impermeable material
No drains to outside
Protect from weather
For drums:
Spill pallets
Containment trays
Leak detection
Easy inspection access
Spill Prevention
Prevent releases:
Use funnels when transferring
Keep spill cleanup materials nearby
Train employees on proper handling
Conduct regular inspections
Fix leaks immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is used oil hazardous waste? A: No, if managed properly. Used oil is regulated under 40 CFR Part 279, not as hazardous waste, as long as it's not mixed with hazardous waste.
Q: Can I get paid for used oil? A: Sometimes. Very clean used oil in large quantities may bring a small payment. Most generators receive free pickup instead.
Q: How often should used oil be picked up? A: Depends on your generation rate. Common schedules: weekly (high volume), monthly (medium), quarterly (low volume).
Q: Can I mix different types of oil together? A: Yes. Motor oil, hydraulic fluid, gear oil, and transmission fluid can be mixed together for recycling. Don't mix with non-oil materials.
Q: What if I accidentally mixed oil with antifreeze? A: Contact us immediately. This contaminated oil must be handled differently and will cost more to dispose of.
Q: Do I need an EPA ID number for used oil? A: Not for used oil alone. Only if you also generate hazardous waste that requires an ID number.
Q: Can I burn used oil in my waste oil heater? A: Only if you meet EPA requirements for used oil burners (40 CFR 279.23). Most businesses cannot legally burn used oil on-site.
Q: What happens to used oil after pickup? A: Clean oil is re-refined into new lubricants or burned as fuel. Contaminated oil is processed or disposed of at permitted facilities.
Q: How should used oil filters be handled? A: Drain filters for 12+ hours, then recycle or dispose of properly. Some states allow landfill disposal after draining; others require recycling.
Get Started with Used Oil Service
Call (800) 582-4833 or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
What to have ready:
Type of oil (motor, hydraulic, etc.)
Approximate quantity generated monthly
Current storage method
Whether oil is clean or contaminated
Desired pickup frequency
We'll provide:
Free quote (often $0 for clean oil!)
Proper containers if needed
Pickup scheduling
All necessary documentation
Recycling certificates
Compliance guidance
Many businesses receive FREE used oil recycling - call to find out if you qualify!
Serving businesses nationwide since 1992
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