In this guide 2 min read
Federal used oil standards provide the baseline, but states can add their own requirements for generators, transporters and other used oil handlers.
Below are key requirements in five states UES serves. More states can be added as this resource grows.
Key takeaways
- Federal rules are the baseline. States add registrations, closed-container rules, reports and bans.
- Alabama requires an EPA identification number for businesses generating more than 25 gallons a month on average.
- Alabama and Tennessee put extra requirements on transporters. New Jersey and Arizona add registrations and reports.
- Start with the federal rules, then check your state.
| State | What generators add | What collectors and transporters need | Also prohibited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | Outdoor tanks and containers without secondary containment stay closed except when adding or removing oil. Label "Used Oil," not "Waste Oil." Drain filters before disposal. | Collectors, transfer facilities and processors notify EPD and hold an EPA identification number. | |
| Alabama | Above 25 gallons a month on average: an EPA identification number and an annual notification to ADEM. Containers closed during storage. | An EPA identification number plus an Alabama Used Oil Transporter Permit. | Dust suppression. |
| Tennessee | Drain or crush filters before disposal or recycling. | State certification above 55 gallons at a time or 1,000 gallons a year: commercial driver's licenses, vehicle inspections, liability coverage, annual reporting. | Sewers, drains, septic systems and waterways. Road oiling and dust control. |
| New Jersey | Labeling, container condition and spill response follow the federal rules. An air permit for certain used oil space heaters. | New Jersey transporter registration, including the vehicles used. | |
| Arizona | Collection centers register with ADEQ. Certain transporters, marketers and processors file annual reports. EPA identification number holders register with ADEQ. | Sewers and waterways. Unauthorized land disposal or incineration. Dust suppressant or herbicide. |
Georgia
Environmental Protection Division
Georgia incorporates the federal used oil rules and adds requirements of its own.
Used oil tanks and containers stored outdoors without secondary containmentA second barrier, such as a berm or a double-walled tank, that holds oil if the tank or container leaks. must remain closed except when oil is being added or removed.
Collectors, transfer facilities and processors must notify the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and hold an EPA identification number.
Georgia guidance also specifies that containers should be labeled "Used Oil," not "Waste Oil." Used oil filters must be properly drained before disposal as solid waste.
UES facilities in Peachtree City, Gainesville, Warner Robins, Bainbridge and Tyrone appear on Georgia's published used oil handler lists.
Alabama
Department of Environmental Management
Alabama operates its own used oil program under ADEM Administrative Code 335-14-17.
Businesses generating more than 25 gallons of used oil per month on average must obtain an EPA identification number and file an annual notification with ADEM.
Containers must remain closed during storage except when used oil is being added or removed.
A transporter collecting used oil in Alabama must hold both an EPA identification number and an Alabama Used Oil Transporter Permit. UES holds the required state permit.
Alabama also prohibits using used oil for dust suppression.
Tennessee
Department of Environment and Conservation
Tennessee follows the federal used oil standards and adds requirements for used oil transporters.
A used oil transporter moving more than 55 gallons at a time or more than 1,000 gallons per year must be certified by the state. Requirements include commercial driver's licenses, vehicle inspections, liability coverage and annual reporting.
Tennessee also prohibits disposing of used oil into sewers, drains, septic systems or waterways and prohibits using it for road oiling or dust control.
Used oil filters must be properly drained or crushed before disposal or recycling.
New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection
New Jersey regulates used oil as a Class D recyclable material under N.J.A.C. 7:26A-6.
Its requirements for labeling, container condition and spill response generally follow the federal rules.
Used oil transporters must also meet New Jersey transporter registration requirements, including registration of the vehicles used.
New Jersey also requires an air permit for certain used oil space heaters and applies its own standards to used oil fuel.
Arizona
Department of Environmental Quality
Arizona adopts the federal used oil rules and adds state registration and reporting requirements.
Collection centers register with ADEQ, and certain transporters, marketers and processors file annual reports.
Used oil handlers that hold an EPA identification number also register with ADEQ.
Arizona prohibits improper disposal into sewers or waterways, unauthorized land disposal or incineration, and use of used oil as a dust suppressant or herbicide.
What state used oil rules mean for your business
Start with the federal used oil requirements, then check your state's rules for anything additional.
UES operates collection routes across 28 states. Find the location serving your business on our locations page.
Questions businesses ask
Do state rules replace the federal used oil rules?
No. Federal used oil standards provide the baseline. States can add their own requirements for generators, transporters and other used oil handlers.
Which of these states require a state permit or certification for used oil transporters?
Alabama issues a Used Oil Transporter Permit. Tennessee certifies transporters moving more than 55 gallons at a time or more than 1,000 gallons per year. New Jersey requires transporter registration, including the vehicles used.
What if my state is not listed here?
Start with the federal requirements, then check your state's rules for anything additional. More states can be added as this resource grows.
Written by Universal Environmental Services. Reviewed by Scott Eddings, VP of Operations. Checked against the state rules listed in the sources on October 6, 2026.
Sources: Georgia Rules 391-3-11 and EPD used oil guidance · ADEM Administrative Code 335-14-17 and Used Oil Management Handbook · Tennessee Rule 0400-12-01-.11 and applicable Tennessee statutes · N.J.A.C. 7:26A-6 · A.R.S. 49-801 to 803 and A.A.C. R18-13-2001 to 2003
Share this guide
