The UES environmental program
Training, facility audits and environmental compliance are built into the way UES operates. Here's how the program works, plus practical guidance for storing used oil safely at your facility.
Questions about storage, paperwork or a pickup? We reply the same business day. No account required.
Environmental, health and safety
UES maintains an Environmental, Health and Safety Management program focused on employee safety, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.
The program covers employee training, incident investigation, internal communication and facility audits. It also helps ensure our operations follow applicable federal, state and local environmental and safety requirements.
Compliance and insurance details, including our $20 million blanket insurance policy, are on the About page. Certificates of insurance are available on request and in the Customer Portal.
Storing used oil the right way
A few basic storage practices can help keep used oil recyclable, prevent contamination and avoid unnecessary problems at pickup.
A 2020 U.S. Department of Energy report estimated that 309 to 349 million gallons of used oil a year go unaccounted for and may be lost to the environment. Recycling makes a difference: according to the EPA, 1 gallon of used motor oil provides the same 2.5 quarts of lubricating oil as 42 gallons of crude oil.
- Label every container "Used Oil." Federal rules require those words on drums, tanks and other containers that hold used oil.
- Keep containers and tanks in good condition. Watch for leaks, corrosion, damaged lids and other signs that a container needs attention.
- Keep other materials out of the oil. Mixing used oil with chemicals, solvents or other wastes can contaminate an otherwise recyclable load.
- Keep chlorinated solvents and cleaners separate. These materials can contaminate both used oil and oily water. See our oily wastewater collection page for more on handling contaminated water.
- Use a transporter with a valid EPA identification number. Every UES pickup record shows the transporter EPA identification number for your load. See the used oil pickup page for more details.
Common questions
What happens to the oil UES collects?
Used oil that is suitable for re-refining is processed into new base oil at the UES re-refinery in Peachtree City, Georgia. Oil that is not suitable for re-refining may be used as industrial fuel.
Why do chlorinated solvents matter?
Chlorinated solvents can contaminate used oil and oily water. Under federal rules, used oil with more than 1,000 ppm total halogens is presumed to be hazardous waste, which changes how it has to be handled. Keep solvents and cleaners separate, and if you're unsure about a material, ask us before adding it to a tank or drum.
Does UES have its own EPA identification numbers?
Yes. The applicable transporter EPA identification number appears on the paperwork provided with your pickup. The used oil pickup page lists what every pickup record includes.
Who can help with compliance paperwork?
Call 800.988.7977 or use the Contact page. We reply the same business day.
Tell us what you need handled
Give us the basics, even if you're not sure which service you need. We'll review it and tell you what comes next.
- No account or contract required to ask
- A person replies the same business day
- Already a customer? Use the Customer Portal instead
Protected by Cloudflare Turnstile. We use your details to answer your request. We don't sell them.