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Alabama Law on Motor Oil Recycling

Alabama exempts household waste from hazardous waste regulations, so used oil from a household can legally be disposed of in a landfill. However, the state urges residents to consider other options, like recycling.

  1. Defined

    • Used oil can be synthetic oil or oil refined from crude oil. It includes engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, bearing oil, gear oil, grease, transmission fluid, refrigeration oil, metalworking fluids, electrical insulating oils, and copper and aluminum wire drawing solutions.

    Tracking

    • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tracks used oil. Alabama requires anyone who generates or collects used oil to use a transporter with a valid EPA ID number to haul the oil off-site. If shipping less than 55 gallons, a generator or collector isn't required to use a transporter with an EPA ID. Transporters are also required to record deliveries and maintain records for three years.

    Transporting

    • Oil should be stored in closed containers or tanks prior to being transported for recycling. Storage containers should be labeled Used Oil. Small amounts of oil, consisting of 55 gallons or less, can be transported in sealed containers, in an enclosed part of a vehicle.

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