In this guide 3 min read
If your business changes oil, you need somewhere for that used oil to go. This guide covers the federal rules for auto repair shops, quick lubes, dealerships, fleets and industrial facilities.
If you change the oil in your own vehicle at home, these business rules do not apply to you (40 CFR 279.20(a)(1)). EPA has separate guidance for finding local consumer drop-off locations.
Key takeaways
- Most businesses have a used oil collector pick it up from their tank or drums.
- You do not need an EPA identification number just to generate used oil. The transporter does.
- Store it in tanks or containers in good condition, labeled "Used Oil."
- Keep solvents, degreasers and antifreeze out of the used oil tank.
- Hauling it yourself is limited to 55 gallons at a time.
The short answer for businesses
Most businesses have a used oil collector pick up the oil from their tank or drums. The collector pumps or loads the oil, documents the service and transports it for recycling.
You do not need an EPA identification numberAn ID number that EPA or your state assigns to a site that handles regulated waste. Used oil transporters must have one. simply because your business generates used oil. The transporter taking it off site does.
What the federal rules require
Federal used oil rules are found in 40 CFR Part 279. EPA refers to a business that produces used oil as a "generator."
For most shops and fleets, the basic requirements are straightforward:
- Store used oil in tanks or containers. Pits, lagoons and waste piles are not allowed (40 CFR 279.12(a)).
- Keep tanks and containers in good condition, without severe rust or visible leaks (40 CFR 279.22(b)).
- Place tanks in appropriate secondary containment areas as required by local, state or federal regulations.
- Label each tank and container with the words "Used Oil" (40 CFR 279.22(c)).
- If a leak or spill occurs, stop the leak, contain the oil and clean it up (40 CFR 279.22(d)).
- When used oil leaves your property, use a transporter with an EPA identification number (40 CFR 279.24).
States can impose additional requirements, so businesses should also check the rules in their state.
Used oil storage checklist
One page to keep by the tank: storage, labels, spills, pickups, plus a monthly check log.
Download the checklistKeep used motor oil separate from other shop fluids
One of the easiest ways to create a much bigger waste problem is to put the wrong material in your used oil tank.
Used oil mixed with certain hazardous wastes can cause the entire mixture to be regulated as hazardous waste (40 CFR 279.10(b)). Used oil containing more than 1,000 parts per million of total halogens is also presumed to have been mixed with hazardous waste unless that presumption can be rebutted (40 CFR 279.10(b)(1)(ii)).
In practical terms, keep solvents, degreasers, parts-cleaning chemicals and other shop chemicals out of the used oil tank. Spent antifreeze should also have its own container.
Where businesses can take used motor oil
Most businesses use one of two options:
- Have a used oil collector pick it up. This is the common option for shops, fleets and other businesses that accumulate oil in a tank or multiple drums. The collector comes to your location, removes the oil and provides a record of the service.
- Transport a small amount yourself. A business can transport up to 55 gallons at a time in its own vehicle to a used oil collection center or its own aggregation pointA site that collects used oil only from other locations owned by the same business, in loads of 55 gallons or less (40 CFR 279.1). without obtaining an EPA identification number (40 CFR 279.24(a) and (b)).
Using used oil for road dust control is prohibited in most states (40 CFR 279.12(b)).
How a UES used oil pickup works
UES collects used oil from commercial and industrial customers in 28 states using more than 400 collection and transport trucks.
A UES driver comes to your location, pumps or loads the material, transports it for recycling and documents the service.
- We come to youA UES driver comes to your location.
- Screen the loadBefore loading, the driver checks for potential hazardous waste or non-conforming material.
- Pump or loadThe driver pumps the tank or loads the drums.
- DocumentQuantity and service date are recorded. Your receipt comes by email.
- RecycleThe oil is transported for recycling, much of it to our re-refinery.
- We record the quantity, service date and other pickup details at every visit.
- You receive a service receipt by email, with a paper copy available on request.
- Your service history is available through the UES Customer Portal.
- Used oil filters, spent antifreeze and spent absorbents can often be collected during the same visit.
Much of the used oil we collect goes to our re-refinery in Peachtree City, Georgia, where it is processed into recovered base oil used to make new lubricants.
Request a used oil pickup
Tell us where your business is located and what you need collected on our used oil pickup page, or find your state on our locations page.
You can also call 800.988.7977. We reply the same business day, and you do not need an account to ask about service.
Questions businesses ask
Does my business need an EPA identification number to generate used oil?
No. You do not need an EPA identification number simply because your business generates used oil. The transporter taking it off site does.
Can my shop haul its own used oil?
Yes, up to 55 gallons at a time in your own vehicle, to a used oil collection center or your own aggregation point (40 CFR 279.24(a) and (b)).
Can UES take used oil filters and antifreeze on the same visit?
Often, yes. Used oil filters, spent antifreeze and spent absorbents can often be collected during the same visit.
How fast does UES reply?
We reply the same business day, and you do not need an account to ask about service.
Written by Universal Environmental Services. Reviewed by Scott Eddings, VP of Operations. Checked against 40 CFR Part 279 on October 6, 2026.
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