Residential Used Oil Collection Program

San Joaquin County (County) began its Used Oil Collection Program in 1995, with 20 collection locations. In 2003, the program has grown to 52 locations in nine cities or towns. In August of 2003 the San Joaquin County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility opened its doors to all County residents and is an additional location for used oil and oil filter collection.

Transporting Used Oil

Households are legally allowed to transport up to 55 gallons of used oil per trip to an authorized used oil collection center, however this does not mean that the collection center will take 55 gallons of used oil at one time.  Most locations will only take around five (5) gallons, but this will vary by location. Call ahead and make sure that you know the Collection Center's policy before transporting large amounts of used oil.  The San Joaquin Household Hazardous Waste Facility will accept 15 gallons from residents of San Joaquin.  If you have more than 15 gallons, simply call (209) 468-3066 to set up an appointment to drop off larger quantities at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility.  This service is FREE for San Joaquin County residents.

Legal Definition of Used Oil

Used oil means any oil derived from crude oil, or any synthetic oil, that has been used, and as a result of use or as a consequence of extended storage or spillage, has been contaminated with physical or chemical impurities.

Used oil includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Used Motor Oils

• Vehicle Crankase Oil
• Engine lubricating oil
• Transmission oil
• Gearbox and differential oils

Used oil does not include:

• Anti-freeze
• Brake fluid
• Other automotive wastes
• Fuels (i.e., gasoline, diesel, kerosene)
• Grease
• Solvents
• Substances that are not oils
• Oils with flashpoint below 100° F
• Oils mixed with hazardous waste
• Wastewater containing small amounts of used oil
• Oils containing 5 ppm of PCB (or greater)
• Oily wastes that are not used oil
• Oily wastewaters that are not used oil

For a list of Certified Used Oil Drop-off sites within San Joaquin County, click here.

Agricultural Used Oil Collection Program

The San Joaquin County Agricultural Used Oil Collection Program is a partnership between the San Joaquin County Farm Bureau, the San Joaquin County Department of Public Works, and the California Integrated Waste Management Board. Small Ag businesses may dispose of of their oil for free at several participating locations. Be sure to call for instructions and a transportation variance before transporting your oil.

Participating Ag Oil Collection Locations - Click Here

Marina Used Oil Collection Program

Did you know that small sources of pollution from recreational boats account for 90% of the estimated 3.5 million tons of oil that annually end up in marine waters?

Participating Marinas - Click Here