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Used Oil: Collection

Basic requirements for Used Oil and Used Oil Filter Collection Centers

A used oil collection center (UOCC) is any facility that accepts, stores, and manages used oil collected from generators who bring in shipments of less than 55 gallons. Collection centers may also accept used oil from household do-it-yourselfers in quantities of less than five gallons.

If you operate a UOCC, you must register with the TCEQ within 30 days of operation. To register, complete the Registration for Used Oil Collection Centers Form (TCEQ-00533). ( Instructions)

UOCCs must report the amount of used oil collected during each calendar year. You must also renew your UOCC registration by January 25 of odd numbered years. As a courtesy, the TCEQ sends all registrants a pre-printed reporting/renewal form around December 1. Submit the pre-printed form or the Annual Reporting Form for Used Oil Collection Centers (TCEQ-00567) to the TCEQ by January 25 of each year following the calendar year reporting period. Contact the TCEQ if you do not receive your reporting/renewal form by January 1. If you do not receive the reporting/renewal form, you must still report and renew your registration by January 25.

The Comptroller of Public Accounts collects a fee for the first sale of new automotive oil. Registered UOCCs can qualify for an exemption from these fees. To qualify for the fee exemption on the sale of new automotive oil, a facility must have an active UOCC registration, collect used oil from household do-it-yourselfers, and provide automotive oil sales and service to the public. See Organizing a Household Waste Collection Program for information about one-time household waste oil collection programs.

A used oil filter collection center (UOFCC) is a facility that accepts, stores, and manages used oil filters collected from do-it-yourselfers. UOFCCs should remove the free flowing oil from the filters they collect to the greatest extent feasible. UOFCCs do not have to register or report their UOF activities to the TCEQ. TCEQ encourages voluntary UOFCCs to help do-it-yourselfers recycle their used oil filters.