Oswego County Solid Waste Stops Accepting Used Oil Jan. 1

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Solid Waste Department announces that beginning Jan. 1, 2027, its facilities will no longer accept used oil due to rising costs.

“We’ve experienced increased costs associated with accepting used oil at no charge; so, beginning next year, we will no longer collect it at our facilities,” said Oswego County Solid Waste Director Michael Lutestanski, II. “New York State law requires oil sellers to accept used oil from consumers at no cost. To help residents find convenient disposal options, we will provide a list of locations that accept used oil on our website.”

Used oil includes motor oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids and gear oils. Members of the public can bring up to five gallons of used oil per day for recycling at participating service establishments or retailers.

Under New York State law, motor service establishments that sell at least 500 gallons of new oil each year and perform vehicle services must accept used oil from consumers at no charge. These service establishments include gas stations, quick lube facilities, car garages, dealerships or marinas that provide oil-changing services.

Retailers such as auto part stores or big box stores that sell 1,000 gallons of oil annually must also accept used oil from the public for free or contract to have another service or retail establishment accept it on their behalf.

Residents can bring their used oil to a variety of local retailers, including O’Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone Auto Parts, Munro Auto Service and Tire Centers, Walmart Auto Care Center and Napa Auto Parts. For more information, call your local auto parts store.

When recycling used oil, be sure to keep it separate from other wastes. Never mix it with other petroleum products or hazardous waste such as gasoline or solvents. Used oil should be placed in a clean plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.

For details about recycling used oil, visit https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/waste-management/solid-waste-types/used-oil.

For more information, call the Oswego County Solid Waste Department at 315-591-9200 or visit its website at: Oswego County Department of Solid Waste.