Used oil pickup for auto repair shops
UES collects used motor oil, oil filters, spent antifreeze and used absorbents from auto repair shops in 28 states. A UES driver pumps your tank or loads your drums, and every pickup comes with a service record.
We reply the same business day. No account is needed to ask about service.
What UES collects from auto repair shops
Press Add to my request on each item your shop has. Those boxes are ticked for you on the request form at the bottom of this page.
Used oil
Used motor oil and other used oil. A UES driver pumps your tank or loads your drums, on a schedule based on how much oil you generate.
Used oil filters
UES supplies a 95-gallon rollaway cart, a 275-gallon bin or drums, chosen by how many filters you drain and the space you have.
Spent antifreeze
Collected as its own stream in a tote or drum from UES, often on the same visit as your used oil.
Spent absorbents
Used pads, booms and clay collected in drums or totes. New absorbent products are available to buy.
Oily wastewater
Water from drain traps, mop water and other petroleum-contaminated water from the shop.
Parts washer service
Service for solvent and aqueous parts washers, on call or on a route. Washers are available to buy or lease.
Fluorescent bulbs
Fluorescent lamps collected for recycling, with containers provided for safe storage and transport.
Vacuum services
Pump-outs for separators, wash bay drains, trenches, pits and sumps, with pressure washing when the job calls for it.
Hazardous and special waste
Collection, transportation and management of hazardous, chemical and special wastes through the UES Hazardous and Special Waste Division.
Universal waste
Batteries, bulbs, ballasts, electronics and other universal waste, handled through the Hazardous and Special Waste Division.
Keeping shop fluids in separate containers
The federal rules ask shops to store used oil in tanks or containers in good condition, each labeled "Used Oil". UES collects each fluid in its own container. Pick a container to see what goes in it.
Used oil tank or drum
Goes in
- Used motor oil drained from vehicles
- Other used oil from the shop
Keep out
- Solvents, degreasers and parts-cleaning chemicals
- Spent antifreeze, which needs its own container
- Chlorinated spray cleaners
Container. Your own tank or drums, labeled "Used Oil" (40 CFR 279.22(c)). A UES driver pumps the tank or loads the drums.
Filter cart or bin
Goes in
- Drained automotive oil filters
- Industrial oil filters
Container. UES supplies a 95-gallon rollaway cart, a 275-gallon bin that holds up to 2,000 filters depending on size, or drums.
Antifreeze tote or drum
Goes in
- Spent antifreeze and coolant
Keep out
- Used oil
- Solvents and cleaners
Container. A tote or drum from UES, collected as its own stream. If something was already mixed in, tell UES so we can work out how to handle it.
Absorbent drum
Goes in
- Used pads, booms and clay that soaked up oil, antifreeze or water
Container. Metal drums or totes. New absorbent products are available to buy from UES.
Chlorinated spray cleaners and solvents should not go in the used oil or the oily water. Even a small amount can cause the used oil or oily water to be regulated as hazardous waste. Under the federal rules, used oil with more than 1,000 ppm total halogens is presumed to be mixed with hazardous waste (40 CFR 279.10(b)).
How a repair shop starts UES service
Send your location and what you have
Tell us where your business is, roughly how much used oil you have, and any other materials you need collected.
We confirm coverage
We check the UES routes that serve your area and set up one-time or recurring service.
A UES driver collects
The driver pumps your tank or loads your containers and hauls the material from your site.
You get a service record
Each pickup is recorded. The receipt comes by email, a paper copy is available, and your history is in the Customer Portal.
Pickup records for the shop
Every UES pickup at your shop is documented, and the records stay where you can find them.
The material collected, the quantity, the service date and the transporter's EPA ID number.
The receipt is emailed after every pickup. A paper copy is available on request.
The Customer Portal holds your service history, Safety Data Sheets and Certificates of Insurance in one place.
Where a shop's used oil goes after pickup
Much of the used oil UES collects goes to the UES re-refinery in Peachtree City, Georgia.
There, suitable oil is processed into recovered base oil that can be used to make new lubricants. Water, fuel, additives and other contaminants are separated during processing.
Oil that is not suitable for re-refining may be used as industrial fuel.
Used oil collection across 28 states
UES operates active collection routes across 28 states. Select your state to see coverage and the facilities supporting routes in your area. If you are unsure whether we reach your business, send us your ZIP code and we will confirm coverage.
Used oil rules for repair shops
Plain-language guides from UES on the federal used oil rules, with links to the regulations. The used oil rules section has the full set.
Where to dispose of used motor oil when you run a shop, fleet or dealership
How to store used oil, who can transport it and what happens during a UES pickup.
Read the guideUsed oil rulesWhat a used oil generator has to do
Federal requirements for storing, labeling and handling used oil, plus what to do after a spill.
Read the guideGuideUsed oil storage for businesses: tanks, containment, spill kits and SPCC plans
Setting up a used oil storage area, secondary containment, spill kits and when the SPCC rule applies.
Read the guideGuideHow the EPA classifies used oil, and when hazardous waste rules apply
When used oil stays under the Part 279 rules and when hazardous waste requirements can apply.
Read the guideQuestions from auto repair shops
What can UES collect from an auto repair shop?
Used oil, used oil filters, spent antifreeze, spent absorbents and oily wastewater, plus parts washer service and fluorescent bulb collection. Filters, antifreeze and absorbents can often be collected on the same visit as your used oil, each in its own container. Every other UES service, including vacuum service and hazardous waste, is available too.
Does UES provide the filter container?
Yes. The options are a 95-gallon rollaway cart, a 275-gallon bin that holds up to 2,000 filters depending on filter size, and drums.
Can chlorinated spray cleaners go in the used oil tank?
No. Keep chlorinated spray cleaners and solvents out of the used oil and the oily water. Even a small amount of chlorinated solvent can cause the used oil to be regulated as hazardous waste.
Does my business need an EPA ID number to have used oil picked up?
Not to generate used oil. Under the federal rules the transporter needs the EPA ID number (40 CFR 279.24). Your state may add its own requirements; see state used oil rules.
What paperwork do I get after a pickup?
Each service is recorded with the material, the quantity, the date and the transporter's EPA ID number. Receipts come by email or on paper, and your service history is in the Customer Portal.
Other businesses UES collects from
Tell us what you need collected
Send us your business location, the material you need collected and the approximate amount. We reply the same business day to confirm coverage and next steps.
- No account is needed to ask about service
- Already a customer? Use the Customer Portal
Phone
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