Used Oil Collection Centers and Aggregation Points - PUB0136

Used Oil

Used oil is defined as petroleum-derived and synthetic oils which have been spilled into the environment or used for (1) Lubrication/cutting oil; (2) Heat transfer; (3) Hydraulic power or (4) Insulation in dielectric transformers. The definition of used oil excludes used petroleum-derived or synthetic oils which have been used as solvents. (Note: Used ethylene glycol is not regulated as used oil under 10 CSR 25.)

It is estimated that more than 200 million gallons of used motor oil are improperly disposed each year in the U.S. by citizens who change their own oil. Recycling used oil is becoming the preferred way of handling used oil to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and save money. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources encourages used oil generators and local governments to establish used oil recycling programs. This technical bulletin describes the management standards for used oil collection centers and aggregation points under 10 CSR 25-11.279, which became effective on Aug. 28, 1994.

Collection Centers and Aggregation Points

Three types of used oil collection programs are allowed by the regulation. All used oil collection programs must comply with the management standards for used oil generators.

Do-it-yourself used oil collection centers may accept, aggregate and store used oil only from household do-it-yourselfers and farmers who are exempt from the generator requirements. Exempted farmers are those who generate an average of 25 gallons per month or less of used oil from vehicles or machinery used on the farm in a calendar year.

Used oil collection centers may accept shipments of no more than 55 gallons at a time from regulated used oil
generators. Used oil collection centers must be registered, licensed, permitted or recognized by a state, county or municipal government. The notification submitted to the Department of Natural Resources by a used oil collection center will satisfy the requirement that the used oil collection center be recognized by the state. Check locally to find out if there are any additional requirements.

A used oil aggregation point accepts, gathers or stores used oil collected only from used oil generation sites under common ownership in shipments of no more than 55 gallons. Used oil collection centers and used oil aggregation points may also accept used oil from household do-it-yourself users and exempt farmers.

Management Standards

All types of used oil collection sites or facilities must comply with the following standards:

• Have an attendant present when the public has access to the site.
• Notify the department of their used oil activities.
• Have a means to control public access to unattended used oil storage areas.
• Keep storage tanks and containers in good condition and labeled “used oil”.
• Keep tanks and containers that are exposed to rainfall closed except when adding or removing used oil.
• Limit storage to no more than 12 months before shipping off-site.
• Clean up any used oil spills or leaks to the environment.
• Use a transporter with a Missouri Hazardous Waste Transporter License and an Environmental Protection.
• Agency generator identification number to ship used oil off-site.

Additional Information

Used Oil Contaminated Waste - PUB153
Used Oil Generators and Burners - PUB134
Used Oil Transporters - PUB132
Used Oil Processors, Re-refiners and Marketers - PUB154
Antifreeze Waste Management Guide - PUB114
Licensed Hazardous and Infectious Waste Transporter List