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Disposal Guide:
Motor Oil

Used motor oil is highly toxic to the environment. A single gallon of improperly disposed motor oil can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water.

1,095 verified facilities available nationwide

Federal Law & Regulations

Understand your legal obligations under EPA guidelines.

Under the EPA's Used Oil Management Standards (part of RCRA), used oil is presumed to be recycled and thus is largely exempt from hazardous waste regulations if managed properly. Federal law requires proper labeling ('Used Oil'), secure storage, and response to any spills. If used oil is mixed with a hazardous solvent, it may suddenly become regulated as a hazardous waste. The EPA strongly enforces against the dumping of used oil into sewers, drainage systems, or the ground.

National Take-Back Programs

Industry-sponsored recycling and stewardship initiatives.

The automotive industry offers widespread national take-back programs. Major retailers like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and Walmart Tire & Lube Express generally accept used motor oil for free (typically capped at 5 gallons per visit per person). Ensure the oil is stored in a clean, leak-proof container and is not mixed with antifreeze, water, or other solvents, as contaminated oil will be rejected by these locations.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Generally Accepted Items

A baseline of materials typically accepted by specialized facilities.

Used motor oil
Transmission fluid
Hydraulic fluid
Power steering fluid
Gear oil
Used oil filters
LOCAL DIRECTORIES

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1. AK

4.8
(556)

State Directory

Verified by EPA

Browse our comprehensive directory of verified motor oil recycling centers, household hazardous waste events, and local drop-off locations across AK.

View 556 locations

2. AL

4.8
(318)

State Directory

Verified by EPA

Browse our comprehensive directory of verified motor oil recycling centers, household hazardous waste events, and local drop-off locations across AL.

View 318 locations

3. AR

4.8
(403)

State Directory

Verified by EPA

Browse our comprehensive directory of verified motor oil recycling centers, household hazardous waste events, and local drop-off locations across AR.

View 403 locations

4. AS

4.8
(336)

State Directory

Verified by EPA

Browse our comprehensive directory of verified motor oil recycling centers, household hazardous waste events, and local drop-off locations across AS.

View 336 locations

5. AZ

4.8
(363)

State Directory

Verified by EPA

Browse our comprehensive directory of verified motor oil recycling centers, household hazardous waste events, and local drop-off locations across AZ.

View 363 locations

6. CA

4.8
(316)

State Directory

Verified by EPA

Browse our comprehensive directory of verified motor oil recycling centers, household hazardous waste events, and local drop-off locations across CA.

View 316 locations