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The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is a proud partner with Middle Tennessee State University's Center for Environmental Education WaterWorks! program. Follow the links below for more information.

Related Links

  • Video: The Empower Hour
  • TDEC Used Oil Program Promotes Statewide Water Quality Messages
  • Video: You are the Solution to Water Pollution
  • Video: Effective Tips to Reduce Sources of Water Pollution
  • The Tennessee Used Oil Collection Act of 1993, enacted to prevent the mismanagement of used oil, makes it unlawful for any person to discharge used oil where it may harm the environment.

    S Recycling used oil is good for the environment and the economy.

    S Tennessee’s do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) generate more than 1,000,000 gallons of used motor oil each year.

    S If it is not disposed of properly, used motor oil can interfere with the operation of sewer systems and can easily get into our groundwater and streams. 'If it is not disposed of properly, used motor oil can interfere with the operation of sewer systems and can easily get into our groundwater and streams. In fact, it takes only one gallon of used oil to contaminate a million gallons of drinking water. In fact, it takes only one gallon of used oil to contaminate a million gallons of drinking water.

    S Re-refining used oil takes only about one-third the energy of refining crude oil to lubricant quality.

    S It takes 42 gallons of crude oil, but only one gallon of used oil, to produce 2 ½ quarts of new, high-quality lubricating oil.

    Proper Disposal of Used Oil

    Put your used oil in a clean plastic container with a tight lid.

    Used Oil Collection Site Sign
    Don’t mix it with anything else. Paint, gasoline, solvents, antifreeze, etc. will make the oil unsuitable for recycling.
    Take your used oil to a service station or other location that displays this sign. Used oil collection centers will collect up to 5 gallons a day from do-it-yourselfers.
    After depositing your used oil, take your reusable container home to use it again.


    To find the nearest Oil Collection Center, call toll free:
    1-800-287-9013.

    Do you change your own antifreeze? Antifreeze recycling is available in Tennessee. To find a certified used oil transporter or antifreeze recycler click here.

    Proper Disposal of Oil Filters

    If you change your oil filter, drain the old one by punching an air hole in the top and draining for a minimum of 12 hours if it is hot or 24 hours if it is cold.
    Dispose of the oil filter only after it has been properly drained.
    Check to see if the Oil Collection Center nearest you also recycles used oil filters by calling the toll free number above.


    Illegal Disposal Practices

    xPouring used oil down a drain.

    xPouring used oil into a storm sewer.

    xTossing used oil on your driveway, street, or the ground.

    xDisposing of oil in lakes, streams, or wetlands.

    xSpreading oil to suppress dust or kill weeds.

    xBurning oil outdoors.

    xMixing used oil with other substances.

    Remember:

    S Recycling used oil can conserve our nation's natural resources.

    S Used oil can be re-refined and purified into high quality motor oil.

    S Recycling used oil can save consumers money.

    S When buying engine oil, look for re-refined motor oil. Buying recycled products is an important step in recycling.

    Used Oil Collection Act of 1993: Fact Sheet


    For more information about Tennessee's Used Oil Program, please contact Paula Mitchell at 615-532-9265 or by email at [email protected]. For regulatory and compliance issues, please contact the Division of Solid Waste Management, Nina Vo at 615-532-9268 or by email at [email protected].