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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.
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
Pouring used oil down a drain.
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.
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].
